Thought-provoking marine conservation workshop concludes “Underwater Dome” events

Landmark event celebrating 60 years of care for the seas was sponsored by the MSC Foundation and hosted aboard GNV Rhapsody

Focus Area: Environmental Conservation

The MSC Foundation proudly sponsored the final event of "Underwater Dome," organised by Italy’s first diving club, USS Dario Gonzatti. The high-profile event aboard the ferry ship GNV Rhapsody marked the 60th anniversary of the World Underwater Federation’s Declaration of Possession of the Seabed on behalf of humanity. Fittingly, the ship had just been converted to run on the green biofuel hydrotreated vegetable oil.

The Declaration was an unprecedented initiative launched by the club’s then President, the world-famous oceanographer, filmmaker and author Jacques Yves Cousteau – inventor of the “aqualung”, and the President of the Sports Committee, Luigi Ferraro, founder of the club.

Its purpose was to drew attention to and raise awareness of the importance of coordinated efforts in managing and exploring the vast underwater resources that belong to all humanity as a vital heritage to be cared for and not thoughtlessly exploited. The "Underwater Dome" series of events renewed this call in line with the goals set by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.

The concluding workshop sponsored by the MSC Foundation served as an international platform to promote marine conservation, showcase significant advancements in marine conservation and sustainability, and foster discussion on preserving the marine environment. Featuring expert contributions from representatives of the sports diving community, academic institutions and environmental organisations, it focused on innovative approaches and best practices to protect marine ecosystems, reflecting on the progress made since the Declaration while proposing future actions.

Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in marine conservation: "The MSC Foundation is deeply committed to protecting the sea, which is why we sponsored the 'Underwater Dome' initiative. Events like this provide a valuable opportunity to stimulate reflection and propose concrete actions to protect the marine environment. The sea is our shared heritage, and its health should be addressed through cross-sector collaboration. Only through shared commitment and collective action can we ensure a sustainable future for our younger generations."

The MSC Foundation is dedicated to protecting the marine environment and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Sponsoring initiatives like "Underwater Dome" is just one of the many ways in which we act on our commitment to build a brighter future for our planet's oceans.