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.
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.