Blog

Help us to secure the future of these unique and idyllic islands, and establish potentially the largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Italy.
The long-term objective is to create a well-managed marine protected area (MPA) across the Aeolian archipelago, to restore fish stocks, promote sustainable-artisanal fishing, reduce pollution and protect rare marine habitats and species. The Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea has committed to the designation of the MPA and the AIPF will continue to support projects on the ground, crucial for the success of this ambitious project.
Key current activities relate to the education and engagement of stakeholders within the fishing, hotel, education and tourism communities, to highlight the benefits of the MPA and build the project from the ground-up. This will ensure local support – a necessity for an effective MPA. Video content, printed infographics and awareness raising materials will be displayed prominently around the islands.
Another project aimed at reducing conflict between fishermen and dolphins is underway, where ‘pingers’ (non-harmful acoustic devices) are attached to fishing nets to prevent dolphins them eating the catch and damaging nets. Monica Blasi, from Filicudi Wildlife Conservation is working on the project.

A Marine Discovery Centre will engage local schools, visiting tourists, and islanders with the unique Aeolian marine environment. The centre will display some wonderful video footage of interviews with local fishermen, a 360 degree 3D, virtual reality programme that we’re developing with Google, and local nature inspired photography and art.
We are laying the foundations to implement BLUE Marine Foundation‘s Lyme Bay model. The idea is to support and protect local, artisanal fisheries through the establishment of an MPA – higher prices for their catch – fishing in a sustainable manner within a managed area = win-win. Jerry Percy from LIFE (Low Impact Fishers of Europe) and our team met local fisheries representatives to discuss sustainable fishery management. They will review the fishermen’s plans and help them get a preferential yet sustainable management plan signed off by Brussels.

Land Protection
We have supported Slow Food project to grow ‘edible gardens’ in local schools. We hope this is the first step to instilling pride and importance on local produce.
We also supported Fondo Ambiente Italiano, who sent rangers from Salina to come to Panarea and clear some of the ancient paths, creating a better access route around the island for locals and visitors to enjoy the natural habitat.

Our team took part in the CARE’s Ethical Chef’s event in Salina, Malfa. The purpose was to promote an ethical and sustainable approach to cooking, focusing on local products and minimising food waste. We discussed the proposed marine protected area, and particularly, what we can do to recover the Aeolian’s depleted fish stocks.

We are delighted to announce the following businesses are supporting the AIPF:
“Paolo Pecora Milano” is launching the “Shades of Blue” capsule collection of sunglasses to be sold in the best Aeolian boutiques, inspired by the islands.
“GODO” is a London-based luxury home dining service, which is creating an Aeolian menu, with the help of the Michelin star chef Martina Caruso (Hotel Signum, Salina).The brand “Meli Melo” will offer a share of the profits from the “Rosalia Basket Taupe” bag to the AIPF. The bag was inspired by the Aeolian Islands.
The restaurant “Kasbah cafè” in Lipari is selling the Aeolian Pizza Gourmet, the “Papagayo” lounge bar in Salina and “Il Giardino di Lipari” garden cafè in Lipari are starting to sell the AIPF cocktail and “Artesana by Luisa Mendoza” is selling her artisanal jellyfish dedicated to AIPF. Part of the revenue from these partnerships will go to the fund.

Ambra Messina joins us from June, to take over from Federica Tesoriero as coordinator. Federica will join our advisory council, and we are hugely grateful for all her hard work in setting up this foundation. Ambra lives in Lipari, and looks forward to meeting all AIPF supporters in due course. Please get in touch if you’re on the islands this summer and would like to meet Ambra, and hear an update on the fund and it’s activities.