SEF Summer 2026 Newsletter

17.07.26

Welcome to our summer update! We are excited to share what we have been working on, a few milestones Sicily Environment Fund (SEF) has successfully hit, and announce a new project.

We are partnering to reduce single-use plastics and polystyrene fish crates in Sciacca. We are learning about river biodiversity in the Madonie mountains through environmental DNA sampling and analysis in the Pollina river. We are supporting the promotion of agroecological knowledge among the young people on the island of Pantelleria.

Thanks to the continued support of our donors and local partners, we are launching a new project fostering birdwatching as a sustainable tourism model for the Aeolian islands, creating a network of expert guides and dedicated itineraries.

Our work continues across Sicily, in the hope of inspiring wider action and empowering communities for the protection and stewardship of the island’s natural heritage.

SEF Team

ONGOING PROJECTS

DNA RIVER

This spring, we explored the Pollina River to collect water samples and search for traces of the life it supports. Through environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, the project is investigating the biodiversity of the largest river basin in Madonie Regional Park. Every sample we collect helps us better understand the species living in the river and builds a scientific foundation for their conservation.
But this project is about more than research. It is also about citizen science,engaging local communities through guided excursions and sampling activities, school visits, and public participation to foster a deeper understanding of and connection with their natural environment. Together, we are creating a shared map of the river. This project is led by Palma Nana, developed in collaboration with and supported by SEF, with technical support from NatureMetrics and the patronage of the Madonie Regional Park.

BLUEFISHERS

The BlueFishers initiative led by Marevivo expands from Tuscany to Sciacca in Sicily, helping artisanal fishers to replace single-use polystyrene fish crates with reusable alternatives. Supported locally by SEF and Verdura Resort, the project has already distributed more than 4,200 reusable crates in Italy, involving 100 boats, 130+ fishers, and 47 cooperatives while eliminating over 60,000 polystyrene crates from the seafood supply chain. At the same time, Italian regions such as Campania and Veneto are introducing legislation to phase out polystyrene containers, reinforcing a broader national shift toward reducing marine plastic pollution and protecting ocean ecosystems.

SEEDS OF FUTURE

During this school year, the students of the lower secondary school in Pantelleria took part in the activities of the native species nursery and the educational garden. They learned to identify and care for the island’s native wild plants, observe natural cycles, and understand the deep connection between biodiversity, agriculture, and the history of Pantelleria’s landscape. The nursery and the garden became spaces for environmental education, hands-on learning, and community participation.
The students have been also involved in a photography workshop, to observe and photograph the creeping olive trees: trees shaped by the wind and water scarcity through the knowledge and work of generations of Pantelleria’s farmers.
Preserving and promoting local agroecological knowledge means investing in the future of the island and in the new generations.
The project is promoted by A Sud, Resilea, under the patronage of the Pantelleria Island National Park, and the support of SEF.

REPORT ABANDONED LAND ON THE WILDFIRE CITIZEN OBSERVATORY

As every year, Sicily is severely affected by devastating wildfires. We are grateful to our partners and to the many independent groups working to tackle fire. Let’s stay united, strengthen our network, and continue calling for bold policies.
“Report abandoned land” is the new online tool promoted by Fenice Verde APS within the Wildfire Citizen Observatory, enabling citizens across Sicily to report abandoned plots of land at risk of ignition, with notifications sent directly to the relevant municipalities. The initiative is part of the broader work the association has been carrying out since 2023 on wildfire prevention in Sicily, in collaboration with the Operational Coordination of Volunteering of the Sicily Region (COV) and with the support of SEF.

NEW PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT

BIRD ROUTES OF THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS

The Aeolian Islands are an important migratory hotspot for birdlife that deserve to be protected. Through this project, SEF and NESOS aim to foster the development of skills for responsible birdwatching tourism, promoting birdwatching as a responsible, nature-based activity, encouraging tourism beyond the peak season, and support a sustainable local economy that is mindful of biodiversity.
This sustainable tourism model will help protect and showcase nature rather than threaten it, by creating a network of expert guides, developing dedicated birdwatching itineraries, producing an Aeolian Islands birdwatching guide, and promoting awareness-raising activities for tour operators, travel agencies, and schools.

