Environmental education is vital to fostering a society that values and protects the Planet. Marevivo has always been committed to educating younger generations about environmental awareness and the essential role of the sea in sustaining life, making this mission its guiding light. 

Since 2015, Marevivo’s partnership with the MSC Foundation has reached thousands of students and hundreds of teachers across Italy, instilling respect for the marine environment. 
In 2024, we joined forces for the Il Mare a Scuola campaign, advocating for the inclusion of environmental education in schools and the implementation of the Salvamare law. 

This initiative, supported by the UNESCO Ocean Decade, highlights the ocean’s crucial role in regulating climate and sustaining life. The European Union urges member states to prioritise environmental education. France’s Eco-Schools programme and the UK’s Teach the Future campaign demonstrate how integrating sustainability into education empowers students to take action.

A survey found that over 70% of Italians are unaware of the ocean’s fundamental functions, underscoring the need for environmental education. 
Italy must follow suit by embedding environmental education into the school system. Educating young people about ocean conservation fosters a culture of sustainability and ensures a healthier future for our planet. Our future depends on the health of the sea, but the health of the sea depends on our actions.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the need for surgical services is immense, with an estimated 93% of the population lacking access to safe and affordable surgical care.   

Since 1978, Mercy Ships has provided free, life-changing surgeries and medical training in sub-Saharan Africa, impacting the lives of 2.8 million people.  We work with host nations’ health ministries to align our services with national priorities, providing medical care and training to strengthen long-term healthcare capacity. 

Since 2011, Mercy Ships has been blessed by our friends from the Aponte-Vago family of the MSC Group and MSC Foundation by assuring logistical support and container delivery of supplies to all our ports of service.  

In 2024, we were awed and humbled once again when MSC committed to providing a significant anchor donation to construct a new hospital ship. The new ship, the Atlantic Mercy, will double our capacity, enabling our volunteer medical teams to provide more patients with procedures like maxillofacial surgery, orthopaedic procedures, reconstructive plastic surgery and ophthalmic care.  She will also be equipped for our education, training and advocacy programmes for local healthcare professionals.  

We are immensely grateful for the compassionate hearts of the Aponte-Vago family and their profound expression of trust in providing this generous gift. 

The MSC Foundation, as a Hope Spot Champion for Ocean Cay, is leading by example—restoring critical marine habitats and engaging guests in the protection of our blue planet. Mission Blue’s partnership with the MSC Foundation exemplifies how combining a concrete seagrass restoration initiative on a cruise route with targeted educational programs can foster marine stewardship among millions of travelers. These efforts not only educate but also empower individuals to take meaningful action in their own lives. 

Engaging cruise guests presents a unique opportunity to enhance ocean literacy on a global scale. As the Godmother of Explora I, the first ship of Explora Journeys, I recognise the immense potential to inspire passengers about ocean preservation and sustainable practices. 

By leveraging the influence of cruise lines and their vast reach, we can cultivate a global community of informed ocean advocates. With every voyage, we have the chance to highlight the beauty, fragility, and importance of the ocean, turning awareness into action and ensuring a thriving future for marine ecosystems.