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French Polynesia Strengthens World’s Largest Network of Fully Protected Marine Areas
- MPA
- Press Release
By DONA BERTARELLI
- MPA
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.
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.
- Arts
Speaking
for the ocean
― By Dona Bertarelli
At the Tribune Bleue final, held at the Sorbonne University in Paris last week, I had the honor of opening the competition with a reflection on what drives us to speak, and on what it means to speak for something that cannot speak for itself: the ocean.
At the Tribune Bleue final, held at the Sorbonne University in Paris last week, I had the honor of opening the competition with a reflection on what drives us to speak, and on what it means to speak for something that cannot speak for itself: the ocean.
- MPA
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.
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.
All news
- Education
Supporting a new window on multilateralism
Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy is pleased to support Together, the new immersive experience at the Portail des Nations, unveiled this 28 May in Geneva, ahead of its official opening on June 12.
Our team were among the first happy few to experience it, alongside international and Swiss media. For the occasion, our Education & Campaigns Director, Charles Steinmyller reminded the audience why multilateralism is essential to tackling biodiversity loss.
- Education
Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy backs Portail des Nations initiative in Geneva
Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy announces its support for the Portail des Nations, a new United Nations visitor centre opening in June 2026 at a newly created complex next to the iconic Flag Alley at the United Nations Office at Geneva. Developed by the Portail des Nations Foundation, under the leadership of Ivan Pictet, the Portail des Nations is designed to make the work of multilateral cooperation more visible and accessible to a broad public.
- MPA
- Press Release
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.
- Arts
Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy supports La Tribune Bleue
Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy is proud to support the second edition of La Tribune Bleue, a French-speaking public speaking competition focused on ocean issues, organised by the Deep Blue Foundation and held in the historic setting of the Sorbonne University in Paris.
La Tribune Bleue offers students the opportunity to reveal their talents through the artful use of words, presenting ideas and developing arguments about the ocean and our relationship with it, guided by expression, conviction, and clarity of thought.
- MPA
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.
- Education
The Ocean Leaders Fellowship renewed for 2026
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.
- Arts
Biodiversity through the lens: From exhibition to lasting legacy
Through the lenses of talented nature photographers, the collection showcases vibrant ecosystems captured across our planet. Each image reveals the intricate beauty and fragile balance of life that surrounds us.
- MPA
- Press Release
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.
- Education
PARTNERSHIP WITH SUSTAINABLE OCEAN ALLIANCE
Dona Bertarelli philanthropy and sustainable ocean alliance join forces to empower the next generation of ocean leaders.