Geneva, Switzerland, 20 March 2024<\/strong> \u2013 The MSC Foundation teamed up with IUCN a second time at the annual Monaco Ocean Week on 19 March to co-host, with Velux Foundation and Filantropia Cortes Solari, a multi-stakeholder discussion on realising the potential of philanthropy for ocean conservation.<\/p>\n Following opening remarks by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco on the panel theme of addressing local challenges of national significance, the MSC Foundation laid out its commitments to coral reef restoration and conservation in The Bahamas under its Super Coral Programme<\/em>.\u00a0 Executive Director Daniela Picco emphasised the value of its institutional, academic and MSC Group partners and long-term investment in sound science and research studies to establish its nursery for critically endangered elkhorn coral. These coral fragments’ 100% survival rate after a marine heat wave in The Bahamas in the summer of 2023 is a promising sign of thermal resilience, providing hope for coral reefs in the region.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a relatively young foundation that embodies the seafaring history and experience of the MSC Group and the founding family\u2019s outlook on future generations, it\u2019s critical to be active in these global discussions between local and international experts, the scientific community, public authorities, associations and the private sector in the spirit of exchange, experimenting and openness<\/em>,\u201d said Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation<\/strong>. \u201cThe Foundation joined forces with IUCN a year ago and is supporting the 100 scientists from 30 countries involved in the rigorous scientific analysis of over 850 coral species worldwide needed to update the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.\u00a0 We have a dedicated programme in the Bahamas for impact at the national level.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The Foundation started the design phase of its Super Coral Programme to restore the coral reefs of the island of Ocean Cay in 2019, the same year that MSC Cruises completed its redevelopment for cruise guests. Collaboratively with the Bahamian government, leading universities, marine scientists, and conservationists, MSC Cruises\u2019 restoration of the island\u2019s ecosystems involved removing 7,500 tons of scrap metal and planting nearly 5,000 trees and 75,000 indigenous plants, flowers, and shrubs and a rapid environmental assessment of Ocean Cay\u2019s coral reefs.<\/p>\n \u201cI have witnessed first-hand, and been a part of, the transformation of Ocean Cay from an industrial wasteland to an island thriving with life. MSC Cruises\u2019 environmental vision and commitment to meeting standards for the restoration of the island are unparalleled in the region,\u201d said Dr Owen O\u2019Shea, MSC Foundation\u2019s Marine Programme & Research Manager<\/strong>.\u00a0 \u201cImplemented on the ground since 2022, our Super Coral Programme is committed to future generations of Bahamians and marine scientists around Ocean Cay.\u00a0 Its designation by Mission Blue and Dr Sylvia Earle as a \u201cHope Spot\u201d in December 2022, among over 150 other places scientifically recognised as critical to the health of the ocean, is a significant achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n Our oceans provide much of the food humanity needs, 50% of the oxygen we breathe, and regulate our weather and the planet\u2019s response to climate change. The most diverse marine ecosystems are coral reefs, which support at least 25% of all species found in our oceans. \u201cWe are delighted that we have identified high thermal resilience in some genetic populations of corals, developed techniques to grow corals in open water nurseries and started to trial methods to outplant these corals in the environment,\u201d said David Smith, PhD, Professor of Marine Biology, University of Essex (UK) and Chief Scientific Advisor on the MSC Foundation\u2019s Advisory Board. <\/strong><\/p>\n ————————————–<\/p>\n ABOUT THE MSC FOUNDATION: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The non-profit MSC Foundation implements the MSC Group\u2019s marine conservation, humanitarian, and sustainable development commitments worldwide, utilising MSC\u2019s global reach and unique knowledge of the sea to protect and nurture our blue planet, its people, and our shared cultural heritage.<\/p>\n Concentrating on four areas \u2013 Environment, Community Support, Education and Emergency Relief \u2013 the Foundation promotes the protection and sustainable management of ecosystems, empowers vulnerable communities around the world to realise their full potential, supports equitable and inclusive quality education to foster enduring individual and collective development, and helps disaster-struck populations toward recovery.<\/p>\n The Foundation works to achieve this both independently and with dedicated partners: independently, by leveraging MSC Group engagement in designing and managing projects, connecting communities, raising awareness, and mobilising the financial support of thousands of people, and together with trusted partners selected for their strong innovative vision or track record for effective action.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Owen-OSHEA_Marine-Research-Program-Manager_MSC-Foundation.jpg\" "\\"Owen")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>20\/03\/2024<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n PHILANTHROPY TALKS AT MONACO OCEAN WEEK: MSC FOUNDATION CATALYSES CORAL REEF RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION WITH ACADEMIC, UN, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS<\/strong><\/p>\n Ocean Science, education and public-private partnership are at the heart of the MSC Foundation\u2019s engagement in coral conservation and restoration<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>