Mauro Morandi, known as Italy's Robinson Crusoe, has passed away at the age of 85. The hermit lived for more than three decades on Budelli, a small island off the coast of Sardinia, famous for its stunning pink-sanded beaches. Morandi's last moments were spent on the island of La Maddalena, after he was forced to leave Budelli due to health and political pressures from Italian authorities.
Morandi first discovered Budelli in 1989 when misfortune struck during his sailing trip to the South Pacific. After his catamaran broke down, he was forced to anchor in the La Maddalena archipelago, where he found out the island was uninhabited and its caretaker was set to retire. Seizing the opportunity, Morandi sold his boat and took over the role of caretaker for Budelli, dedicatively living alone on the island.
During his time on Budelli, Morandi became known for his conservation efforts, safeguarding the island's environment from sand thieves and other threats. He maintained the island's trails, keeping its beaches clean, and shared his knowledge with visitors about the local ecosystem during the summer months. "I have found my own Polynesia here," Morandi once said, reflecting his deep bond with the place he called home.
Budelli gained international recognition after featuring in Michelangelo Antonioni's film "The Red Desert" in 1964. The pink sand of Budelli, created by microorganisms like Miniacin miniaceae living on Posidonia oceanica, along with coral and shells, became the hallmark of the island. Sadly, increasing tourism led to many visitors taking sand as souvenirs, prompting stricter protection measures.
Despite the idyllic lifestyle he had carved out for himself, Morandi's time on Budelli came to an end when La Maddalena National Park authorities decided to designate the island as an ecological education center. After years of living on the island, Morandi was evicted in 2021, and he moved to a small apartment on La Maddalena. This shift marked his return to civilization, which he described as challenging due to the sudden change from solitude to the noise of modern life.
Reports indicate Morandi faced health complications following his eviction, spending time last summer in a care home due to a fall. He later succumbed to deteriorated health conditions and passed away on January 3, 2025, at the weekend, returning to his roots in Modena, Italy.
The conservationist was not just known for his hermit lifestyle but also for his meaningful interactions with people. Throughout his years of solitude, he garnered around 70,000 followers on social media platforms who admired his life and dedication to the natural environment. On his passing, many fans expressed their condolences online. "Ciao Mauro, now you can return to the island protection you so fiercely served for decades," wrote one follower.
Morandi has left behind not just the legacy of his unconventional life and untamed spirit but also the ethos of environmental stewardship he personified. His commitment to the protection of Budelli became more than just personal; it reached out and inspired many who learned through his stories and interactions.
The loss of Mauro Morandi signifies the passing of an era for Budelli Island — one where human presence and natural beauty harmonized uniquely. His life serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between conservation and modernity, and his voice for the island will echo through time, inviting future generations to cherish and protect natural wonders.