THE BLACK CORAL RESEARCH PROJECT

The Prada Group, as part of the SEA BEYOND Project, supported the dissemination of the scientific research project on black coral in the waters of the Egadi Islands by Giovanni Chimienti, marine biologist and National Geographic Explorer. 

On 18 July 2023, in the central square of the island of Marettimo, the prèmiere of the documentary 'Il Bianco nel Blu' (Deep White Forests) took place with the aim of spreading the principles of ocean literacy and inspiring new generations to protect the sea.

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The documentary directed by Igor D'India - a filmmaker specialised in environmental protection - recounts the stages of the research by the biologist and his team of divers, technicians and scientists, through three expeditions that led to 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 an almost untouched ecosystem and allows for a better study and understanding of marine biodiversity.

The screening was preceded by a talk, moderated by Marco Cattaneo, Director of National Geographic Italy, in the presence of Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Francesca Santoro, IOC/UNESCO Senior Programme Officer and Giovanni Chimienti, marine biologist. 

During the last period of Giovanni's stay on the island, the SEA BEYOND team, represented by Valentina Lovat - ocean literacy expert for the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission -, involved a group of young people in an ocean literacy experience, to help them understand the rarity of the local ecosystem and the need to preserve it.

«Through the SEA BEYOND project and in partnership with UNESCO, the Prada Group continues its commitment to generate a concrete impact, both through ocean literacy and by supporting scientific research and its dissemination, to create shared knowledge. A sincere thanks to the community of Marettimo, which hosted us and provided the setting for the launch of SEA BEYOND's new phase.»

Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility

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18 July 2023
Deep White Forests

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