SEF Newsletter – December 2025
“The end of the year rounds up with our December newsletter, igniting a feeling of optimism. We hope our news is uplifting for you as well!
We have supported 11 projects across Sicily and its small islands, yielding positive results across different areas of intervention. From community-driven initiatives working towards a circular economy for fishing gear, to the restoration of coralligenous habitats, and the engagement of local communities to increase effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas. We have sustained the development of a Wildfire Citizen Observatory to strengthen capacity in response to the devastating wildfires in Sicily; and the continuation of a captive breeding programme to establish new populations of the critically endangered Aeolian wall lizard. We have encouraged package-free purchasing to reduce plastic pollution, and promoted community composting. We are bolstering agroecology and sustainable agricultural practices as well as the protection of ancient local vegetables varieties at risk of extinction.
Thanks to our supporters and local partners, we will continue moving forward next year, staying true to our mission to increase capacity for collective action towards environmental stewardship in Sicily. Enjoy the reading and we wish you all happy, wild and green holidays!”
SEF Team
|
|
| DNA River |
We are very excited to have started a collaboration with Palma Nana and Nature Metrics to implement DNA River, a new citizen science project for the Pollina river, the largest river basin in the Madonie Regional Park. The health of Pollina river, as many others in Sicily, is threatened by pollution, droughts, illegal water extraction, and extreme weather events. We are bringing together science, education, and participatory action to protect this vital ecosystem through key activities. With environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling & analysis, we will detect freshwater biodiversity to inform the creation of a participatory biodiversity map of the river and a scientific report aimed at decision makers. An illustrated storybook on freshwater biodiversity will be published for local communities and schools, which will be actively engaged in the field for collecting samples as well as during the final event at Serra Guarneri Environmental Education Center. We need to raise awareness of freshwater biodiversity and the importance of healthy rivers, and we need local guardians to preserve them!
TOWARDS ZERO WASTE
BlueFishers
The BlueFishers project led by Marevivo is expanding! From Tuscany, with the support of the Tuscany Environment Foundation, it is now arriving at the port of Sciacca in Sicily thanks to the partnership between SEF and Verdura Resort Sicily-Rocco Forte Hotel.
With BlueFishers, we promote a circular and responsible fishing supply chain: goodbye to single-use polystyrene, and welcome to reusable and recyclable crates. This is an important new step toward involving more and more local communities and small artisanal fishing cooperatives in the transition to sustainable and sea-friendly fishing practices, adopting a preventive approach based on reducing waste at the source.
Other projects
|
Untangling the sea, Destination Zero Waste Sicily
We are wrapping up our first homegrown project Untangling the Sea, and we are grateful for the wonderful collaboration with our partners Abyss Clean Up, CNR-IGAG and with TUI Care Foundation, who has enabled this initiative. We have addressed the life cycle of fishing nets through field operations, research and community engagement. Over 800 kg of ghost nets were recovered in the Marine Protected Area of Capo Murro and in the coast of Terrasini, involving fishers, divers, municipalities and Coast Guard.
Within the framework of circularity, we explored reuse and recycling opportunities during design workshops led by Studio Forward and local artisans. We raised awareness on marine biodiversity, impacts of ghost nets, and the importance of responsible tourism through guided snorkeling and scuba diving experiences led by Saracen Diving Center.
Our key findings and recommendations are presented in the policy brief developed following consultation with a regional network of stakeholders, researchers and NGOs. We examined the life cycle of fishing nets, critical issues and obstacles to proper management, as well as opportunities for preventing abandonment and promoting a circular economy approach. Our final event was a blast! Thank you everyone for coming along, engaging in conversation and sharing with us challenges and solutions. We need this enthusiasm to protect our seas!
Browse the policy brief and watch the video directed by Igor D’India, to learn more about our work.
Growing connections
With Growing Connections, a project led by Local Impact APS in collaboration with Rifiuti Zero Sicilia, both local and migrant citizens from the Vallicaldi neighbourhood were engaged in this project which focused on the ecological transition of their community. Activities included cleaning the area, creating an urban garden and installing a community composter. This organic waste management method entails the transformation of food scraps into compost, to be reused locally as a natural fertiliser.
As part of the project, a report was disseminated providing recommendations to facilitate community composting initiatives and participatory management of green spaces. First and foremost, it highlighted the importance of approving composting regulation at the municipal level, as indicated by the Sicilian Regional Government.
ENHANCING MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Artisanal fishers in corals restoration
Researchers from Anton Dohrn Zoological Station in collaboration with University of Barcelona, Saracen diving center and local fishing cooperatives, have combined scientific knowledge with local expertise to conduct the Artisanal fishers in coral restoration project. A total of 53 gorgonian colonies accidentally caught were rescued, kept in aquariums, and later transplanted back into the sea, achieving an 80% survival rate. Coral monitoring carried out in Capo Gallo and Isola delle Femmine Marine Protected Area, has shown a wide distribution of white and yellow gorgonians. Hard corals were observed in more localised patches, while red gorgonians occupied deeper zones as a result of warming waters.
Despite the impacts of fishing activities and climate change, researchers, fishers, and divers reported encouraging findings: over 80% of the surveyed colonies were in full health.
Thank you to our supporters Grimaldi Palermo Euro terminal, Studio Forward and Officine Grafiche.
