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. Every euro donated to Marilles supports live projects directly linked to the conservation of the Balearic sea and coast.
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Our History
In 2015, the Adessium Foundation, based in the Netherlands, commissioned a study which identified the Balearics as one of the healthiest and best-preserved marine environments in the Mediterranean, 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 in 2017 to help meet this need. Since then, we have invested €5 million in over 100 projects. We collaborate with more than 30 organisations on the four islands and are part of Mediterranean alliances with deep roots in environmental philanthropy.
Over the years, upwards of 15 donors have joined us. Not only have we attracted new donors, but most have maintained their commitment and many have increased their donations. The expertise of these organisations has been critical to ensure robust internal systems and efficient operation at Marilles.
Coordinating 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 ensure that all their efforts are strategically aligned.
Together, we are stronger in facing the sea’s challenges.
From its inception, Marilles was fortunate to have the experience and expertise of eight volunteer advisors, whose contributions were invaluable in getting us to where we are today.
Xavier Pastor, Greenpeace Spain founder and former director of Oceana Europe.
Pere Oliver, former chairman of Cabrera National Park and former director of Instituto Oceanografico Español.
Sandra Benbeniste, consultor and director of sustainability of d’Arabella hospitality.
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.
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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ÁNGEL CARMONA
Finances
He is in charge of financial management, monitoring contracts with donors and collaborators and identifying new sources of financing. He dedicated 25 years of his working life to the multinational private company until destiny brought together his ethical values and a job opportunity in Marilles. This circumstance allowed him to put his experience at the service of marine conservation. He resides in Menorca, where he enjoys climbing its cliffs and swimming in open waters.
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Marina Forteza
Communications
Marina is in charge of establishing and maintaining our relationship with the media. With a degree in Audiovisual Communication, she has been working in journalism and communication for 20 years. Marina has worked in different media and communication offices in the Balearic Islands and in Germany and has experience in the field of education. Putting her knowledge at the service of the environment gives meaning to her professional career.
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Margalida Bonnín
Communications
Part of the Marilles communications team, Margalida is a journalist who is used to being on the ground in the Part Forana of Mallorca. She has worked in written and audiovisual media and in different offices of the Government of the Balearic Islands. For her, being part of Marilles is a privilege because it allows her to do her bit for the conservation of our sea.
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Helena Bezzina
Administration
Helena manages internal administrative procedures, plans events, and provides financial and projects support to the Foundation. She has extensive experience in organisation and management and has also worked for companies related to the sea. Helena's connection to the sea is a lifelong one. Her godfather was an admiral and, since birth, she has been involved with the sea, sailing, and regattas: ‘From a very young age, I was like a fish in water; I was there all day long.’
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SANDRA ESPEJA
Strategic Alliances
Sandra leads the Foundation's strategic alliances area, strengthening links with key sectors to foster effective collaborations that reinforce the protection of the marine environment. She has a solid track record within Marilles, having coordinated the Sea Observers programme in the Balearic Islands. With a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences and a master's degree in Integrated Coastal Area Management, Sandra has a multidisciplinary profile and experience in the scientific field, public management and, especially, the third sector.
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Pablo Rodríguez Ros
Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and 30x30 Strategy
Pablo leads the marine protected area (MPA) strategy and 30x30 targets in the Mediterranean Sea, contributing to the global goal of protecting 30% of the planet and 10% under strict protection by 2030. He is an environmental scientist with a doctrate in Marine Sciences and has more than ten years of international experience in research, marine conservation, and environmental policy. Pablo’s focus is on transforming scientific knowledge into action and real impact through strategy design, project coordination, and bridge building between science, public institutions, and society.
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Núria Salmeron
Marine Protected Areas (MPA)
With a degree in Biology and an international master's degree in Marine Resources (IMBRSea), Núria works as a marine protected area (MPA) technician to achieve the creation and better management of MPAs in the Balearic Sea. She focuses on coordination between all stakeholders and increasing areas under strict protection. With experience in places such as Portugal, Ireland, Chile, Tenerife, and Catalonia, and at organisations such as Greenpeace, for Núria, the sea is a connection: ‘The sea connects continents, but also people, because it knows no age or social class.’
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TONI FONT
Fishing
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 promotes the participation of the 3rd sector in the monitoring commissions of marine reserves and participates in multiple sustainable fishing projects.
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RAQUEL VAQUER-SUNYER
Informe Mar Balear
Raquel coordinates the Balearic Sea Report (IMB), an initiative that brings together research centres and local government bodies to assess the state of the marine environment and its threats. With a PhD in Marine Sciences, Raquel has extensive research experience, especially in marine biogeochemistry and Posidonia. She is in love with seagrass meadows.
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Margalida Monserrat
Balearic Sea Report (IMB)
A researcher for the Balearic Sea Report (IMB), Margalida updates and develops new indicators to assess the ecological status of the Balearic Sea and identify priority areas for action and conservation. She holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences and has worked at several universities and research centres in France and Italy. Margalida has extensive experience in the study of marine benthic ecosystems, especially in the restoration of macroalgae forests and the analysis of toxic microalgae blooms.
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Abraham Calero
MARE, Audiovisual Competition for the Conservation of the Balearic Sea
Abraham is MARE’s competition manage. In addition to an extensive career as a marine scientist and environmental technician, his career as a photographer and urban artist has allowed him to exhibit in major art galleries, at the Pilar i Joan Miró Foundation and PhotoEspaña. "MARE is a unique opportunity to merge my three great passions: the sea, art, and social and environmental activism."
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Amador Garcías
MARE, Audiovisual Competition for the Conservation of the Balearic Sea
Amador is the general manager of MARE. A specialist in strategic marketing with extensive professional experience, his mission is to continue to promote the event as a benchmark project in photography and marine conservation in the Mediterranean Sea. One of the things that has motivated Amador most to commit to MARE is its links with the sea and fishing.
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:
- Isabelle Homberg
- Tris Lewis
- Rogier van Vliet
- Sonia Castañeda
- Jaume Perelló
- Carles Tarancón
