Dr Sara Andreotti Presents Her SharkSafe Barrier at UNOC25 in Nice & BEFF in Monaco

Dr Sara Andreotti

Dr Sara Andreotti Presents Her SharkSafe Barrier at UNOC25 in Nice & BEFF in Monaco As a preface to his Ocean documentary, Sir David Attenborough offered a powerful insight: “After living for nearly 100 years on this planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.” His decades-long journey of discovery brought him to a clear conclusion: if we save the sea, we save our world.

Marine biologist Dr Sara Andreotti shares this belief deeply. A passionate advocate for shark conservation, Dr Andreotti has spent the last several years revealing the vital role that Great White Sharks play in maintaining oceanic health. Through her work, we gain not only scientific understanding but also a more emotional connection to these often-misunderstood creatures.

A Revolutionary Solution for Coexisting with Sharks

Together with her team at Stellenbosch University, Dr Andreotti has been developing and refining the SharkSafe Barrier—a groundbreaking invention designed to foster peaceful coexistence between people and sharks, often referred to as “the shepherds of the sea.”

These innovative, biomimicry-based structures are already deployed in Réunion Island and the Bahamas, where they are protecting both humans and marine life without the use of lethal measures such as shark nets or drumlines. Their success has drawn international recognition, and now, this work is taking centre stage on the global conservation platform.

Global Recognition at UNOC25 and BEFF

Dr Andreotti was recently invited to present the SharkSafe Barrier at two prestigious international gatherings:

The United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 (UNOC25) in Nice, and
The Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco.

These were not ordinary events. UNOC25 marked only the third time in history that world leaders, scientists, innovators, and financiers gathered to accelerate global commitments aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14)—life below water.

What emerged was a united front: protecting the ocean is no longer a matter of choice—it is an essential step for human survival.

From marine biologists and oceanographers to banks, insurers, and government ministers, there was a shared urgency to turn words into action.

The Power of Collective Action

Dr Andreotti described the events as intensely inspiring, emphasizing the shift from isolated concern to global responsibility:

“We have felt for so long that only a handful of ocean-lovers were carrying the burden, so it was wonderful to realise that responsibility is now being shouldered by all levels of society.”

She was especially moved by the sentiment of the President of Costa Rica, who stated:

“Vision without action is just hallucination.”

This philosophy shaped the tone of both conferences. Far from being empty talk, the discussions were action-oriented, aimed at building partnerships, bridging financing gaps, and creating frameworks for measurable progress in the next six months.

Beyond Science: Innovation, Community and Funding

Dr Andreotti also reaffirmed a long-standing truth in her field: science alone is not enough.

“We need collaboration. We need funding. We need public support.”

Both UNOC25 and BEFF explored how regenerative tourism, climate-resilient infrastructure, and community-led innovation can deliver not only environmental benefits but also economic growth. Localised ocean solutions are now being scaled globally, and conservation is being reframed not as a cost but as a wise investment in humanity’s shared future.

Showcasing the SharkSafe Barrier on Global Platforms

Thanks to support from OceanHub Africa and the Uplink Economic Forum, Dr Andreotti’s SharkSafe Barrier was showcased across several high-impact forums:

Katapult Ocean’s Impactful Innovation Day
1000 Ocean Start-Ups Reef
Innovation in an Ocean World, hosted by the Schmidt Ocean Institute and Ocean Impact Organisation

These platforms offered Dr Andreotti valuable opportunities to present a harmonious, proven alternative to traditional shark control methods.

“We now have a nature-inspired way to protect both people and sharks. There is no need for lethal measures.”

From Global Mission to Local Impact: The Italtile Connection

Dr Andreotti’s work is part of a growing international movement urging urgent action to safeguard marine ecosystems. It’s a message that is deeply aligned with Italtile’s SharkWise Project.

Through this partnership, R2 from every Tivoli Tap sold is donated to support Dr Andreotti’s ongoing SharkSafe Barrier research and deployment. It’s a simple yet impactful way for Italtile customers to play an active role in the Blue Economy.

Explore the SharkWise Project here:

One Ocean, One Shared Responsibility

Dr Sara Andreotti may have been called a dreamer, but her work is grounded in science, supported by innovation, and driven by global momentum. Her recent experience at UNOC25 and BEFF proves that despite our differences, humanity can unite around what truly connects us all: the ocean.

In her own words: