Save the Med
Save the Med is a Spanish non-profit foundation applying an Areas Under Regeneration framework across three Balearic municipalities to restore Mediterranean marine ecosystems through scientific monitoring, community-led governance, and tourism-sector plastic reduction.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersPalma De Mallorca, Spain
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Save the Med does
Save the Med (Fundación Save the Med) is a Spanish non-profit foundation registered in Binissalem, Mallorca, dedicated to the regeneration of the Mediterranean basin's marine ecosystems. The organisation applies an integrative framework called Areas Under Regeneration (AUR), which it currently deploys across three Balearic municipalities — Andratx, Pollença, and Sóller — situated along the UNESCO World Heritage Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Its work combines scientific monitoring (notably the Shark BRUV project using Baited Remote Underwater Video systems in partnership with SharkMed), community-led participatory governance (via the Xarxa Dragonera Blava network and Talaia Nord open forums), environmental education through the Changemakers youth programme, and tourism-sector plastic reduction via the HAPI Method. Notable outcomes include the Balearic Government's approval of Order 6/2025 imposing a 10-knot speed limit in the Sa Dragonera marine reserve, designation of large Balearic Sea areas as IUCN Important Shark and Ray Areas, and participation in the IUCN Shark Specialist Group's Global Status of Sharks, Rays, and Chimaeras report.
The foundation operates through eight active initiatives: Sa Dragonera Blava, U Nord Blau, HAPI Method, Game Changers/Changemakers, Dos Manos, Stellaris Action, Manta Project, and Shark BRUV. Its revenue model is multi-stream: tax-deductible individual donations (one-time and monthly via a dedicated website portal under Spanish Law 49/2002), corporate donations, institutional grants (including EU Next Generation funding for the HAPI Method AI feasibility study and the 2022 CaixaBank/Fundació Sa Nostra Environment Call for Plastic Free Balearics), and a merchandise e-commerce storefront selling fair-trade, organic cotton apparel, posters, and local artisan goods — all currently listed as out of stock.
Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, with distribution through direct community engagement, open forums, the Palma International Boat Show, scientific expeditions, and partnerships with international NGOs including Mission Blue, Plastic Pollution Coalition, IUCN, The Drifters Project, and Arrels Marines. The foundation was originally established in 2012 as Asociación Ondine and reorganised under its current name in 2022, when it also moved headquarters to Binissalem. Headcount sits in the 11–50 employee band; the foundation does not publicly disclose annual revenue.
Save the Med firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Save the Med
- Legal name
- Fundación Save the Med
- Website
- https://savethemed.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Save the Med is a Spanish non-profit foundation applying an Areas Under Regeneration framework across three Balearic municipalities to restore Mediterranean marine ecosystems through scientific monitoring, community-led governance, and tourism-sector plastic reduction.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Save the Med industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Marine Conservation Services
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)
Keywords
Where Save the Med is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Palma De Mallorca
- HQ country
- Spain
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Save the Med business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations (Individual): Individual donors contribute one-time or recurring (monthly) donations to support marine regeneration projects in the Mediterranean basin. Donors can recover up to 80% of their donation on their Spanish tax return for the first €250 (subject to specific conditions), making it tax-deductible under Law 49/2002. No commission is taken from donations; the full amount (minus bank charges) funds marine environment projects.
- Merchandise Sales: The foundation sells branded merchandise including t-shirts (fair trade, 100% organic cotton), hoodies, tote bags, posters, palm fans, and other items through its e-commerce storefront on the website. Revenue supports the foundation's operational costs and projects.
- Corporate Donations: Companies can make donations to the foundation, eligible for up to 50% tax deduction under Spanish law (Law 49/2002) for non-profit organisations, with a limit of 15% of corporate taxable income.
