Brief description

T.A.L.A.M.O.N.E. is a marine conservation and community engagement project focused on protecting Posidonia oceanica meadows in Talamone Bay, a biodiversity hotspot on the southern Tuscan coast. The project combines scientific research with education and public outreach to assess ecosystem health and raise awareness of the ecological and economic value of seagrass habitats.

The project follows a One Health approach, integrating environmental, human, and social health to promote sustainable development that balances ecological preservation with community well-being and territorial enhancement.

The project, led by Bioscience Research Center (BsRC), will run from June 2025 to December 2026 in the Talamone Bay, in the Province of Grosseto.

Project goals:

• Environmental protection of Posidonia oceanica meadow in Talamone Bay;
• Active community involvement: awareness and outreach campaigns aimed at citizens, local stakeholders and tourists to build an informed and proactive network committed to long-term marine stewardship.

Project phases and actions:

Phase 1 – Baseline Assessment:

The initial phase consists of acquiring an in-depth understanding of the extent and environmental quality conditions of the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow located near the southern limit of Talamone Bay, known as ‘La Puntata’. This knowledge is essential for developing proposals aimed at conserving and protecting the area, such as codes of conduct and sustainable tourist routes.

BsRC will carry out an in-depth analysis of:

• The health status of the Posidonia meadow
• Its ecosystem services and ecological functions
• Its vulnerability to climate change

 

Phase 2 – Public Engagement:

This phase involves local population engagement and awareness campaigns aimed at both residents and visitors. The goal is to ensure the sustainability and longevity of proposed conservation actions. The core theme is intergenerational equity: future generations have the right to the same resource access as today’s citizens.

BsRC will implement the following actions:

• Organize conferences, public events, and summer schools to promote Talamone Bay as a model of sustainable coastal stewardship
• Disseminate key findings from Phase 1 to a broad audience
• Establish a Local Collaboration Network, engaging: boaters to promote eco-friendly practices; fishermen, gathering insights and co-developing sustainable resource use practices; diving centers, to support responsible underwater tourism and biodiversity awareness; local schools, integrating environmental topics into curricula to foster bio-friendly attitudes in younger generations

 

Phase 3 – Advanced Training and Permanent Communication:

The final phase consolidates knowledge sharing, scientific dissemination, and capacity building. It aims to leave a lasting impact on both the academic and local communities.

Key deliverables include:

• Scientific publications on environmental quality and conservation value
• A comprehensive code of conduct for stakeholders and visitors
• The establishment of an advanced training hub, designed to attract specialists, researchers, and early-career professionals to the area