Why the Sicily Environment Fund?

Sicily is one of the most significant biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean basin. It offers a great variety of habitats – including marine, coastal, inland, and high-mountainous. It is the most extended region in Italy and largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, including 14 small inhabited islands and three active volcanoes.

Many threats and environmental problems including pollution, unsustainable agricultural and fishing practices, and habitat degradation affect Sicily at different levels and geographic areas.

SEF will play a key role in leveraging local projects and grassroots organisations, providing funding for long-term sustainability of initiatives and support for the development of cutting-edge projects.

The Sicily Environment Fund supports projects in the following key areas: Marine biodiversity; Terrestrial biodiversity; Sustainable food systems; Ecological transition.