Marine conservation

Salina Blue Island

Project duration: April 2024 – April 2025

The project led by Nesos, Condotta Isole Slow Siciliane and Kurma, co-funded with Blue Marine Foundation, will set the basis to involve and empower the local community in preparation to the establishment of the Marine Protected Area of Salina (MPA), the first in the Aeolian Islands. An educational project with stakeholders’ workshops, will involve the tourism sector, restaurants, fishers and schools, with a strong focus on eco-tourism, sustainable consumption of sea-food and snorkel program with students.
The 3 mayors of Salina, the Salina Marine Protected Area Committee and local associations gathered to express their intention to proceed with the establishment process of the MPA. Together with Blue Marine, we support local efforts towards marine conservation and sustainable development of the island.

“Salina Blue Island” offers a rich calendar of initiatives. Nesos will facilitate meetings with municipal administrations and stakeholders on the opportunities provided by the Marine Protected Area (MPA) in terms of management and with local communities to inform them about the importance of sea protection. Active involvement will be essential for the network monitoring the nests and nesting attempts of the Caretta caretta sea turtle. Additionally, an artist residency will be organized on the theme of protecting ecosystems and marine species, in collaboration with cultural entities active on the island.

Condotta Isole Slow Siciliane will create a network of fishers and restaurateurs who act as guardians of marine biodiversity. They will offer local catch provided by the local Responsible Fishing Association and include gastronomic events focused on the responsible consumption of seafood.

Kurma will lead a snorkeling program for middle school students, allowing them to explore the marine biodiversity of the island and the Capo Milazzo MPA.

An informational campaign will highlight the most significant habitats and species of Salina’s sea, as well as the opportunities and benefits of MPAs. A snorkeling guide with illustrative images will showcase to Salina’s middle school students the wonders of the Mediterranean and the island’s sea. Additionally, questionnaires will be proposed to local stakeholders to gather insights, ideas, and expectations regarding the island’s marine protection.

*JULY 2024 UPDATE*

Local restaurateurs and fishers from the local responsible fishing association are offring local and sustainable catches throughout the summer season.

A network of volunteers for monitoring nesting turtles on the beaches of the island has been strengthened.

**AUGUST 2024 UPDATE**

An information campaign has been launched to involve the local community and visitors in the journey towards the establishment of the Salina Marine Protected Area (MPA).

***SEPTEMBER 2024 UPDATE***

Everything is set for the closing events of the initiative “Restaurateurs and Fishermen: custodians of Salina’s Marine Biodiversity” promoted by the Condotta delle Isole Slow Siciliane!
From September 27th to 29th, as part of the 19th edition of Salina Isola Slow, participating restaurateurs will present special dishes prepared with local fish, caught by the Associazione Pesca Responsabile di Salina.
This is a unique opportunity to highlight the island’s sea and culinary traditions and to engage the community in the process of establishing the Salina Marine Protected Area.

****OCTOBER 2024 UPDATE****

The fishers from the Responsible Fishing Association of Salina supplied participating restaurateurs with local fish such as bogue, stargazers, blotched pickerel, Mediterranean horse mackerel and mahi mahi, inspiring the creation of traditional dishes that balance flavor and sustainability.

Choosing seasonal fish caught locally can serve as a sustainability model that involves the entire fish supply chain.

The events involved the three municipalities of the island and provided a platform for restaurateurs, fishers, local administrations, and the community to discuss sustainable fishing practices and the importance of establishing a Marine Protected Area around Salina.

A guided snorkeling program led by biologists from NGO Kurma involved middle school students in observing and identifying species and habitats in the waters of Salina. Learning about the sea and its wonders through hands-on exploration is key to promote responsible behavior at sea to respect and protect marine life.

The Salina Blue Island project, aims to actively involve the youngest, future guardians of the island, in the process of establishing the Salina Marine Protected Area.

*****NOVEMBER 2024 UPDATE*****

The initiative by Kurma aimed at young students successfully concluded! An exciting journey combining theory and practice engaged middle school students from Salina in exploring the island’s marine wonders through a snorkeling course and a visit to the Capo Milazzo Marine Protected Area together with Muma Milazzo Museum of the Sea staff.

The students showcased their projects, creative reinterpretations of their experiences and the skills they gained about the sea, to teachers and families, demonstrating their dedication and passion for marine environmental protection.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayors of Salina and the Commander of the Coast Guard of S. Marina Salina.

Check the “Salina Blue Island” brochure