About us
Committed to the future
of the Balearics
We are a foundation dedicated to the conservation of the Balearic Sea and coast and we believe that healthy marine ecosystems can be reconciled with economic prosperity. Our core costs are covered by Adessium Foundation so every euro donated to Marilles supports live projects directly linked to the conservation of the Balearics.
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Our History
Marilles was officially founded in 2017, but the research and planning behind the organisation began earlier. We have a robust network of partners in the Mediterranean and beyond with long roots in environmental philanthropy.
Where Marilles came from
In 2015, the Adessium Foundation commissioned a study which identified the Balearics as one of the healthiest and best-preserved marine environments in the Mediterrean, but one which was under growing threat. Two years of local research and liaison made clear that rapid action to conserve the region would have an excellent chance of success. Marilles was founded to help meet this need.
Our mission was soon endorsed by the substantial support of MAVA Foundation, the largest and longest-established funder in the Mediterranean. In 2019, the Flotilla Foundation joined the initiative. The expertise of these organisations has been critical to ensure robust internal systems and efficient operation at Marilles.
Co-ordinating effort is key to our approach to tackling the issues involved. Our priority is to facilitate dialogue between NGOs, experts, government and the private sector to try and ensure that all their efforts are strategically aligned.
Together, we are stronger in facing the sea’s challenges.
The way we work
Marilles’ approach is positive, inclusive and above all focused on finding solutions.
POSITIVE
We believe that reconciling marine conservation with economic prosperity is demonstrably achievable. Our experience shows that a positive approach engages and energizes, encouraging
people to take action.
INCLUSIVE
All sectors of society – public, private and civic organisations – have roles to play in the conservation of the Balearic Sea. We consult with fishermen, nautical clubs, hotels, research centres, diving centres, NGOs and public institutions to co-ordinate all efforts for maximum impact.
CONSTRUCTIVE
Our emphasis is on finding and designing solutions and putting them in motion. We extensively consult, listen and analyse to ensure our understanding of key problems. Once these are established, we focus entirely on tackling them.
The team
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ANIOL ESTEBAN
Director
Aniol is a marine biologist and environmental economist who has devoted most of his career to reconciling the economy and the environment. Before joining Marilles, he worked for 15 years in the UK. He has expertise in such diverse fields as education, economics, running campaigns and project design. The sea is his passion, and if he had his way, he would rarely be sighted above water.
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ANA PEÑA
Communications
As an audiovisual professional, Ana’s experience spans different areas of the media sector in the Balearics. Well used to collaborating with environmental and social organisations, she now leads our communications and media work, making sure that news of what we are doing reaches and engages a wide audience. Ana loves creativity in many forms, particularly dancing and writing.
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RAQUEL VAQUER-SUNYER
Informe Mar Balear
Raquel has a PhD in Marine Sciences and many years of research experience focusing on marine biogeochemistry and Posidonia. Seagrass meadows are her second home. She coordinates the Balearic Sea Report project, an initiative that brings together research institutions and local government bodies to assess the condition of the marine environment and its threats.
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NATALIA BARRIENTOS
Informe Mar Balear
With a PhD in Marine Geology, Natalia has spent most of her career in Sweden. Her field of expertise is the study of the ocean-climate link through some tiny organisms called foraminifera. Now back in the Balearics, she works with Raquel on the Balearic Sea Report project, where she uses her knowledge and skills to drive positive change.
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SANDRA ESPEJA
Marine Citizen Science
An environmentalist with a Master’s in Integrated Management of Coastal Areas, Sandra’s multi-disciplinary experience in science and business, as well as public and third-sector management, makes her the ideal person to coordinate our Marine Citizen Science programme. Its purpose is to promote a dialogue between society and the scientific community in the Balearics.
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TONI FONT
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
A biology graduate, consultant, and environmental activist, Toni has a background in planning and managing MPAs. Strongly linked to the conservation and environmental improvement of the islands, he tirelessly explores the coast to better understand the processes affecting our coastal communities. Toni coordinates the MPA labs and represents the foundation in the MPAs Network Interreg Project.
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SARA GARCÍA BETORZ
MARE, Audiovisual Competition for the Conservation of the Balearic Sea
An environmentalist with a Master’s in Sustainable Development, Sara has managed and coordinated socio-environmental projects in Eastern Africa and Central America. Her focus is always on improving people’s relationship with their environment. Coordinator of MARE, the audiovisual competition, what spare time she has, when she’s not learning to sail, is spent diving and rediscovering the Balearics on her bicycle.
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ÁNGEL CARMONA
Finance
Angel is in charge of managing our finances, monitoring contracts with donors, and identifying new sources of funding. After 25 years with a multinational private enterprise, his ethical values have led him to put his experience at the service of marine conservation. He lives in Menorca and enjoys climbing and open-water swimming.
Advisory Board
Marilles is lucky to be able to draw on the expertise and deep knowlege of a volunteer board of eight advisors. The Advisory Board represents all islands in the Balearics and meets not less than twice each year to discuss the ongoing work and direction of the foundation. Their input is substantative.
- Xavier Pastor, Greenpeace Spain founder and former director of Oceana Europe.
- Pere Oliver, chairman of Cabrera National Park and former director of Instituto Oceanografico Español.
- Sandra Benbeniste, director of Ibiza Preservation Fund
- Joaquín Tintoré, director of SOCIB
- Miquel Camps, Conservation director at GOB Menorca
- Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas cameraman and Vellmarí founder, Formentera.
- Brad Robertson, Director of Save the Med Foundation
- Catalina Alemany, Corporate Social Responsibility director at Grup Riu.
Board of Trustees
At any time, Marilles has between three and seven Trustees with legal responsibility for the governance and financial probity of the organisation. They are closely involved in our daily activities to which they contribute their professional skills and expertise. Currently, they are:
- Rogier van Vliet
- Sonia Castañeda
- Jaume Perelló
- Carles Tarancón
