Reserva30

Asociación Vellmari

(LFF discretionary grant)

Located in the Balearic Islands, Asociación Vellmari unites conservation, research, communication and marine education with the aim of raising awareness and generating respect for our oceans, particularly the Mediterranean Sea.

Its Reserva30 campaign seeks to educate and share information about the impact of human activities on marine species and ecosystems in the Mediterranean. It will promote the benefits for marine life and humanity of protected areas. Specifically, it aims to encourage the Spanish government to take urgent action to protect 30% of the Spanish Mediterranean as 'no-take' zones (no fishing zones), by 2030, to help support the recovery of depleted local fisheries and prevent the collapse of ecosystems.

Vellmari's vision for the Mediterranean sees human activities coexisting harmoniously with Mediterranean species and ecosystems, which are preserved. Protected areas will help build the health and resilience of the Mediterranean, which is much needed to withstand the impacts of global ocean warming in the coming years. With this protection, the Mediterranean can become a model for the effective management of seas and oceans. Levine Family Foundation funding will support this campaign and Vellmari's vision.

Key goals for this campaign include: 

- Collecting at least 500,000 signatures for the "Mediterranean Declaration" - please visit the website www.reserva30.org to sign and give your support.

- Urging the Spanish Government to take urgent action to protect 30% of Spanish Mediterranean waters, prohibiting fishing activities in these areas.  

- Promoting the recovery of local fisheries, restoring water quality, preventing species collapse and contributing to carbon absorption from the atmosphere.