Europarliamentarian Annalisa Corrado has endorsed the proposal for a Marine Protected Area at Capo Zafferano, Sicily, emphasizing the need to protect its fragile ecosystem. This area, designated as a Special Conservation Zone by the European Union in 2019, is home to one of the Mediterranean's most significant ecosystems, featuring extensive seagrass meadows of Posidonia oceanica.
Posidonia oceanica, often referred to as the 'tree of the sea,' plays a crucial ecological role by preventing coastal erosion and contributing to oxygen production and CO2 storage. Corrado highlighted the risks posed by geological instability in the region, including landslides that threaten local communities and the ecosystem's health.
The marine-coastal ecosystem at Capo Zafferano is vital for the survival of numerous marine species and is essential for coastal protection. An integrated management approach for both land and sea is critical for preserving biodiversity and addressing climate change, ensuring the safety and economic development of local communities.
Corrado also referenced the sinking of the yacht Bayesian in these waters last August, which remains a threat to the ecosystem due to fuel leakage from its wreck.