«Ocean for All»: the discovery of the Marine World blows life into Roya Valley
“The sea holds everybody in its net of wonder forever”, used to say Jacques Yves Cousteau, famous explorer and oceanographer. Increasing knowledge for marine ecosystems is essential for our survival and its preservation necessarily passes through a tangible involvement of new generations. This has been the key mission of “Ocean for All” since its creation in 2014. This educational project is addressed to PACA region rural areas, by the strong will of Monaco Oceanography Institute with the support of Prince Charlene of Monaco Foundation, Monaco National Youth and Sports Education Department and the French Ministry of National Education.
The 7th edition was held on the 1st June 2021 at the Oceanographic Museum and it assumed a special meaning being focused exclusively on twenty-five students attending the CM2 primary school level at Jean Moulin School in Breil-sur-Roya. A territory particularly hit by the exceptional violence of Storm Alex which involved the French and the Italian Riviera in early October 2020.
Oceans and seas play a crucial role preventing climate change, providing food and preserving biodiversity. But how to take care of the ecosystem that is increasingly put to the test? An interactive workshop included a treasure hunt within the new digital exhibition ‘Immersion’ and the Mediterranean Aquarium. An awareness-raising programme to reduce plastic pollution with a special tour in the Oceanic Museum backstage.
“I wish you to enjoy a day-visit to the discovery of the Oceanographic Museum for your own care and of the Ocean”, pointed out in his video message Antoine Zeghdar, promising French Rugby player for the Oyonnax Team, particularly committed in the marine protection cause.
The young students’ exciting experience was concluded by their choral role play in the great conference hall at the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Hereditary Jacques and Princess Gabriella, a large group of high authorities and Gareth Wittstock, General Secretary of Princess Charlene Foundation. An extraordinary educational path under the supervision of their teacher, Laurent Moro, enhanced their sense of discovery and cognitive abilities by turning them into junior journalists. They discovered the amazing Maritime Alps liveable ecosystem that would not exist without the presence of the Mediterranean Sea’s influence. Creativity, power of observation, use of more than one means of communication had been involved in the project to convey a special message on the “blue cause”, highlighted through a dedicated Media dissemination by the will of the Oceanography Institute.
“Such a marvellous location as that where we are best expresses our attachment to the Mediterranean Sea which is a human marine space with common roots for many peoples who feel united to each other”, stressed Jean-Claude Guibal, Mayor of Menton and president of the Agglomeration Community of the French Riviera – CARF. So, the basis of everything is the education on which we must focus the future as underlined by Robert Calcagno, Director General of Monaco Oceanographic Institute.
The Institute, in fact, has always been concerned with the creation of an ecological consciousness among young people. The synergic action defied any logistic difficulty in Roya Valley flooded zones to give the young participants a moment of escape from a challenging situation as a result of the extreme climatic conditions.
The 2021 edition of ‘Oceano pour Tous’ (Ocean for All) gave all participants the tools to become true every-day Ocean ambassadors to make an effective contribution to our Home Planet. A praiseworthy initiative that will host five more classes in the current month for a total of 120 students involved.
To know more about the initiative and to make private donations please visit the website.
