The World Sustainability Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability and protecting the environment and its species, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Fondazione Cetacea, a historic Italian non-profit organisation committed to marine conservation since 1988.
A Centre of Excellence for Sea Turtle Recovery
The flagship facility of Fondazione Cetacea is the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Riccione, one of the most important centres in the Adriatic region. Each year, the centre welcomes 60–80 sea turtles, primarily Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtles), providing specialised care and rehabilitation before their release back into the wild.
Fondazione Cetacea works closely with public administrations, NGOs, fishing communities, and economic stakeholders to protect marine ecosystems.
The centre’s activities include:
- Scientific monitoring of sea turtle populations
- Educational programmes in schools
- Specialised training for maritime operators
- Raising awareness among local communities
- Collaborations in European cross-border projects
The Adriatic Sea: A Crucial Habitat
The Adriatic Sea is becoming an increasingly significant habitat for sea turtles. In recent years, their presence has grown, with an estimated population of approximately 75,000 individuals.
Three species of sea turtles are found in the Adriatic: Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle), the most common resident species; Chelonia mydas (green turtle); and Dermochelys coriacea (leatherback turtle), which is occasionally present.
These marine reptiles, born in the Ionian, Tyrrhenian, Aegean, and North African waters, migrate hundreds of kilometres to the Adriatic, attracted by its nutrient-rich environment. The shallow sea, abundant with algae, jellyfish, crabs, mussels, and clams, serves as a vital feeding ground, particularly near the Po River Delta.
However, these remarkable animals face numerous threats:
- Accidental capture in fishing nets (both trawling and fixed nets)
- Ingestion of fishing hooks
- Collisions with boats, especially while resting on the surface
- Marine pollution
- Plastic waste
- Climate change
Friend of the Sea Initiatives
Support for Fondazione Cetacea is part of a broader conservation programme promoted by the World Sustainability Organisation, which includes Friend of the Sea certifications aimed at protecting sea turtles. Key certifications include:
- Turtle-Safe Certification
This standard rewards companies that implement bycatch prevention measures, such as Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), which significantly reduce turtle mortality during fishing activities. - Sustainable Sea Turtle Watching Certification
This standard regulates turtle-watching tourism, ensuring minimal impact on the animals in their natural habitat.
Concrete Support
The World Sustainability Foundation’s contribution to Fondazione Cetacea is aimed at contributing to the costs of sea turtle care, including medical expenses (diagnostics, treatments, and medication) and logistical support (maintenance and rehabilitation) at the rescue centre.
This support represents a crucial step in the conservation of Adriatic sea turtles, enabling the rescue and care of dozens of individuals each year while building a more sustainable future through scientific research and raising awareness among younger generations.
