Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara: Successes and Challenges for the Pelagos Sanctuary
A recent article published in the online magazine Ubuntu tells the story of Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, founder of Tethys and current Vice-President, from the beginnings of his career as a marine biologist to the idea of a large transnational marine protected area in the Mediterranean, culminating in the establishment of the Pelagos Sanctuary for the protection of whales and dolphins. However, despite the Sanctuary’s success, significant challenges remain in protecting cetaceans and their habitat.
Among the main threats are underwater noise and marine traffic. Noise interferes with cetacean communication and causes stress, while ship strikes correlate with the increasing speed of vessels. Giuseppe emphasizes the need for mandatory regulations and new technologies to safeguard these animals.
However, the most important factor, Giuseppe says, is the collective will to protect the seas. Although actual management is in the hands of institutions, each of us can contribute by staying aware, demanding change, and supporting ocean conservation. It is never too late to act.
