Per il Mare develops and implements projects dedicated to territorial enhancement and environmental awareness. Through scientific research, social initiatives, active citizenship programs, and creative educational workshops, the association operates in the Levante Ligure and the Gulf of La Spezia (Italy).
Established in 2014 by a group of friends who restored an abandoned historic fishing vessel (now the boat Moby Dick), the organization stems from a shared passion for the sea and a commitment to protecting the local ecosystem. The team comprises professionals with diverse expertise, including scientists, certified guides, and specialists in education and creativity.
The association’s initiatives, conducted both on land and aboard the Moby Dick, include:
- Educational programs and cultural events for environmental awareness leveraging creativity and artistic expression
- Active participation in scientific data collection and marine studies
- Organized beach and sea cleanup events involving local residents
- Eco-social initiatives in collaboration with associations and local institutions
Key projects developed over the years in the educational, social, and territorial sectors include:
Creative Workshops
To foster a conscious approach to the territory and its ecosystem, the association annually engages local schools with over 15 educational proposals for children aged 6 to 13. These multidisciplinary pathways are inspired by learning by doing and design thinking methodologies, intertwining art, play, and relationships. The goal is to guide children in understanding, experimenting, and sharing, thereby developing the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate a complex world. Each proposal is aligned with the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Scientific Outreach and Citizen Science
Through projects such as Sottosopra - Orientarsi sotto la superficie, Educando per il Mare, and PLACALA, the association organizes scientific outreach tailored to various age groups. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about anthropogenic threats to this delicate ecosystem and promote knowledge of marine biodiversity, encouraging active participation through Citizen Science practices. Notably, the association is the only entity in the province of La Spezia holding HQWW (High Quality Whale Watching) certification, guaranteeing that whale-watching excursions are conducted ethically and with ecological responsibility.
Per Il Mare...siamo tutti uguali! (For the Sea... We Are All Equal!)
Active since 2015, this project organizes weekly free excursions for individuals with cognitive disabilities. Activities aboard the boat are designed to strengthen autonomy, stimulate cooperation, and foster social inclusion through sharing, contact with the marine environment, and group life. The sea serves as a space of freedom and equality, offering every participant an intense, positive, and transformative experience.
To date, it has involved over 12 local and national associations.
Exhibitions and Outreach Events
Recognizing art as a powerful tool for awareness and collective messaging, the association collaborates with various cultural entities. Highlights include a creative production workshop held in October 2024 at TEDxLerici (Villa Marigola) to reflect on marine waste, and an exhibition of textured canvases by artist Aurelio Rossi (Jssor) in June 2024, marking the conclusion of the PLACALA project.
Through the Sottosopra - Orientarsi sotto la superficie initiative, a comprehensive promotional program aimed at enhancing understanding of the Gulf's future is also scheduled for 2027, stemming from a collaborative citizen engagement process.
Beach and Sea Cleanups
Annually, supported by volunteers and the local community, the association organizes cleanup days in the municipalities of La Spezia and Lerici to remove waste and plastic threatening the marine ecosystem. Additionally, the Moby Dick is equipped with a filtration system to collect floating debris during sea excursions. These cleanup efforts, both on land and at sea, are consistently accompanied by awareness campaigns, educational workshops, and exhibitions aimed at inspiring positive changes in daily habits.
Eco-Tourism Activities
The association’s commitment to territorial enhancement also extends to non-residents of the Gulf. Aboard the Moby Dick, the association offers sea excursions, whale-watching trips, and explorations of the coastline and islands, promoting a sustainable model of tourism.
Website: https://associazioneperilmare.it/#