In a landmark move to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Mediterranean Sea, philanthropic organisations aim to contribute to the ambitious goal of protecting 30% of the Mediterranean by 2030, with 10% designated as strict protected areas. To achieve this goal, an estimated 277 million USD is needed.
Fondation Segré is among a group of leading private and public donors (see below for the full list) have pledged a total of 60.8 million USD towards marine conservation efforts over the next five years. The announcement was made in the occasion of the Our Ocean Conference held in Athens, Greece from April 15 to 17.
The Mediterranean region, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and status as a global hotspot for endemic species, is facing mounting threats from climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. Despite efforts in the past, only 8.33% of the Mediterranean currently enjoys protection, with regulations often as weak inside marine protected areas (MPAs) as outside. Moreover, a mere 0.23% of the region is fully or highly protected.
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, the funders emphasize the need for decisive action to preserve the Mediterranean’s fragile ecosystems. This includes phasing out destructive activities like bottom trawling and strengthening the management of existing marine protected areas, such as the Pelagos Sanctuary, which constitutes nearly half of the region’s protected marine space.
The substantial financial commitment from both private and public donors underscores a collective determination to address the pressing conservation challenges facing the Mediterranean Sea. It is hoped that this collaboration will inspire further support from additional donors and partners to join the effort in protecting one of the world’s most vital marine ecosystems.
The full list of donors contributing to this pledge incudes: Conservation Collective, the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund, Fondation Segré, the Global Environment Facility, Oceans 5, the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, Thalassa Foundation, The MedFund, Shark Conservation Fund, as well as other anonymous donors that are part of the Med Donors Roundtable. The Bloomberg Ocean Initiative and Tiffany & Co Foundation also joined in the support of national and global efforts to advance 30×30 in the region.