A sense of belonging
― By Dona Bertarelli
There is a moment, when you enter the ocean, where the world above recedes. It is quiet. Almost imperceptible. But something shifts. I have felt it in different ways over the years: crossing the ocean under sail, guided by wind and currents, in constant dialogue with the elements; diving beneath the surface, where sound softens and time stretches; and through my philanthropic work, engaging with passionate people who dedicate their lives to understanding and protecting this vital system.
Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Applauds Chile for Protecting Over Half of Its Ocean Waters
Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy today celebrated Chile’s creation of two new marine protected areas around remote island chains in the southeastern Pacific Ocean that scientists say harbor the highest concentration of marine species found nowhere else on Earth. On March 10, Chilean President Gabriel Boric signed a decree that fully protects approximately 130,000 square miles (337,000 square kilometers) of waters adjacent to the existing Juan Fernández and Nazca-Desventuradas marine parks.
French Polynesia, a shared journey from commitment to implementation
― By Dona Bertarelli
Last month, I had the pleasure of returning to French Polynesia since the announcement of the Marine Protected Area (MPA). This was a deeply personal experience, as for more than a decade, this region has been central to my commitment to the ocean through Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy.
Protecting Africa’s Ocean future and why a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining matters
― By James Alix Michel and Dona Bertarelli
The world is entering a decisive period for the future of the ocean. With the High Seas Treaty coming into force and meaningful progress being made on the World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, global momentum for stronger marine governance is building.
Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy supports the next phase of French Polynesia’s MPA
The 2026 Ocean Leaders Fellowship, established by the Sustainable Ocean Alliance in collaboration with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, will select 40 outstanding young ocean leaders globally. Building on the success of its inaugural cohort, the program prepares emerging advocates to promote the 30×30 initiative.
Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Celebrates French Polynesia’s New Marine Protection Commitments
Historic designation protects species-rich waters and creates one of the world’s largest conserved areas.
Reflections from United Nations Ocean Conference : Financing Ocean Action
― By Dona Bertarelli
We are facing an existential crisis for the ocean. But the root isn’t just ecological—it’s relational. Somewhere in the last century, we began to see Nature – and the ocean particularly – not as something we are part of, but as a commodity…
THE PROMISE AND PERIL
OF DEEP-SEA MINING
― By Dona Bertarelli
The ocean has always been a source of wonder and purpose in my life. As a sailor, a philanthropist and an advocate I’ve witnessed its vastness, its power, and also its vulnerability.
PROTECT GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS WITH INNOVATIVE FINANCING
Ecuador completed what is known as a debt conversion, which will provide a sustainable source of conservation funding.
DEEP SEA MINING: WE MUST PUT OUR PLANET’S INTERESTS FIRST
― By Dona Bertarelli
The deep ocean might seem distant, but human life depends on it. This vast area, covering 95% of Earth’s living space, absorbs the CO2 generated by human activity…