Fundación Ecomar

Protecting the marine environment

Fundación Ecomar is a nonprofit focused on caring for the marine environment. It was founded in 1999 by Theresa Zabell, the only Spanish woman with two Olympic gold medals, after she retired from competitive sailing. Its headquarters are at 16 Montesa Street, ground floor, unit D, 28006 Madrid.

The foundation organizes its work around four areas: education, awareness, direct action, and marine-ecosystem restoration. It says its activities have reached 2.5 million people since it was founded.

Programs and initiatives

• Educación Ecomar: School programs and learning materials, including Cuadernos de Bitácora, aimed at younger generations.
• Grímpola Ecomar and Centros Grímpola: Water-sports initiatives linked to environmental education.
• Ponte las pilas y recicla: A recycling and waste-collection campaign.
• Limpieza de Costas: Coastal cleanup activities.
• Ecomar Ciencia: Research projects and scientific coordination.
• Acción Posidonia and Bosque Marino: Seagrass conservation and replanting projects, including what the foundation describes as its largest planting project to date.

Partnerships

Ecomar develops projects with other organizations. These include a partnership with E1 Team Rafa to protect seagrass, “Mares que importan” with Coca-Cola in the Mediterranean, and Reto RES30 with United Way España. The foundation also works with institutional and business partners and media organizations.

Certifications and endorsements

The foundation lists support from the European Commission, 1% for the Planet, Fundación Lealtad's seal, Blue Flag, the Spanish Association of Foundations, and EU4Ocean, among others.

Contact and ways to help

Address: 16 Montesa Street, ground floor, unit D, 28006 Madrid, Spain. Phone: +34 91 350 4485. Email: ecomar@fundacionecomar.org. Ways to participate include donations, membership, volunteering, and corporate partnerships.