The Posidonia Conservation Project, developed by the Blue World Institute in collaboration with Seacology and with the support of the Mali Lošinj Tourist Board, has been selected among the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026.

The Lošinj archipelago has received international recognition for its efforts to protect one of the Mediterranean’s most valuable marine habitats. The Posidonia Conservation Project has been included in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026, an international initiative highlighting inspiring examples of good practice in sustainable tourism from destinations around the world.

The recognition ceremony took place on 28 October 2026 in Kranj, Slovenia, as part of the Green Destinations 2026 conference.

The project is led by the Blue World Institute, in collaboration with Seacology, an international organisation dedicated to island conservation. Its implementation has also been supported by the Mali Lošinj Tourist Board, whose cooperation and commitment to promoting the natural heritage of the island have been important to the project’s success.

Dodjela nagrade Green Destinations 2026

Green Destinations 2026 Award Ceremony (Photo Credit: Sandi Fišer)

Protecting the underwater forests of the Mediterranean

Posidonia oceanica is a seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, forming extensive underwater meadows that are essential for the health of marine ecosystems. These habitats provide shelter and nursery grounds for numerous marine species, contribute to oxygen production and water quality, store significant amounts of carbon and help protect coastlines from erosion.

Despite their ecological importance, Posidonia meadows are increasingly threatened by human activities, particularly uncontrolled anchoring, coastal development and pollution. Their slow growth also makes recovery from damage a long-term challenge.

Around Lošinj, some exceptionally well-preserved Posidonia meadows remain, representing an important part of the archipelago’s natural heritage. Protecting these habitats is essential not only for marine biodiversity but also for maintaining the environmental quality on which the island’s identity and tourism depend.

Posidonia meadows around Lošinj

From education and awareness to practical conservation

Through the project, the Blue World Institute combines scientific knowledge with educational and community-based activities to bring the importance of Posidonia closer to local residents, visitors and marine users.

Activities include educational workshops for children and young people, public presentations, information materials, audiovisual content and community events dedicated to marine conservation. The first Posidonia Day, organised in 2025, brought together local residents, experts, organisations and other stakeholders to learn about the importance of seagrass meadows and discuss ways to protect them.

A central objective is to change the way people perceive Posidonia. Often mistakenly regarded as ordinary seaweed or beach litter, it is in fact one of the foundations of a healthy Mediterranean Sea. By improving understanding of its ecological role, the project encourages more responsible behaviour, particularly among recreational boaters and other users of the marine environment.

Educational workshop on Posidonia

Collaboration for a sustainable island future

The international recognition highlights the value of cooperation between scientific organisations, international conservation partners, destination management organisations and local communities.

The collaboration between the Blue World Institute, Seacology and the Mali Lošinj Tourist Board demonstrates how environmental protection can become an integral part of sustainable tourism development. By combining scientific expertise, international support and local engagement, the partners are working towards a shared goal: preserving the natural values that make Lošinj unique.

The recognition among the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026 is an important encouragement to continue these efforts and further strengthen the connection between marine conservation and responsible tourism.

For the Blue World Institute, protecting Posidonia means looking beyond individual conservation activities. It means building a community that understands the value of its marine environment and actively contributes to preserving it for future generations.

The underwater forests of Lošinj are part of the island’s natural identity. Protecting them is a shared responsibility – and an investment in the future of the entire archipelago.