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.
Annual funds received and number of donors from 2018 to 2025. Blue bars represent amounts in euros; white bands show the number of donors. The complete figures are available in the data table.
| Year | € donated | Number of donors |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 635.000 € | 2 |
| 2019 | 555.877 € | 2 |
| 2020 | 965.000 € | 5 |
| 2021 | 1.120.483 € | 10 |
| 2022 | 1.345.425 € | 11 |
| 2023 | 1.751.479 € | 16 |
| 2024 | 1.640.101 € | 12 |
| 2025 | 2.199.838 € | 14 |
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
Founder and Development 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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Pablo Rodríguez Ros
Executive Director
An environmental scientist with a PhD in Marine Sciences, Pablo works to turn scientific knowledge into transformative action for the Balearic Sea, driving strategies, partnerships, and policies that deliver real and lasting impact. Throughout his career, he has brought together science, institutions, the private sector, and society to advance solutions that contribute to the restoration and conservation of the ocean and its life.
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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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Helena Bezzina
Administration
Helena manages internal administrative procedures, plans events, and provides financial and project 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 grandfather 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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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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Carmen Buades
Communications
A Journalism graduate, Carmen is a member of Marilles’s communications team. She has experience in print and audiovisual media and has worked in corporate communications and press offices in the Balearic Islands and Madrid. The sea has always given her so much; contributing to marine conservation through her work is an opportunity to give something back.
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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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Ana Pascual
Marine Protected Areas Coordinator
As Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Coordinator at Marilles, Ana’s goal is to contribute to the global target of protecting 30% of the world's seas and oceans by 2030, with 10% under strict protection, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea. She is a biologist with an international Master's in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation and a Master's in Protected Natural Areas. She has studied in several countries, including Belgium, Ireland, and Slovenia. In recent years, she has worked in both the public and non-profit sectors, building partnerships to engage all sectors of society in nature conservation.
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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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Tatí Benjumea
Habitats and Species Coordinator
Marine biologist specialising in the restoration of kelp forests, with extensive multidisciplinary experience in marine research and conservation. As Marilles’ Habitats and Species Programme Coordinator, she leads projects aimed at restoring and protecting key Balearic species and habitats, including shallow bays, sharks and rays, and corals and gorgonians.
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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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Elisabet Nebot
Balearic Sea Report
As a researcher for the Balearic Sea Report (IMB), Elisabet is responsible for updating and developing indicators to assess the state of the marine environment in the Balearic Islands, the pressures it faces, and society’s responses to these challenges, with the aim of contributing to better marine conservation. She holds a PhD in Marine Ecology and has over eight years of experience in the conservation of benthic species and habitats, gained at leading national and international research centres, primarily in France.
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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.
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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.
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
