1% FOR THE MED

1%ForTheMed showcases a selection of projects run by passionate organisations, who have dedicated their life’s work to regenerate, preserve and solve the Med’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Corporations, small businesses and individuals can participate by donating 1% towards the project of their choice, and with complete transparency, 100% of your donations flow directly to the project.

1%ForTheMed serves as a credible and tranparent channel through which your support is transformed into positive impact.

1%ForTheMed empowers businesses, consumers, and environmental organisations to collaborate in creating positive local change. We are reaching out to companies and individuals to offer practical and easy solutions for them to help save the Med by contributing as little as 1%.

Exponential economic growth and a booming travel industry has resulted in the destruction of pristine natural resources, compromised water security and caused excessive pollution and climate change.

So what does this mean for our future?
We believe that we are an integral and interconnected part of our natural world, and if our desire is to respond to environmental challenges, such as climate change, loss in bio-diversity and suffocating micro-plastic pollution - we must halt our current path of destruction, and provide better, more sustainable solutions to our business and consumer practices.

What does it mean for business?
Our actions today, should not only sustain the current environmental status quo - it should reach further, and commit to the regeneration of the Mediterranean and its biodiversity.

A thriving Mediterranean Sea, with growing underwater forests and healthy fish stocks, will secure the livelihoods of the communities and businesses that profit from its resources in the future.  

By redirecting 1% of your earnings towards regenerating the Mediterranean Sea, you not only strengthen the efforts of countless environmental initiatives that work everyday to protect and preserve the Mediterranean’s natural resources; but you also play your part in securing the very source of your strength and economic growth in the future.

1%ForTheMed brings people together to rewild the Mediterranean Sea.

Our mission is to connect businesses and individuals, with local initiatives, who share a common passion to restore, conserve and preserve the Med.

Collaboration is key to lasting impact. In the same way that we believe that human beings are not separate from nature; so companies and small businesses can align themselves with credible local projects, and become stewards of our natural resources.

All funds generated via 1%ForTheMed are channeled directly to the project of their choice, with the opportunity to contact, visit and engage with project leaders and their progress.

All projects go through a rigorous screening process, and are required to meet clear credentials and need to be owned by an official non-profit entity. Projects featured address environmental challenges such as plastic pollution, eco-system and biodiversity regeneration, blue carbon and climate change solutions, citizen science and education.

Most areas of the world's oceans are experiencing habitat loss. But coastal areas, with their closeness to human population centres, are suffering disproportionately, due to population growth and economic expansion. Many communities residing on the shores of the Mediterranean, are dependent on tourism for their income.

The Balearic Islands attract millions of visitors each year, including boaters, recreational fishers, beach go’ers and water sport activities, who are in direct contact with fragile marine ecosystems.

Coastal tourism contributes significantly to local economies of the region, where it accounts for a large and increasing proportion of foreign currency earnings. Tourism relies heavily on the coastal zone, not just for beach sites for development, but for food and as a leisure area for tourists. Though an important source of income, coastal tourism raises a number of environmental concerns which are affecting our marine ecosystem directly. The impacts of plastic pollution and carbon emissions are causing serious harm both to nature and human health. Worsening plastic pollution will threaten the Mediterranean’s global reputation for tourism and seafood, undermining local communities who depend on these sectors for their livelihoods. These problems are a symptom of the overall decline in the health of the Mediterranean sea, and our own, and it must serve as a rallying call for real action.

So surely there is a more sustainable way to secure that businesses thrive and that natural resources are preserved and regenerated?

Yes, we believe that saving the Mediteranean sea can be achieved through joint action, and channeling the buying power of consumers to strengthen environmental stewardship.

1%ForTheMed levels the playing field, creates awareness and connects our everyday lives and business practices with preserving natural resources.

Who would have predicted that the world could grind to a halt within 48 hours? Who would have thought that radical change in human behavior was possible, literally overnight?

As Covid-19 confinement brought the world to a standstill, the natural world soon began to demonstrate how quickly she was able to show signs of recovery, in the absence of human interference.

Awareness of the crucial issues and challenges that we face is the first step to finding a solution. It is clear, that across society, there is a growing desire to contribute to environmental regeneration, however, very often the opportunities to make a positive impact are limited, or rather unknown.

Therefore, the 1%ForTheMed platform provides businesses and individuals with the opportunity to select a meaningful project of their choice, with confidence that real action is taking place on the ground. And very importantly, the support extends to the consumers: as 1% can be added to the bill of all service providers, including restaurants, hotels, transfers etc. who participate in the 1%ForTheMed initiative. Thereby, bringing the power of the consumer into the financing circle of a circular, regenerative economy.

1%ForTheMed is powered by the Cleanwave Foundation.

Cleanwave.org sets out to confront the challenges of plastic pollution, by providing an alternative to plastic water bottles and has set up a network of water refill stations across the Balearic Islands.

1%ForThe Med is an extension of our passion to engage local citizens, tourists and businesses in our joint effort to preserve, restore and regenerate the Mediterranean Sea - and to help ensure that local environmental initiatives receive the well earned financial support they need to do the work on the ground and in the sea.

Corporations, small businesses and individuals can participate by donating 1% towards the project of their choice, and with complete transparency, 100% of your donations flow directly to the project.

Business
Pledge to donate 1% of your business turnover. Once you become a 1% supporter, we will provide you with a certification1%ForTheMed stamp of approval, which you will be able to use to communicate your brand values in preserving the Med. And very importantly, the support extends to the consumers: as 1% can be added to the bill of all service providers, including restaurants, hotels, transfers etc. who participate in the 1%ForTheMed initiative. Thereby, bringing the power of the consumer into the financing circle of a circular, regenerative economy.

Individuals
We believe that every individual can make a positive impact. Individuals can choose to donate 1% of annual income, or if you think that is a big commitment we also offer single, monthly or annual donation options.

Human connection
We encourage stakeholders to meet personally; allowing project leaders to share their passion and dedication to their work, and when possible to engage your employees to participate in marine citizen science initiatives, thereby fostering a shared enthusiasm for preserving and experiencing the natural world.