Riccione, Italy – The coastal city of Riccione is mounting a bid to be named Italy’s “Capital of the Sea” for 2026, with the Fondazione Cetacea Onlus playing a central role in the candidacy, officials announced today. The initiative, dubbed “RIC 26: Un tuffo nel sogno” (RIC 26: A Dive into the Dream), aims to highlight the city’s historical, cultural, and maritime heritage.
The Fondazione Cetacea, established in 1988 and formally recognized as a non-profit organization in 2008, has emerged as a key scientific, cultural, and civic institution supporting the bid. The foundation operates the Centro di Recupero, cura e riabilitazione delle Tartarughe marine (Turtle Recovery, Care and Rehabilitation Center) at the Colonia Bertazzoni, one of the most important facilities of its kind on the Adriatic Sea. The center annually treats and releases over sixty loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), relying on qualified personnel, marine biologists, specialized veterinarians, and a network of volunteers.
The candidacy rests on an integrated vision recognizing the sea as a common fine and a defining element of the city’s identity. A key component of this vision is fostering collaboration between public entities and private organizations within the region. The Fondazione Cetacea’s work is seen as vital to this effort.
A recent milestone bolstering Riccione’s claim occurred in the summer of 2025 with the first documented turtle nesting event in the city. This event, officials say, underscored the environmental quality of the area and the community’s commitment to marine wildlife protection.
Beyond turtle rehabilitation, the Fondazione Cetacea is recognized by the Emilia-Romagna region as a center for environmental education and training. The foundation conducts extensive educational programs for students, teachers, citizens, and tourists, combining scientific rigor with hands-on experience. These activities are integrated with the Giardino delle Sabbie, a coastal biodiversity hotspot, and the “Into the Blue – Sea Life Fest” festival, dedicated to the Adriatic ecosystem. The foundation is also strengthening its involvement in the European UNDERSEA project and the “Different Waves” immersive performance in 2026.
The foundation is also involved in international scientific and cultural initiatives, including the production of the documentary “Un mare molto piccolo” (A Incredibly Modest Sea) and collaborations with National Geographic Explorers. For 2026, the Fondazione Cetacea has allocated a budget of €477,600 to enhance the Turtle Recovery Center, expand scientific research, protect nesting sites, deliver educational programs, host cultural events, and participate in regional, national, and European projects.
The city is anticipating a decision regarding its candidacy, and potential ministerial recognition as Italy’s “Capital of the Sea” would be a significant step toward realizing the planned initiatives. The Fondazione Cetacea, officials state, is not merely a partner in the bid, but a fundamental pillar, providing scientific and symbolic weight to Riccione’s aspirations.
