Kindergarten of the Lagoon is an innovative outdoor education initiative launched by the Prada Group and UNESCO-IOC in January 2023, on the occasion of the International Day of Education. Part of the broader SEA BEYOND program, it brings pre-school children into direct contact with the lagoon environment of Venice through hands-on activities, fostering early Ocean Literacy and environmental awareness.
Held on Torcello Island, the project immerses children in nature, offering experiential learning centered on the lagoon’s flora, fauna, and ecosystems. The curriculum includes exploration, drawing, collaborative games, science experiments, and workshops led by artists and natural scientists. This approach helps children develop curiosity, care, and knowledge of the natural world, turning them into young “ambassadors” of the sea.
The program also highlights Venice’s cultural heritage, working with local artists such as Sofia Sarria and naturalist illustrator Elisabetta Mitrovic to connect art, tradition, and science. Through activities like papier-mâché mask making and nature journaling, the initiative nurtures creativity while deepening environmental understanding.
Supported by the Venice Municipality and hosted at the Emilia Bosis Foundation villa, the Kindergarten of the Lagoon strengthens the link between schools, families, and the environment, aligning with the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. It aims to grow in scale, inspiring similar projects in other coastal cities around the world.
