Monaco’s Oceanographic Institute is setting sail on an ambitious new voyage, inviting visitors to embark on an immersive journey through time and space with the unveiling of ‘Mediterranean 2050’ at the Oceanographic Museum. Prince Albert II has now opened this cutting-edge exhibit, which aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for ocean conservation while offering a glimpse into a hopeful future for the Mediterranean Sea.
The Mediterranean Sea, home to more than 17,000 marine species, is a global biodiversity hotspot under increasing environmental pressures. In line with the 30×30 goal, an initiative to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030 that was adopted at COP15 in 2022, the Oceanographic Institute has decided to bring to life a vision of the Mediterranean that is not only protected but also 100% sustainably managed with a breathtaking new display at the Oceanographic Museum.
Understanding that such a future cannot be accomplished without a unified effort, the Oceanographic Institute is working to engage citizens, policymakers and businesses in a collective movement favouring ocean preservation. Part of this strategy is the new Mediterranean 2050 exhibition, which was inaugurated by Prince Albert II on 26th March.
The exhibition spans more than 1,000m². It explores the Mediterranean’s past in-depth, looks at its present challenges and paints a compelling picture of a thriving seascape set in 2050, with a lively Marine Protected Area (MPA) at its core.
See more: Oceanographic Institute of Monaco launches campaign promoting Marine Protected Areas
Through interactive exhibits, immersive projections and engaging storytelling, guests will gain insight into Monaco’s longstanding dedication to the Mediterranean, from Prince Albert I’s early conservation efforts to Prince Albert II’s lifelong dedication to practices and policies created for the protection of the seas.
Robert Calcagno, Director General of the Oceanographic Institute, says of the new exhibit, “Imagine the Mediterranean in 2050, a sea where fishing is carried out without destroying the seabed, where whales sail without fear of collision, where maritime transport is regulated to limit pollution, where Marine Protected Areas are truly effective and connected in a coherent network. But for a 100% well-managed sea, there can no longer be any question of scattered, fragmented, or worse, poorly calibrated solutions. Good management therefore requires a systemic and coordinated approach. So, let’s dream a little longer. Let’s imagine an approach where everyone agrees to adjust their sectoral and political ambitions to optimise the entire system and guarantee, in the long term, sustainable benefits for all.”
As such, the exhibition extends beyond simply educating; it invites active participation. Over the course of their visit, visitors will be encouraged to take personal action and voice their expectations to public authorities and private industry leaders, reinforcing the message that ocean conservation is a shared responsibility.
Mediterranean 2050 is now officially open to the public. Be sure to pay it a visit and prepare for an inspiring and thought-provoking experience that aims to shape a more sustainable future for the Mediterranean and for humankind.
To see more photographs of the exhibition, click on the images below:
Read related:
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco to welcome new and immersive ‘Mediterranean 2050’ exhibition
Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photos source: Frederic Pacorel / Oceanographic Institute / Palais Princier de Monaco / Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department