The 11th edition of Oceano pour Tous has wrapped up in Monaco with a strong message from the next generation: the ocean matters, and they’re ready to fight for it.
Hosted at the Oceanographic Museum on Tuesday, May 27 and Wednesday, May 28, the event brought together over 40 students from France, Monaco and, for the first time, five countries from the Mediterranean basin—Italy, Spain, Greece, Algeria and Malta. These young ocean ambassadors came together for two days of hands-on science, cultural exchange, and collective reflection on the challenges facing the Mediterranean Sea.
This year’s gathering also marked the launch of Les Rencontres Oceano pour Tous, a new international offshoot of the existing programme organised by the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, in collaboration with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and education authorities from both France and Monaco. It offered an opportunity for pupils to present their school projects on ocean preservation, share personal experiences, and collaborate across borders to draft a multilingual Youth Manifesto for the Ocean—a call to action that unites young voices from across the region.
Actress and environmental advocate Estelle Lefébure, returning as programme patron for the third consecutive year, was present to support the students. “Even those who live far from the sea can understand its importance. This programme gives them not just knowledge, but hope—and the belief that they can make a real difference,” she said.
Over the course of the school year, 31 classes from France, Monaco, overseas territories and the Seychelles worked on creative, research-based projects focused on ocean conservation. Each group submitted a short video report and detailed presentation outlining their environmental impact and outreach strategies. From these, a jury—chaired by Lefébure and composed of experts from education, research and environmental fields—selected 12 winners, rewarding them with grants of up to €3,000. One standout class from within 1,100 km of Monaco earned the grand prize: a trip to the Principality for this very event.
The two-day programme in Monaco offered students the chance to dive into ocean exploration—literally and figuratively. Activities included snorkelling and introductory scuba diving sessions with the Club d’Exploration Sous-Marine de Monaco, guided tours of the museum’s Méditerranée 2050 exhibition, and presentations of the students’ work to their peers. The gathering culminated in the creation of a multilingual manifesto drafted in six languages, capturing the shared vision of a united, sustainable future for the ocean.
Support for the initiative continues to grow. The Association of Friends of the Oceanographic Museum (AAMOM) renewed its support with a three-year commitment, presenting a €450,000 cheque to strengthen two additional arms of the programme aimed at disadvantaged groups: Oceano pour Tous – Education, which supports schoolchildren and trainees through custom visits to the museum, and Oceano pour Tous – Famille, which opens the museum’s doors to families and children from leisure centres for creative, engaging discovery sessions. The Cuomo Foundation also joined as a new partner, pledging to support the expansion of the programme across the Mediterranean, with efforts beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year.
For Robert Calcagno, Director General of the Oceanographic Institute, this edition marked a turning point. “With the inclusion of a Mediterranean focus, we’re reinforcing a key idea: there is only one ocean, composed of interconnected ecosystems. It’s our job to find regional solutions to global challenges. These students give us reason to hope—they’re building a Mediterranean future founded on dialogue, cooperation and action.”
The Mediterranean-focused classes, while not competing for prizes, followed the same educational path as the French schools, benefiting from expert support, digital workshops, and tailored learning resources. Their involvement reflects a broader ambition: to establish a growing community of young Mediterranean voices united in ocean protection.
Funded by the TotalEnergies Foundation and backed by AAMOM, Oceano pour Tous is designed to bring marine science education to students often left on the margins—whether due to geography, social challenges or special education needs. With more than 750 students involved this year alone, the programme is forging a new generation of informed, empowered citizens ready to stand up for the sea.