- Institutional Funding: The foundation receives funding from public institutions including EU Next Generation EU funds (via the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan), demonstrating access to government and supranational grant funding for specific programmes.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Save The Med T-Shirt - fair trade, 100% organic cotton |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Hoodie - organic cotton, heavy weight, hooded with front pocket |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LA MAR DE PEIXITUS poster - 50 x 70 cm |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sa Dragonera poster - 32 x 32 cm |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Back 4 the Future poster - 70 x 100 cm |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Palm fan - hand-woven palm leaf fan with engraved handle |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cuchillo pequeño - hand-made stainless steel kitchen knife |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Whale tail pendant |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Jute bag with Save the Med logo |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Generic product |
| Subscription | Monthly | Individual donation - one-time or monthly |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Corporate donation |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
Save the Med product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Save the Med Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to marine regeneration in the Mediterranean basin, primarily in the Balearic Islands. It delivers community-led conservation programmes through its Areas Under Regeneration (AUR) framework across eight active initiatives covering marine protected area governance, plastic footprint reduction, shark population research, and youth environmental education. Operations are funded by donations, institutional grants, and a branded merchandise e-commerce store.
Product overview
Save the Med Foundation is a non-profit marine regeneration organization offering a combination of community-driven conservation programmes and a merchandise e-commerce store to fund its activities. Its core offerings include: (1) the Areas Under Regeneration (AUR) programme, a holistic framework for marine ecosystem recovery applied across Balearic municipalities; (2) multiple named initiatives such as Sa Dragonera Blava, U Nord Blau, HAPI Method, Game Changers/Changemakers, Dos Manos, Stellaris Action, Manta Project, and Shark BRUV; (3) a community network platform (Xarxa Dragonera Blava) enabling participatory governance; (4) an online donation platform with one-time and monthly giving options; and (5) a merchandise shop selling branded items including T-shirts, hoodies, bags, posters, and accessories. The HAPI Method also encompasses an AI integration feasibility study for automated plastic waste diagnostics in the tourism sector, developed under EU Next Generation funding. The Community Vessel serves as a platform for local action. All merchandise is currently listed as out of stock.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Donation Platform Online donation platform accepting one-time and monthly contributions (€1, €10, €100, or custom amounts) in euros, providing tax deduction certificates under Spanish Law 49/2002. Used by individual and corporate donors.
- Merchandise Shop (E-commerce Storefront) Online shop selling branded merchandise (fair-trade organic cotton t-shirts, hoodies, jute bags, posters, hand-woven palm fans, artisan knives, accessories) to raise funds for marine regeneration projects. Ships to the Balearic Islands and Iberian Peninsula only.
- Areas Under Regeneration (AUR) Programme Holistic marine regeneration framework combining scientific knowledge, community engagement, and regenerative practices to restore biodiversity across the Balearic bioregion. Currently applied in Andratx, Pollença, and Sóller municipalities along the Serra de Tramuntana (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Sa Dragonera Blava Initiative Marine conservation initiative focused on the Sa Dragonera area, involving participatory governance for the marine space, speed regulation advocacy, and community engagement through the Xarxa Dragonera Blava network.
- U Nord Blau Initiative Community initiative in the Pollença area engaging local stakeholders through Talaia Nord open forums, addressing water quality, biodiversity protection, awareness-raising, and illegal anchoring.
- HAPI Method Programme for auditing and reducing the plastic footprint of hotel and tourism businesses, including an evolving AI integration for automated plastic waste diagnostics in the Balearic tourism sector. Delivered in conjunction with the Plastic Free Balearics certification.
- Game Changers / Changemakers Youth Programme Youth environmental education programme engaging children and teenagers aged 8-18 in marine regeneration projects, culminating in annual events where participants present their initiatives to teachers, parents, and the community.
- Dos Manos Initiative Initiative connecting communities for Mediterranean marine protection through volunteer engagement and field action.
- Stellaris Action Initiative Marine initiative operating under the Save the Med portfolio, addressing Mediterranean marine conservation objectives.
- Manta Project Marine conservation initiative operating under the Save the Med portfolio, contributing to the foundation's Mediterranean biodiversity restoration objectives.
- Shark BRUV Project Collaborative shark conservation project using Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) systems to collect 24/7 scientific data on shark populations, behaviours, and threats in the Mediterranean. Jointly operated with SharkMed.
- Xarxa Dragonera Blava (XDB) Community Network Community network of individuals with professional or recreational ties to Sa Dragonera, enabling participatory governance of the marine space and collective decision-making for environmental management. Operates quarterly participatory forums and WhatsApp group coordination.
