Fondazione Marea was founded: a new beginning for Sicily

Fondazione Marea has officially been established, an innovative initiative for the revitalization of Sicily, spearheaded by the Fondazione Comunitaria Agrigento e Trapani.

On December 18, 2024, within the symbolic framework of International Migrants Day, the charter of Fondazione Marea was signed. This new philanthropic project represents a concrete response to the most pressing challenges facing Southern Italy: progressive depopulation, the brain drain, and the lack of opportunities for young people. Fondazione Marea aims to reverse this trend by creating a platform capable of mobilizing economic and intellectual resources for territorial development and social innovation.

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A collective project for Sicily’s revival

Fondazione Marea was born thanks to the commitment of 423 pioneers—individuals who live abroad, chose to stay or return, and carry Sicily in their hearts—together with Isola.Catania, Fondazione Comunitaria Agrigento e Trapani, Fondazione Messina, and Fondazione Hora. This diverse group has united their strengths and expertise to establish a new philanthropic organization aimed at transforming Sicily's global diaspora into an opportunity for the island.

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Reversing the diaspora is the goal

Over the past decade, more than 350,000 young Italians aged 25 to 34 have left the country, with severe consequences for southern regions like Sicily, which face an aging population and hollowing-out communities. By 2050, Italy is expected to lose 4.5 million inhabitants, with 82% of this decline concentrated in the South.

Fondazione Marea seeks to turn this emergency into a resource by focusing on local communities and talents. As Antonio Perdichizzi, one of the founders, stated: "We want to transform Marea into a social infrastructure capable of attracting investments, supporting local communities, and ensuring a future of sustainable growth for Sicily."

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Next step

In 2025, the Foundation will work to identify new resources and supporters, launch a call for innovative projects, and initiate the incubation program for the first social enterprises. The aim is to support initiatives across all nine Sicilian provinces, generating new job opportunities and strengthening the island’s social fabric.

An invitation to build the future

The birth of Fondazione Marea marks a significant step toward Sicily’s future. Thanks to the contributions of its founders and the enthusiasm of the pioneers who have chosen to invest in their homeland, the foundation lays the groundwork for lasting change. This initiative aims to bring cohesion, innovation, and hope to Sicily’s younger generations.