A documentary that tells the story of the black coral forests of Marettimo, to inspire new generations to protect the sea

The documentary

Directed by Igor D’India, a video-maker expert on documentaries dedicated to environmental protection, the project depicts the various stages of biological research over the course of a year. The film follows a team of scuba divers, technicians, and scientists through three expeditions that resulted in the discovery of vast stretches of black coral between 60 and 500 metres deep off the coast of Marettimo. This very rare species of coral indicates the presence of an almost uncontaminated ecosystem and emphasises the importance of studying and understanding the marine biodiversity of places like the Egadi Islands.

During Giovanni’s last residence period on the island, a group of young people from the Marettimo community participated in an educational session dedicated to the local marine ecosystem. Together with the biologist, the SEA BEYOND team - represented by Valentina Lovat (expert in ocean literacy for UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission) - involved the group in an ocean education experience, to help them understand the rarity of the local ecosystem and the need to preserve it. At the same time, the locals reciprocated in the exchange by sharing the secrets of the island with Giovanni and Valentina.

SEA BEYOND in short

Since 2019, the SEA BEYOND programme has contributed significantly to the progress of ocean education on a global scale, through a series of initiatives: 

• Since its debut, the project has trained more than 600 international secondary school students. In its 1st and 2nd edition, 20 secondary schools joined a dedicated educational module from Brazil, China, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Over the 2nd edition, students have been invited to freely interpret (with text, graphics, or interactive content), one of the ten challenges of the Ocean Decade. The winning projects were awarded during the UN Ocean Conference event in Lisbon in June 2022;
  
  
• The “Kindergarten of the Lagoon”, an educational programme of outdoor lessons in Venice for children in preschool, which was launched in January 2023 and has already reached more than 120 children; 
  
  
• Strengthened understanding of ocean literacy for Prada Group’s ~14,000 employees worldwide, via AWorld app, the official platform selected by the United Nations to live more sustainably;
  
  
• On 27 June 2023, the Prada Group announced its commitment to donate 1% of the proceeds of the Prada Re-Nylon collection to the SEA BEYOND project. This increase in resources in favour of the initiative has allowed:
  
  1. The strengthening of the partnership with IOC/UNESCO, broadening the educational programme with a two-year new programme on ocean literacy. This includes the opening of an Ocean Decade Coordination Office in Venice, which will be responsible for the development of the programme;
  
  2. The expansion of the SEA BEYOND programme’s intervention areas, from now on extended to support for scientific research dissemination and to the development of humanitarian projects, both connected with ocean preservation

Prada Group

The Prada Group is socially engaged to contribute to the sustainable development of the communities and stimulate the cultural debate in all its forms of expression. The Group partners with recognized players and international entities to develop educational and training programs, value talent, support scientific research, foster women’s empowerment, and promote local culture and artistic heritage. The Prada Group operates in the luxury sector through the Prada, Miu Miu, Church’s, Car Shoe, Marchesi 1824 and Luna Rossa brands. 

UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the ocean, coasts and marine resources. The IOC enables its 150 Member States to work together by coordinating programmes in capacity development, ocean observations and services, ocean science and tsunami warning. The work of the IOC contributes to the mission of UNESCO to promote the advancement of science and its applications to develop knowledge and capacity, key to economic and social progress, the basis of peace and sustainable development.