TTL_BOOK_v8 30.07.25 - Flipbook - Page 95
DONA BERTARELLI
Dona Bertarelli is a Swiss philanthropist and biodiversity champion,
deeply committed to impactful initiatives in ocean conservation,
education, and gender equality. As Executive Chair of Dona Bertarelli
Philanthropy and Co-Chair of the Bertarelli Foundation, she works to
balance human well-being and environmental stewardship.
For over three decades, Dona Bertarelli has been a dedicated advocate
for ocean protection, environmental conservation, animal welfare,
education, and social causes. Through her work, she shares her extensive
experience and passion for making a di昀昀erence.
She is a Patron of Nature of the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) and a World Economic Forum Friend of Ocean Action.
She has also served as a Special Advisor for the Blue Economy to the
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Through the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, she partners with The
Pew Charitable Trusts to advance ocean conservation. Together, they
have contributed to the protection of over 13 million km² of ocean by
collaborating with communities, indigenous groups, governments,
scientists, and philanthropic organizations.
Executive Chair
Dona founded Global Fishing Watch Marine Manager, an innovative
technological platform designed to enhance the management of marine
protected areas.
Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy
As part of a joint initiative with the IUCN, the International Olympic
Committee (IOC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and Dona Bertarelli
Philanthropy, she helped launch the Sports for Nature Framework,
which aims to promote biodiversity protection and restoration through
sports.
A passionate sailor, Dona co-founded Sails of Change with her husband,
renowned French skipper Yann Guichard. Based in Brittany, their team
re昀氀ects their shared love for the ocean, sailing, and competition, as well
as a common mission to pioneer the sport’s positive impact.
Dona has won prestigious races and set records, including victories at
the Bol d’Or Mirabaud in 2010 and 2014 and two Fastnet Races. In the
winter of 2015-16, as helmsman and trimmer aboard the world’s largest
maxi-trimaran, she participated in an attempt at the Jules Verne Trophy.
Though the team narrowly missed the record, Dona became the fastest
woman to sail around the world.
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