A coalition of donors commits to contribute $60.8 million to protect the Mediterranean Sea

As part of a historic initiative aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of the Mediterranean Sea, philanthropic organizations plan to contribute to the ambitious goal of protecting 30% of the Mediterranean by 2030, with 10% designated as strictly protected areas. To achieve this objective, an investment of $277 million is required. In response to this challenge, donors gathered within the Med Donors coalition, which includes the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and leading private and public donors, have announced their commitment to provide a total of $60.8 million for marine conservation efforts over the next five years. Other significant private donors are joining them in their efforts to support the « 30×30 » program in the region.

The Mediterranean region, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and status as a global hotspot for endemic species, faces increasing threats related to climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. Despite past efforts, only 8.33% of the Mediterranean is currently protected, with regulations often being as weak within marine protected areas (MPAs) as they are outside. Furthermore, a mere 0.23% of the region is fully or highly protected.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the donors emphasize the need for decisive action to preserve the fragile ecosystems of the Mediterranean. This includes putting an end to destructive activities such as bottom trawling and enhancing the management of existing marine protected areas, such as the Pelagos Sanctuary, which accounts for nearly half of the protected marine space in the region.

The substantial financial commitment from private and public donors underscores the collective determination to address the urgent challenges of Mediterranean sea conservation. We hope this collaboration will encourage other donors and partners to join the effort to protect one of the world’s most vital marine ecosystems.

QUOTES:

« Efforts to protect the Mediterranean Sea have multiplied over the years, but not quickly enough. Last year, countries committed to achieving the global 30×30 target. Urgent action is needed at all levels if we are to reach this ambitious goal. With this commitment, private and public donors are calling on others to join the effort. We are committed to promoting effective protection of 30% by 2030, including 10% under strict protection. »

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco

« We are delighted to see our budget for marine protection projects through the Conservation Collective network in the Mediterranean increase year after year. There is so much to be done, and nothing is more rewarding than seeing effectively managed MPAs bring this magical sea back to life. »

Ben Goldsmith, President and Founder of Conservation Collective

Ben Goldsmith, President and Founder of Conservation Collective

« I am proud to contribute to this collective effort aimed at expanding the protection of the Mediterranean, a region of immense ecological importance and richness. With this new funding commitment for 30×30, we are joining forces to effectively preserve 30% of the Mediterranean. This commitment includes the participation of local communities in the decision-making process, as they play a crucial role in building a sustainable future for the Mediterranean Sea. Increasing financial resources dedicated to marine protection allows us to invest in robust and nature-positive conservation initiatives that protect both biodiversity and local communities. I am convinced that this collaborative approach will serve as an inspiration and model in protecting the invaluable resources of nature for future generations. »

Dona Bertarelli, Philanthropist, IUCN Patron of Nature, and Ocean Advocate.

Conservation Collective, Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund, Global Environment Facility, Oceans 5, Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, Segré Foundation, Thalassa Foundation, The MedFund, Shark Conservation Fund, as well as other anonymous donors participating in the Med Donors Roundtable, have committed to contribute $60.8 million over the next five years.

The Bloomberg Ocean Initiative and the Tiffany & Co Foundation are also joining in support of national and global efforts to advance the 30×30 initiative in the region.

As part of a historic initiative aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of the Mediterranean Sea, philanthropic organizations plan to contribute to the ambitious goal of protecting 30% of the Mediterranean by 2030, with 10% designated as strictly protected areas. To achieve this objective, an investment of $277 million is required. In response to this challenge, donors gathered within the Med Donors coalition, which includes the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and leading private and public donors, have announced their commitment to provide a total of $60.8 million for marine conservation efforts over the next five years. Other significant private donors are joining them in their efforts to support the « 30×30 » program in the region.

The Mediterranean region, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and status as a global hotspot for endemic species, faces increasing threats related to climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. Despite past efforts, only 8.33% of the Mediterranean is currently protected, with regulations often being as weak within marine protected areas (MPAs) as they are outside. Furthermore, a mere 0.23% of the region is fully or highly protected.

Maritime News in the Maghreb

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the donors emphasize the need for decisive action to preserve the fragile ecosystems of the Mediterranean. This includes putting an end to destructive activities such as bottom trawling and enhancing the management of existing marine protected areas, such as the Pelagos Sanctuary, which accounts for nearly half of the protected marine space in the region.

The substantial financial commitment from private and public donors underscores the collective determination to address the urgent challenges of Mediterranean sea conservation. We hope this collaboration will encourage other donors and partners to join the effort to protect one of the world’s most vital marine ecosystems.

QUOTES:

« We are delighted to see our…

« Efforts to protect the Mediterranean Sea have multiplied over the years, but not quickly enough. Last year, countries committed to achieving the global 30×30 target. Urgent action is needed at all levels if we are to reach this ambitious goal. With this commitment, private and public donors are calling on others to join the effort. We are committed to promoting effective protection of 30% by 2030, including 10% under strict protection. »

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco

« We are delighted to see our budget for marine protection projects through the Conservation Collective network in the Mediterranean increase year after year. There is so much to be done, and nothing is more rewarding than seeing effectively managed MPAs bring this magical sea back to life. »

As part of an initiative…

Ben Goldsmith, President and Founder of Conservation Collective

Ben Goldsmith, President and Founder of Conservation Collective

« I am proud to contribute to this collective effort aimed at expanding the protection of the Mediterranean, a region of immense ecological importance and richness. With this new funding commitment for 30×30, we are joining forces to effectively preserve 30% of the Mediterranean. This commitment includes the participation of local communities in the decision-making process, as they play a crucial role in building a sustainable future for the Mediterranean Sea. Increasing financial resources dedicated to marine protection allows us to invest in robust and nature-positive conservation initiatives that protect both biodiversity and local communities. I am convinced that this collaborative approach will serve as an inspiration and model in protecting the invaluable resources of nature for future generations. »

Conservation Collective, Critical Ecosystems Partnership…

Dona Bertarelli, Philanthropist, IUCN Patron of Nature, and Ocean Advocate.

Conservation Collective, Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund, Global Environment Facility, Oceans 5, Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, Segré Foundation, Thalassa Foundation, The MedFund, Shark Conservation Fund, as well as other anonymous donors participating in the Med Donors Roundtable, have committed to contribute $60.8 million over the next five years.

The Bloomberg Ocean Initiative and the Tiffany & Co Foundation are also joining in support of national and global efforts to advance the 30×30 initiative in the region.