- Save The Med T-Shirt Fair trade, 100% organic cotton t-shirt with regular fit, round neck, and short sleeves, branded with the Save the Med logo. Available in sizes XS through XXL.
- Save The Med Hoodie (Sudadera) Organic cotton hoodie with soft-touch finish, high gram GSM, hood, and front pocket. Available in multiple sizes and colours. Original price €50, sale price €40.
- Back 4 the Future Poster Illustration poster (70 x 100 cm, offset 4+0 colour printing on 200gr matte coated paper) created by artist Carles G.O'D., curated by Save the Med, raising awareness of ecosocial threats facing the Mediterranean Sea. Selected in the World Illustration Awards.
- LA MAR DE PEIXITUS Poster Frameless poster (50 x 70 cm) featuring illustrations of fish species from the Balearic Islands, raising awareness of local marine biodiversity. Original price €35, sale price €30.
- Sa Dragonera Poster Frameless watercolour illustration poster (32 x 32 cm) of Sa Dragonera island depicting iconic local habitats and species. Proceeds support the Andratx coastline regeneration project. Price €12.
- Hand-Made Small Kitchen Knife (Cuchillo pequeño) Handmade stainless steel kitchen knife by local artisans, engraved with the Save the Med logo. Original price €30, sale price €25.
- Palm Fan (Hand-woven) Traditional hand-woven palm leaf fan with engraved handle. Original price €15, sale price €12.
- Jute Bag (Bolsa Yute) with Save the Med Logo Jute bag featuring the Save the Med logo (currently out of stock at time of source capture).
Quantifiable outcome
- Speed regulation (10 knots) approved in Sa Dragonera marine reserve via Order 6/2025, following advocacy by Save the Med and Xarxa Dragonera Blava
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Save the Med
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Save the Med technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Save the Med partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Arrels MarinescoreArrels Marines collaborates with Save the Med on the U Nord Blau initiative to regenerate the area's marine and terrestrial ecosystems, engaging with the Pollença community through the Talaia Nord open forums. Founded in July 2020 on Mallorca, Arrels Marines focuses on protecting Posidonia oceanica through replanting, ecological awareness, and environmental education.
- SharkMedcoreSharkMed is a key collaborator on the Shark BRUV project, a joint initiative using Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) technology to collect scientific data on shark populations in the Mediterranean. The collaboration provides scientific evidence for marine regeneration and protection efforts, helping to debunk myths about sharks and generate public support for their conservation.
- Mission BluemajorMission Blue is an international NGO with which Save the Med collaborates on scientific expeditions focused on marine conservation. The expeditions are supported by companies, sponsors, and local diving centres, extending the foundation's reach and impact globally.
- Plastic Pollution CoalitionmajorAn international partner collaborating with Save the Med on scientific expeditions and broader efforts to combat plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, extending reach through a global network of marine conservation organisations.
- The Drifters ProjectminorAn international collaborator on scientific expeditions, contributing to Save the Med's research activities and data collection efforts in the Mediterranean.
- IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)majorSave the Med contributed to the IUCN Shark Specialist Group's Global Status of Sharks, Rays, and Chimaeras report, specifically the Mediterranean chapter. The foundation's elasmobranch specialist Gabriel Morey participated in the study involving 180 international scientists.
- Xarxa Dragonera BlavacoreXarxa Dragonera Blava (XDB) is a community network connected to Sa Dragonera, consisting of individuals with professional or recreational ties to the area. Save the Med co-founded and coordinates this network to establish participatory governance for the marine space of Sa Dragonera, enabling the community to actively participate in decision-making processes related to its management.
- Cleanwave FoundationminorCleanwave Foundation collaborates with Save the Med on creating a Mediterranean underwater garden in Formentor, Pollença, as part of broader marine regeneration efforts in the northern Balearic region.
- Els Voltors Sports GroupminorSave the Med joined Els Voltors Sports Group during the annual public nautical event Volta a Sa Dragonera en caiac to raise concerns about increasing maritime traffic and boat speeds in the Sa Dragonera marine reserve.
