Turning awareness into action: engaging communities to protect Adriatic seagrass meadows
16/07/2026
Last night, the historic Arsenal in Hvar once again became a meeting point between people and the sea, as the immersive light show Voice of the Sea – Posidonia oceanica engaged residents and visitors in discovering one of the Adriatic’s most valuable yet often overlooked ecosystems.
More than an artistic experience, the event demonstrated the power of creative communication to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting Posidonia oceanica and the Adriatic’s rich marine and coastal biodiversity. Compared with last year (when, at the end of August, BIOPRESSADRIA hosted the same initiative), organisers observed a remarkable increase in visitors’ understanding of the ecological role of seagrass meadows and the need to protect them from human impacts, particularly improper anchoring. Conversations with attendees highlighted how storytelling and visual experiences can transform scientific knowledge into personal commitment. Several visitors shared that the event had changed the way they viewed Posidonia, while others pledged to adopt more sustainable boating practices to help preserve these vital underwater habitats.
By combining art, science and public engagement, the BIOPRESSADRIA initiative shows how communication can inspire meaningful behavioural change. Events like Voice of the Sea play a key role in connecting people with the hidden biodiversity of the Adriatic, fostering a stronger sense of responsibility for marine conservation and the protection of seagrasses—ecosystem engineers essential to healthy, resilient coastal environments.
The journey continues on 30 July in Komiža, on the island of Vis, where Voice of the Sea – Posidonia oceanica will once again illuminate the waterfront.
