About our Environmental work
Sicily Environment fund
The Sicily Environment Fund is part of the larger Conservation Collective which is:
a global network of local foundations funding effective grass-roots conservation initiatives to protect the environment, restore nature and safeguard against climate change
And via the Sicily Environment Fund, Esplora Travel has pledged to support local biologist Carmelo Isgò, in his capacity as Director and Founder of MuMa (Milazzo Sea Museum) in organising the Milazzo entry for the 2024 International City Nature Challenge .
Between 26th – 29th April 2024, citizens of cities all around the world, from Los Angeles to London to Sydney, will observe and record as many species of birds, animals, flowers, trees and so on in the territory of their participating city. They then have a week to correctly identify, collate and submit these observations. The winner is the city able to demonstrate the largest number of species recorded.
Why is this important?
By derivation, a high number of diverse species suggests a higher biodiversity. Biodiversity is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans. Without a wide range of animals, plants and microorganisms, we cannot have the healthy ecosystems that we rely on to provide us with the air we breathe and the food we eat. Protecting this biodiversity is therefore essential for the well-being of our planet.
Involving local inhabitants – and particularly schoolchildren – is a great way to grow their appreciation for the environment in which they live. It is also a great way for them to learn more about the fauna and flora that surrounds them. And with this greater knowledge and appreciation, there is a greater likelihood they will respect and nurture the environment around the them.
What have they achieved in the past?
In the 2023 challenge, Milazzo came first in the whole of Italy and fourth in the whole of Europe!
242 participants throughout Milazzo recorded a total of 17,362 examples of 2,110 different species within the territory of the town: an incredible 70 observations per participant over the 3 days! You can view the full results here.
We are very much hoping that we can repeat this extraordinary achievement in 2024.
Why Milazzo?
The nearby Aeolian Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sicily, yet in their hurry to arrive there, many visitors miss the beauty of the town from which they inevitably depart.
Just a few kilometres from the town centre, Capo Milazzo is one of the most beautiful hidden locations in Sicily. It commands views of the Aeolian archipelago, the whole of the north coast of Sicily from Cefalù to Capo Peloro and Mt Etna looms in the distance. The sea that surrounds it has recently been designated a marine reserve and the Capo itself is home to olive groves, Mediterranean maquis and the Planeta Mamertino vineyards.
You can view a short video of Capo Milazzo on our Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3fR2Y0MBb3/
What has Esplora Travel pledged?
Esplora Travel have donated €2000 (just €10 for each of the travellers booked with us in 2024) to help support the Milazzo entry for the competition. Most of this will be used to correctly identify and collate the species recorded.
