New campaign to protect underwater world

JÁVEA town hall and a team from the Valencia Oceanogràfic foundation have launched a new campaign intended to protect the undersea meadows of posidonia oceanica - the sea grass vital to the fragile ecosystem.

The awareness campaign ‘Posidònia és Xàbia’ aims to promote good environmental practices along the resort’s coastline in order to prevent irreversible damage being caused to the banks of underwater grasses, especially during the summer months.

It is hoped those in the boating community will take note, especially by using buoys to tie up their craft rather than dropping anchor.

The talents of Jávea’s schoolchildren are going on display as part of the campaign; more than two dozen pictures were chosen from an art competition entered by 650 youngsters during March.

The posters will be displayed around the municipality on advertising hoardings and public buildings to help convey this ‘important message’.

Summer was chosen for the new campaign because activity on the sea reaches an annual peak and it is hoped that people will understand the need to protect posidonia and its rich marine biodiversity.

Mayor Jose Chulvi emphasised the need for coexistence between conservation and tourism, and to balance everything offered by the sea - such as sport, leisure, gastronomy with a moral obligation to respect and protect it.

He thanked the oceanographic foundation for its work and the efforts of young members of the community who are helping protect the environment.

He said: “I hope that through this campaign, which brings our incredible submerged meadows to the surface, we can all become a little more aware of their fragile state and the importance of doing what we can to take care and protect them.”