Mission Blue and the MSC have partnered strategically for three years to launch an ambitious ocean literacy program and a seagrass restoration project in Formentera.
This collaboration combines the expertise of Mission Blue, led by the prestigious oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, with the extensive outreach capabilities of the MSC Foundation to inspire and mobilize broad support for ocean protection.
Mission Blue and the MSC Foundation will collaborate in two main areas:
- A restoration project will plant up to 37,000 seaweed plants over the next three years to help restore the seagrass meadows of Formentera. The aim is to support efforts in the region to replenish vital seagrass meadows and help create a cascade of ecological benefits, including fostering increased biodiversity, improving fish populations, and sequestering carbon.
- An ocean literacy program, launching this summer, is designed to educate and inspire approximately 4 million passengers across MSC Cruises' fleets about the importance of the ocean. The program includes lessons, activities, and onboard presentations for cruise passengers led by prominent figures in ocean conservation.
Dr. Sylvia Earle, president of Mission Blue, shared her vision: “The ocean is at a critical juncture that demands not only our attention, but urgent global action. We must protect it as if our lives depended on it—because they do! Now, by joining forces with the MSC Foundation, we can reach millions of people who sail the ocean each year to help educate them about what lies beneath the surface and inspire greater marine stewardship.”
“The MSC Foundation has demonstrated its commitment to ocean conservation at sea and on land at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas, and through its outreach programs designed to engage the public on a large scale at a crucial time.”.
The partnership between Mission Blue and the MSC Foundation is driven by a shared commitment to safeguarding the planet's 'Blue Heart'.
In July 2023, Mission Blue declared Ocean Cay Marine Reserve a 'Hope Spot' in recognition of the recovery of the island's ecosystem and surrounding waters, including the restoration of coral reefs and the resilience efforts of the MSC Foundation's Super Coral Program. Mr. Pierfrancesco Vago was named Hope Spot Champion of Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. In October 2023, Dr. Earle was named godmother of Explora I in a traditional maritime ceremony.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the MSC Foundation and CEO of the MSC Group's Cruise Division, highlighted the collaborative spirit of this new partnership: “Our joint commitment with Dr. Earle and Mission Blue increases our ability to drive meaningful change.”
“As Hope Spot Champion for Ocean Cay, I am eager to see how our efforts catalyze broad support for protecting vital ecosystems in the communities where we sail, alongside MSC Group colleagues and stakeholders around the world, including our cruise passengers.”.
Daniela Picco, executive director of the MSC Foundation, described the operational aspects of the alliance: “This partnership focuses on education and restoration, two of the Foundation’s key areas of interest. Thanks to this collaboration, we are adding a significant new restoration project to our portfolio, which involves replanting up to 37,000 seagrass meadows around the island of Formentera over three years.”
“Our goal is to boost ongoing efforts to replant seagrass meadows in order to mitigate the effects of human activity and climate change, restoring ecological balance and supporting marine life”.
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