The project
Project details
MAREA addresses a common challenge affecting both Sicily and Malta: the management of beached Posidonia oceanica, a natural phenomenon that generates significant environmental, economic and tourism-related impacts. Every year, large quantities of Posidonia accumulate along the coastlines, requiring costly removal operations despite their important ecological role in protecting beaches from erosion.
The project aims to transform this marine biomass into a valuable resource for sustainable livestock farming, promoting circular economy principles and reducing waste. Through research, innovation and cross-border cooperation, MAREA seeks to develop new products and processes capable of creating environmental and economic benefits for both territories.
Activities will be carried out mainly in Sicily and Malta through research, testing and pilot actions focused on the valorisation of Posidonia oceanica within livestock production systems.
The main planned actions include:
- chemical, microbiological, toxicological and nutritional characterisation of beached Posidonia oceanica;
- collection and processing of marine biomass;
- development of innovative livestock feed products;
- development of innovative animal bedding solutions;
- in vitro and in vivo testing activities;
- evaluation of animal performance, welfare and environmental impacts;
- development of technical protocols for the production of innovative products;
- dissemination, stakeholder engagement and technology transfer activities.
MAREA will deliver research activities, pilot actions and jointly developed solutions aimed at transforming beached Posidonia oceanica into a valuable resource for sustainable livestock farming.
Main expected outputs include:
- 1 preliminary study and characterisation activity aimed at developing innovative feed products;
- 1 preliminary study and characterisation activity aimed at developing innovative bedding materials;
- 3 pilot actions for the production of innovative livestock feed;
- 3 pilot actions for the production of innovative livestock bedding;
- 3 technical protocols for the production of innovative feed products;
- 3 technical protocols for the production of innovative bedding solutions.
The project will contribute to reducing the environmental impact associated with the management of beached Posidonia oceanica by transforming a natural residue into a valuable resource for the livestock sector.
MAREA will support the transition towards circular economy models, reduce disposal costs, improve the sustainability of livestock production systems and strengthen scientific cooperation between Sicily and Malta. The project is expected to lead to the adoption or enhancement of six innovative solutions (three innovative feed products and three innovative bedding solutions) developed up to pre-industrial level.
Lead Partner
University of Messina – Department of Veterinary Sciences (UNIME)
PP2
University of Malta (UM)
AP1
Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) – Malta
The Maltese Environment and Resources Authority participates as an associated partner, supporting the dissemination, transfer and valorisation of the project results.
The total project budget amounts to €379,395.82, of which €303,516.66 is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and €75,879.16 by national co-financing.
Budget allocation by partner:
- University of Messina (LP): €199,396.97
- University of Malta (PP2): €179,998.85
Total project budget: €379,395.82
MAREA addresses a shared challenge affecting both Sicily and Malta through a cross-border approach that combines scientific expertise, territorial knowledge and innovation capacities in the environmental and livestock sectors.
The cooperation between the University of Messina and the University of Malta enables the joint development and validation of innovative solutions for the reuse of beached Posidonia oceanica. By sharing knowledge, research infrastructures and technical expertise, the project promotes sustainable circular economy models that can be replicated across the Mediterranean region.
Contact Person:
Prof. Enrico D'Alessandro
Department of Veterinary Sciences – University of Messina
Email: enrico.dalessandro@unime.it
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