UNESCO-IOC brings the Ocean&Climate Village to the America’s Cup in Barcelona with the support of SEA BEYOND
The America’s Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting competitions in the world, but it’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of the profound interconnection between the well-being of the ocean and the global climate through a traveling exhibition, the Ocean&Climate Village, conceived by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC).
From September 24 to October 4, 2024, the Ocean&Climate Village will be on display at Port Olímpic in Barcelona, right by the Bogatell Fan Zone for America’s Cup spectators. The exhibition is supported by SEA BEYOND, the educational program on ocean preservation conceived by the Prada Group and conducted in partnership with UNESCO-IOC since 2019; the project is also part of a collaboration between UNESCO and the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team on the occasion of the 37th America’s Cup, which aims to promote ocean conservation and ocean literacy.
The profound bond between Ocean and Climate
The Ocean&Climate Village is an immersive experience that illustrates the profound connections between the ocean and the global climate system. As climate change intensifies, understanding these connections becomes increasingly vital, especially for residents and visitors of coastal cities like Barcelona.
Visitors will be able to explore a series of interactive displays, multimedia presentations and hands-on laboratories on topics such as the ocean and its role in regulating the Earth’s climate, oceanic biodiversity, and more. As an educational opportunity, the exhibition is particularly well-suited for families and younger audiences, though the content is just as compelling for adults keen to widen their perspective on climate change and the challenges it presents for the world’s largest and least-known ecosystem.
A Special Edition for the America’s Cup
This special edition of the Ocean&Climate Village is presented as part of a partnership between UNESCO and the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team. This collaboration aims to highlight the importance of sustainability in maritime sports, and the contribution that sailing boats can make to the ocean science community through valuable data collection. So, for the first time in its travels, the Ocean&Climate Village will offer a closer look at the team, including its commitment to promote ocean conservation. The partnership is symbolized by the inclusion of the UNESCO logo on the mainsail of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli boat, highlighting a shared commitment to protecting our ocean.
Children collecting seawater samples to analyze under the microscope at the Ocean&Climate Village in Barcelona, April 2024 edition held at the UN Ocean Decade Conference
SEA BEYOND
On the mainsail, the UNESCO logo is paired with that of SEA BEYOND, the educational program on ocean preservation conceived by the Prada Group and conducted in partnership with UNESCO-IOC since 2019. SEA BEYOND works to foster a deeper connection between young people and the ocean through a variety of programs, from outdoor education initiatives for preschool kids in the Venetian Lagoon—the Kindergarten of the Lagoon—to scientific research on black coral in the Mediterranean. It also partners with Bibliothèques Sans Frontières, whose “Ideas Box”—an interactive multimedia center—makes ocean education materials accessible to young people in disadvantaged communities around the world. Visitors will learn more about the activities of SEA BEYOND through a dedicated section of the Ocean&Climate Village exhibition.
Come for the sailing, stay for the climate
Offering a unique blend of education, engagement, and environmental advocacy, the Ocean&Climate Village, made possible with the support of SEA BEYOND, is a standout side event at the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona. Moreover, by bringing together the expertise of UNESCO-IOC and the passion of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, this exhibition underlines the critical role of the ocean in our lives, and inspires action for a more sustainable future.
So whether you’re a sailing enthusiast in town for the America’s Cup or a local resident with a passion for marine ecosystems, the Ocean&Climate Village is a must-visit.
The Ocean&Climate Village is free to visit and open to the public at Moll de Mestral, Rooms 21-23, Port Olímpic, Barcelona, from September 24 to October 4, 2024, from 9.30am to 5.30pm every day.
Free guided tours are available in English, Spanish and Catalan.
