Red Eléctrica discovered the valuable role of Posidonia oceanica in the ocean during the installation of the electrical interconnection between Ibiza and Mallorca. Red Eléctrica’s project approach seeks to deploy infrastructure while avoiding or minimising impacts on biodiversity -or even generating a positive effect.
That philosophy has made Redeia’s subsidiary a key player in restoring this marine plant.
In 2018, in collaboration with the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA-CSIC) , Red Eléctrica developed a scientific methodology shared with society that led to the largest active restoration of Posidonia oceanica meadows in the entire Mediterranean. From the project’s outset, Red Eléctrica also worked with the Government of the Balearic Islands and the Pollença Air Force Base. The result? Two hectares restored from damage caused by human activity.
The Marine Forest initiative of Red Eléctrica has received several awards and has inspired the company to expand the project -leading to the launch of the Redeia Marine Forest in 2024.
We share knowledge
In Spain, Posidonia oceanica meadows cover an estimated 1,150 km2.
633 km2 are located in the Balearic Islands. The largest areas are found around Mallorca and the Pityusic Islands (Ibiza and Formentera -World Heritage sites), with the remainder around Menorca.
However, these meadows have experienced an average decline of 10% in recent years, reaching up to 44% in some areas. The reduction of Posidonia meadows in Spain is estimated to be 30%.
Timeline
Discover the awards we have received
Red Eléctrica received the first 'Business Initiative' award from the UMU Blue Carbon Chair for its commitment to marine ecosystems.
The Redeia Marine Forest was recognised as the best European practice in electricity transmission grids of the past decade.
On 5 June 2018, Red Eléctrica received a runner-up mention in the Spanish section of the European Business Awards for the Environment, in the ‘Business and Biodiversity’ category.
On 1 June 2017, Red Eléctrica received the 'Good Practice of the Year' award from RGI (Renewables Grid Initiative) for the Posidonia oceanica restoration project in the 'Environmental Protection' category.
We promote the dissemination of acquired knowledge
'Posidònia l’Aula' programme: educating young people to build a better future
More than 1,000 students have participated in the ‘Posidonia l’Aula’ programme -an educational project led by the Teacher Training Centre of Calvià, the Balearic Islands Department of Education and Universities, and IMEDEA-CSIC.
Redeia supports this programme by providing students training and aquariums where they can observe and care for this endemic Mediterranean plant within their schools.
Marine Forest Workshops
The Redeia Marine Forest platform, together with the Ecomar Foundation, develops an Environmental Education Plan through the Marine Forest Workshops.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, we brought this training to Mallorca, focusing on Posidonia oceanica and how to care for it. This activity fosters environmental education and awareness among future generations through play and learning while encouraging youth engagement.
We look forward to seeing these workshops continue to grow in the coming school years!