EVENTS

PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE

We recently returned to Milan for a special evening dedicated to SEF, at the vibrant Starquarters of La DoubleJ. The event featured our first charity auction, raising support for new initiatives focused on protecting Sicily’s unique natural heritage. A special thanks goes to JJ Martin and La DoubleJ team for their hospitality, to the members of our Steering Committee — Jon Moslet, Rossella Beaugié, and Elvira Grimaldi — and to Emilio Randazzo of WonderLAD for making the auction a joyful experience. Thank you to our supporters: La DoubleJ, The Thinking Traveller, Verdura Resort, Hotel La Palma, Donna Carmela, Olympia Babylonia, Irene Forte Skincare, COS, Caronte S.p.A., Rocca delle Tre Contrade, Mionetto, and WonderLAD. And thank you to everyone who chooses to stand by our side to protect the Sicily we love.
Many more projects are on the horizon, and with your support, we can achieve even more for nature, communities, and future generations.

Find out more

THE GOVERNANCE OF MARITIME SPACE CONFERENCE

Manfredi, our project portfolio coordinator, presented the results achieved by our “Untangling the Sea” project, with a particular focus on fishing gear governance and Italy’s SalvaMare Law. The conference focused on the theme “The Governance of Maritime Space Between Economic Needs and Environmental Protection”, and was organised by the University of Palermo, the Sicilian Association of Administrative Lawyers, the Regional Administrative Court of Sicily, and the authorities responsible for the protection and governance of maritime space.

GLOBAL GATHERING AND COLLECTIVE AWARDS

In May, our network of local foundations gathered for the Conservation Collective Global Gathering 2026, held in the Scottish Highlands. The event culminated with the Collectives Awards 2026, celebrating outstanding work from our teams around the world. SEF was Highly Commended for two categories: Building Climate Resilience and Reducing Pollution!

Congratulations to our partner Fenice Verde, the project Wildfire Citizen Observatory deserves such acknowledgment for channeling a wildfire crisis into Sicily’s first regional citizen science project tackling wildfires. We are also grateful to be awarded for Untangling the Sea, the first project led by SEF in collaboration with Abyss Cleanup and CNR-IGAG, with support from TUI Care Foundation. We are working to continue our commitment to promote a circular management of fishing nets in Sicily.

PROPOSE A PROJECT

At SEF, fundraising and grantmaking are part of a single, unified vision: turning financial resources into meaningful, measurable, and lasting impact for the environment and communities of Sicily.

We act as a bridge between donors who want their contributions to make a real difference and grassroots organisations working on the frontlines of environmental and social change.

SEF supports initiatives led by local and grassroots organisations working within its areas of interest, while remaining open to strategic collaborations that strengthen local capacity and impact.

How to apply

SUPPORT US

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.

Supporters in Italy can make recurring donations via Paypal, while our donors in the UK can also give through our Crowdfunder page.

You can also donate your 5×1000 by providing the tax code of Sicily Environment Fund (97141380838) to your accountant, or by entering it in your Certificazione Unica (CU), Modello 730, or Modello Redditi Persone Fisiche (formerly Unico). All you need to do is sign and enter our tax code in the section dedicated to “Support for Third Sector organizations registered in the RUNTS.”

We’re proud to announce that SEF is recognised as a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner! This means we are part of a global network of carefully-vetted nonprofits committed to taking real, measurable action for both the environment and people.
Are you a 1% for the Planet member? Join us in our mission to protect Sicily!

OUR NETWORK

Sicily Environment Fund is a member of Conservation Collective, a global network of local foundations funding effective grassroots initiatives to restore natural habitats, protect native species, reduce pollution and build climate resilience.