The project is being delivered with Mare Nostrum and supported by the Institute of Biology Bucharest and the DARVIC association, a local environmental organisation. Over five years it will focus on reviving a native seaweed, Cystoseira barbata, which forms dense underwater habitats that are vital to supporting coastal biodiversity along the Constanța shoreline.

These underwater forests grow in shallow waters, sheltering crustaceans and other invertebrates and providing nursery grounds for young fish. The seaweed species has declined along parts of the Romanian coast in recent decades due to environmental pressures. The restored habitat also has the potential to contribute to carbon storage, which the project will monitor.

The project will see the mapping of existing habitats to identify areas for restoration and establish nursery sites to grow the seaweed for reintroduction. Nursery grown seaweed will be planted at the sites and monitored to assess survival, growth and biodiversity. At the same time, the initiative will deliver community education and engagement programmes to raise awareness among local residents and decision-makers about coastal restoration.

Nicholas Mazzei, Vice President – Sustainability – Europe, DP World, said: "Protecting marine ecosystems is fundamental to both our business and sustainability ambitions. This project reflects our 'source-to-sea' approach to water stewardship and our commitment to working with partners to restore blue carbon ecosystems." Marian Paiu, Executive Director of Mare Nostrum, said: "Working together and with DP World's backing, we can help rebuild the foundations of a healthy coastal ecosystem."