The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, WWF and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation raise €570,000 for the protection of the Mediterranean

Every year since 2013, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation organises a fundraising dinner to support major environmental causes. The thirteenth edition of this event, orchestrated by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, took place on 17 September and raised the remarkable sum of €570,000 for the WWF and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

The funds raised this year will be used to support grassroots initiatives aimed at protecting the Mediterranean Sea and conserving the richness of its ecosystems.

The dinner, attended by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Dr Kirsten Schuijt, Director General of WWF, brought together sixty committed personalities, demonstrating the power of philanthropy to meet the ecological challenges of today and tomorrow.

Although the Mediterranean Sea accounts for less than 1% of the world's oceans, it is home to 7-10% of the world's marine fauna and 18% of known oceanic flora, making it a biodiversity hotspot. However, it is also the most polluted sea in the world, with around 730 tonnes of plastic dumped into it every day, and is warming at a rate 20% higher than the global average. To date, less than 9% of the Mediterranean Sea is officially protected, which is why additional efforts must be constantly made to preserve this area of major ecological interest.


Photo: Philippe Fitte