Bertarelli-Annual-Report-2024-LR - Flipbook - Page 47
Our Impacts in 2023
Marine Science 2023
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science behind ocean-island connections, learned about
projects currently underway and the involvement of local
communities, and how we can find new ways to finance
this important work.
The Art of Saving the Ocean was designed to bring
diverse speakers to diverse audiences. Our panellists
ranged from conservation biologists to military veterans;
industry leaders in sustainable business development to
experts in biodiversity and carbon credits. Our audience,
meanwhile, hailed from many geographies and sectors
including scientists, artists, philanthropists, adventurers,
astronauts and more.
The day comprised of four main sessions: Ocean-Island
Connections; Rewilding in Action; People and Nature;
and Funding Change. The event was opened by marine
science programme lead Heather Koldewey and Re:wild
chief executive Wes Sechrest, when they welcomed
everyone to the day and provided background on the
two foundations. Re:wild’s chief conservation officer
Russ Mittermeier then took to the stage to explain the
importance of establishing and properly monitoring
protected areas, especially in biodiversity hotspots.
UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay spoke
on behalf of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for
Sustainable Development. Ms. Azoulay reminded us of
the importance of protected areas, and the invaluable
interactions between science and local knowledge for
the sake of protecting our ocean. Ernesto Bertarelli gave
the closing remarks, tying the themes of the day together
and thanking everyone for their active participation.
Shanna Challenger, Environmental Awareness Group,
Antigua and Barbuda, presenting at Art Basel Miami
Whilst expanding how we communicate the work of
the programme, we also continue to reach audiences
via our different communications platforms. Social
media is a powerful tool for sharing information across
a range of audiences. We continued to use X (formerly
Twitter) as our primary platform for sharing news from
the programme, with our followers increasing to more
than 2,000 followers in 2023. At the end of September
2023, we also relaunched our Instagram account
@iomarinescience to reach new and different audiences.
Within just three months, our Instagram account
reached an average monthly engagement rate of 29%
and a steadily growing follower count.
