Prada recently partnered with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) to raise awareness around ocean preservation and sustainability through their educational program, “Sea Beyond.”
Secondary schools in 10 cities around the globe took part in the program in which teachers received training to develop an educational module dedicated to the theme of ocean sustainability. Teams of students then developed awareness campaigns focused on ocean preservation as part of an international competition.
Portuguese school Agrupamento de Escolas de Vialonga in Lisbon was announced as the winner in a digital ceremony last month, with their short cartoon “Circular nets: a sea of plastic (Redes circulares: Cerco ao plástico no mar).” The project depicted plastic pollution that endangers marine ecosystems and ways to upcycle plastic waste.
“You must take the children to sail. This should be part of education,” said environmental artist Anne de Carbuccia, one of the jurors of the contest. “Sea Beyond” seeks to educate future generations of the responsibility to adopt mindful behaviors towards the ocean and its resources.
Prada will be donating €5,000 to the winning school for educational materials. The top three campaigns will also be published online by both Prada and UNESCO.