Watch the project video by Riccio Blu and find out more!
Salina Blue Island
Salina Blue Island brought together key groups in the local community, including fishers, tourism operators, restaurateurs, and students, on a journey towards the establishment of Salina Marine Protected Area (MPA), which will be the first in the Aeolian Islands. Through dedicated workshops and events, the project highlighted the opportunities offered by MPAs in terms of sustainable management; strengthened the network of fishers and restaurateurs promoting local and responsible catches; Involved and engaged students in a snorkeling program; while a collective artist residency intertwined art, community, and local knowledge.
The project was led by Nesos, Condotta Isole Slow Siciliane and Kurma and co-funded with Blue Marine Foundation, with the collaboration of Amanei, the patronage of the three municipalities of Salina, the Salina MPA committee and the Responsible Fishing Association.
Look at the project video by Gianfranco Taranto.
LEVERAGING COMMUNITIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST WILDFIRES
Wildfire Citizen Observatory
The Wildfire Citizen Observatory project led by Fenice Verde, piloted a new digital and participatory approach to wildfire prevention and management in Sicily, combining citizen science, open data, and institutional collaboration. The digital platform developed for wildfire mapping, reporting and data collection integrates official datasets, and crowdsourced information, and enables municipalities to produce legally compliant wildfire cadastral maps, while allowing citizens to submit observations and monitor affected areas in a user-friendly interface. In less than a year, 122 wildfire reports were submitted by citizens and the regional network of 31 civic organisations dedicated to wildfire prevention; while provisional wildfire registries for the municipalities of Carlentini and San Mauro Castelverde have been completed with interactive maps. The project demonstrated that a citizen-centred digital model can complement official fire monitoring procedures, support municipalities in fulfilling their legal obligations, and significantly enhance transparency and community engagement on a topic that is traditionally handled in a highly bureaucratic and centralised manner. The Wildfire Citizen Observatory has been mentioned by La Repubblica, Il Post, Rainews, Il Giornale di Sicilia.
Browse through the report to read on project achievements, critical issues identified and solutions recommended!
PRESERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES
Save the Aeolian lizard
Since 2022 Nesos association has established a captive breeding programme on the island of Lipari to increase the population of the endemic critically endangered Aeolian wall lizard (Podarcis raffonei). Thanks to the Save the Aeolian Lizard project, our local partner successfully introduced two new populations of the species to two islets. A total of 17 juveniles were released into the wild; and initial monitoring shows that the first individuals are healthy and becoming vibrant adult lizards! The captive breeding programme and monitoring activities will continue next year beyond our support, and we wish Nesos and the Aeolian lizard a great conservation success!
PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
Agroecology for ecosystem restoration of the Plain of Gela
With the project Agroecology for Ecosystem Restoration of the Plain of Gela, CEA ODV has engaged local farmers through training and events to promote sustainable agriculture, rewilding, land regeneration and fire prevention in the Special Protection Area of Gela Plain and Geloi Wetland owned by the Foundation Pro Biodiversity.
7 hectares of land have been restored with 600 Mediterranean native plants, and three stone beds were created increasing the ecological complexity that is now supporting invertebrates, small vertebrates, and birds’ diversity. Botanical diversity also rose from 33 to 56 species following the dispersal of native herbaceous seeds. The Lesser Kestrel increased its presence by 400%, the European Roller by 130%, and the Crested Lark successfully nested with four breeding pairs, reaching 45 individuals post-breeding. In winter, 230 Skylarks overwintered safely in the fenced area, protected from hunting.
Fire surveillance volunteers monitored sensitive areas, helping safeguard up to 200 hectares, with a further 70 hectares protected by farmers who avoided stubble burning. More sustainable agriculture and active land care can make a difference!
INTRODUCING SEF PROJECT PORTFOLIO COORDINATOR
We are happy to introduce Manfredi Trapolino, our new team member who manages the funding cycle, coordinating project planning, implementation, and monitoring. He works with partners and stakeholders and helps secure additional funding while ensuring activities are aligned with strategic objectives. Welcome Manfredi!
OTHER EVENTS
We celebrated the first three years of Sicily Environment Fund at Rocca delle Tre Contrade, a special opportunity to reconnect with many friends and meet new ones in the Etna area and eastern Sicily. Thank you to all the guests for joining us and for sharing the spirit of the Foundation, and to Rocca delle Tre Contrade for supporting and promoting the evening.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
PARTNERSHIPS
We are grateful for our new partnership with Irene Forte SkinCare, donating $2 from every Regenerating Night Routine kit to support Sicily Environment Fund. Find out more.
SUPPORT US
We’re gearing up for an exciting 2026 with four new projects on the horizon! Want to learn more or join us in making a difference? Please get in contact with us to hear about the upcoming projects. If you wish to support us, donations can be made by bank transfer either to the Italian bank account, or to the UK bank account hosted by Conservation Collective. Please note that donations are eligible for tax deductions.
You can also support Sicily Environment Fund with the 5×1000 portion of your IRPEF tax, which the Italian State allocates to support organizations carrying out socially significant activities. You can give a huge boost to our work by donating the 5×1000, indicating the SEF tax code: 97141380838 in the “Support for non-profit organizations” section of your income tax return.
Supporters in Italy can make recurring donations via Paypal, while our donors in the UK can also give through our Crowdfunder page.
OUR NETWORK
