Sailing towards ocean conservation: UNESCO and Luna Rossa renew their partnership

The ocean connects us all, across borders, generations, and communities. Protecting it is a responsibility that calls for collective action.

First launched in 2024, the partnership between UNESCO and Luna Rossa Challenge enters a new chapter, reaffirming a shared commitment to ocean literacy, climate action, and education for sustainable development.

Founded in 1997 and backed by the Prada Group, Luna Rossa is an internationally renowned sailing team competing at the highest level of professional sailing, recognised for its excellence in sport and its dedication to environmental sustainability and the promotion of ocean-related values.

This renewed collaboration promotes ocean preservation through a range of activities carried out within the framework of SEA BEYOND, the educational programme of Prada Group and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. Since 2019, SEA BEYOND has expanded ocean education globally.

As a visible symbol of this commitment, the UNESCO and SEA BEYOND logos appear on Luna Rossa sails, highlighting the role of the sailing community in fostering sustainable practices and protecting marine ecosystems. The Luna Rossa Team and UNESCO also collaborate on educational and scientific activities, aimed at broadening public engagement while drawing on the technological innovation and advanced methodologies of high-performance sailing.

A key initiative of this renewed partnership is a new edition of the Ocean&Climate Village, at Molo Ichnusa in the port of Cagliari, Italy, to be hosted at the iconic Luna Rossa Headquarters - a place where sport, innovation, and the sea naturally meet. Inspired by Sardinia's exceptional coastal environment and rich maritime culture, the exhibition will explore the deep connection between people, ocean sports, and marine ecosystems through the lens of Ocean Literacy.

The Ocean&Climate Village hosted in Barcelona, Spain, during the 37th America's Cup, helped spark a broader dialogue on how sailing can support scientific research, sustainability innovation, and responsible ocean stewardship. Leveraging the visibility of the world's most prestigious sailing competition, the initiative reached more than 1,000 people, including local communities and schools which took part in the experience. For the first time, visitors were invited to dive into the experience of the Luna Rossa sailing team through cutting-edge VR technology. The immersive experience showcased the team's dual mission: pursuing sporting excellence while championing ocean protection.

Enriched with new textual and interactive content, the Ocean&Climate Village in Cagliari will feature additional immersive experiences, educational storytelling, and interactive installations designed to inspire audiences of all ages. Visitors will learn about the ecological importance of Mediterranean habitats and their essential role in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and the health of coastal communities. The initiative will not only engage educational institutions but also local communities, families, young audiences, environmental enthusiasts, and both local and international media, creating an inclusive platform for dialogue, learning, and collective action for the future of the ocean.

By joining forces, UNESCO and Luna Rossa demonstrate how collaboration, innovation, and education can drive meaningful progress to protect our shared marine environment.