There is a new way to experience the sea—one where swimming in its waters and walking along its shores becomes an opportunity to learn about and protect it. This summer, thousands of people have already participated in marine conservation activities within SEATY Local Marine Conservation and Education Areas—true “marine cities” created by Worldrise with the support of Fastweb+Vodafone in Sardinia and Sicily to safeguard ecologically valuable stretches of the Mediterranean coast.
The SEATY marine cities offer the public free in- and out-of-water activities that combine education, awareness-raising, and scientific research. These range from snorkeling with marine biologists to beach yoga sessions, children's workshops, beach clean-ups, and talks on marine biodiversity.
In just over two months since the start of the summer season, more than 2,500 people have explored the Mediterranean waters of the SEATY sites in Golfo Aranci (SS) and Capo Testa - Punta Falcone Marine Protected Area (SS) in Sardinia, and Capo Milazzo MPA (ME) and Salina (ME) in Sicily. They have also taken part in “SeaStories”—educational sessions where science becomes an engaging narrative for both adults and children.
Participation continues to grow, building on the results of previous seasons. So far, SEATY has involved over 5,000 people in snorkeling activities, logged 140 hours of biological monitoring, recorded more than 95 marine species in the Local Marine Conservation Area of Golfo Aranci alone, and welcomed over 1,400 participants to evening events, yoga sessions, bio-walks, and clean-up initiatives.
SEATY sites ensure year-round safe swimming and feature fixed, multilingual informational signage both along the coastline and within buoy-marked marine areas. These materials guide visitors through daily discoveries of the marine world and its unique characteristics.
Since its launch in 2022, SEATY has established itself as a replicable operational model of local governance and innovation—successfully integrating environmental protection, civic engagement, and sustainable economic development. It also stands as a compelling example of collaboration between citizens, tourists, scientists, local authorities, and the private sector. SEATY employs transparent impact measurement and reporting tools aligned with European standards.
SEATY promotes marine conservation through experiences that connect, educate, and inspire, while simultaneously offering new opportunities for sustainable economic growth and reinforcing the bond between people and nature. Thanks to the support of Fastweb+Vodafone, the project demonstrates how investing in nature can generate environmental, social, and reputational value for both companies and communities.
Worldrise has also launched "Nel Profondo" (Into the Deep)—a manifesto to bring the sea back to the heart of our identity and collective action. The initiative reaffirms the goal of effectively protecting at least 30% of Italian seas by 2030. Visiting a SEATY site is an invitation to experience a different kind of summer—and a call to go deeper. To discover and protect the sea together. Because deep down, we are the sea. Learn more and sign the manifesto at worldrise.org.
SEATY is a project by Worldrise, implemented with the support of Fastweb and under the patronage of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, the Municipality of Golfo Aranci, the Municipality of Malfa, the Capo Testa - Punta Falcone Marine Protected Area, and the Capo Milazzo Marine Protected Area.
The SEATY project is part of the broader set of initiatives led by Fastweb+Vodafone to protect the planet and its biodiversity. Aligned with the Group’s ESG strategy, the company has set the ambitious target of becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2035.