- Balearic GovernmentmajorThe Balearic Government approved Order 6/2025 limiting navigation speeds to 10 knots in the Sa Dragonera marine reserve (Es Freu de Sa Dragonera), following advocacy by Save the Med, Xarxa Dragonera Blava, and Els Voltors Sports Group. The Andratx City Council also passed a motion urging the regional government to regulate speeds.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Save the Med competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- MedPAN (Mediterranean Protected Areas Network): Network of Mediterranean marine protected area managers. Comparable as an ecosystem player: Save the Med engages with MedPAN through MPA-related advocacy and the Xarxa Dragonera Blava participatory governance work, but MedPAN is a coordinating network rather than a direct competitor.
Direct peers
- Blue Marine Foundation: UK-registered marine conservation foundation that funds and runs projects in the Mediterranean (including the Balearics). Highly comparable: small, science-driven, project-based, donor-funded, focused on marine reserves and biodiversity.
- Marilles Foundation: Mallorca-based foundation funding marine conservation projects in the Balearic Islands. Highly comparable: same geography (Balearics), same mission (Mediterranean marine protection), same funding model (private foundation distributing grants and running programmes).
- Surfrider Foundation Europe: European ocean protection NGO with active campaigns on plastic pollution, water quality and coastal protection. Comparable mission overlap, especially with Save the Med's HAPI Method and Plastic Free Balearics initiatives.
Broad incumbents
- Oceana: Largest international ocean conservation advocacy organisation. Comparable because it campaigns for marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries and plastic reduction across the Mediterranean, often overlapping Save the Med's policy advocacy and scientific outreach.
- Sea Shepherd Spain: Spanish branch of marine conservation direct-action NGO. Comparable in protecting Mediterranean marine wildlife and engaging volunteers, though its operational model is enforcement-focused rather than community regeneration.
- Greenpeace Spain: Spanish arm of Greenpeace, campaigning on marine reserves, plastic pollution and biodiversity. Comparable in Spanish donor base and Mediterranean marine protection advocacy, but much larger and broader in scope.
- WWF Mediterranean: WWF's Mediterranean Marine Initiative runs marine protected area and fisheries programmes across the region. Directly comparable in marine biodiversity focus, fundraising approach and Mediterranean geographic scope.
Emerging players
- Plastic Pollution Coalition: Global coalition working to end plastic pollution. Save the Med is already an active collaborator with this coalition, indicating strong mission alignment around plastic reduction, though Plastic Pollution Coalition operates as an advocacy network rather than field project implementer.
Regional players
- Alnitak: Spanish marine research and education NGO active in Mediterranean cetacean and sea turtle conservation. Comparable as a Spain-based, donor-funded marine research/education organisation, but focuses more on flagship species research than holistic community regeneration.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Save the Med social profiles
Digital presenceSave the Med financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Save the Med leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Save the Med funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Save the Med M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Save the Med
What does Save the Med do?
Save the Med Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to marine regeneration in the Mediterranean basin, primarily in the Balearic Islands. It delivers community-led conservation programmes through its Areas Under Regeneration (AUR) framework across eight active initiatives covering marine protected area governance, plastic footprint reduction, shark population research, and youth environmental education. Operations are funded by donations, institutional grants, and a branded merchandise e-commerce store.
Is Save the Med a public or private company?
Save the Med is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Save the Med founded?
Save the Med was founded in 2012. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Save the Med based?
Save the Med is headquartered in Palma De Mallorca, Spain, in the Europe region.
How does Save the Med make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations (Individual) is the primary driver. The others are merchandise Sales, corporate Donations and institutional Funding.
Who are Save the Med's main competitors?
MedPAN (Mediterranean Protected Areas Network) is listed as an others. Direct peers are Blue Marine Foundation, Marilles Foundation and Surfrider Foundation Europe. Broad incumbents are Oceana, Sea Shepherd Spain, Greenpeace Spain and WWF Mediterranean. Plastic Pollution Coalition is listed as an emerging player. Alnitak is listed as a regional player.
Does Save the Med have an API?
No public API is recorded for Save the Med.
What industry is Save the Med in?
Save the Med's product category is Marine Conservation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAE, Marine & Freshwater Conservation. Its NAICS code is 813312.