The Mediterranean Basin includes a set of ecosystems with the highest level of biodiversity, worldwide. Despite its limited extension, less than 1% of the global oceanic surface, this marine area hosts between 25% and 30% of the world indigenous species and 10% of Planet Earth marine creatures. However, its biological balance is ever more threatened by human activities and climate change, which are putting at risk the health status of all continents facing the sea. But the Mediterranean legacy results from a multi millenary culture which brought social stability and flourishing civilisations.
To put the Mediterranean Heritage on the spot-light, the Monaco Oceanographic Institute is about to unveil «Méditerranée 2050», an innovative immersive exhibition that will be open to the public on the 29th March 2025. The showroom, covering more than 1,000 m2 within Monaco Oceanographic Museum, aims at providing an overview between the past and present of the Mediterranean region, with a view to creating a single Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the future to ensure the survival of the Mare Nostrum.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, highlighted in his keynote speech at COP27 (Egypt, 6th-18th November 2022): « Yesterday, the Mediterranean was the symbol of the progress of civilisations. Today it is the symbol of the dysfunctions and tensions of the planet. Tomorrow, it must be the symbol of new solutions ».
This cultural project is part of a wider programme of events by the will of the Oceanographic Institute to raise awareness for the preservation of the Mediterranean. biodiversity and increase knowledge on more than 17,000 marine species that inhabit this unique natural hotspot. «Méditerranée 2050» was designed to encourage a proactive approach making Monaco's engagement scenarios to safeguard oceans come true, in front of visitors' eyes.
Thanks to interactive devices and captivating projections, we will be flashed forward 2050 to experience the benefits of achieving the “30x30” target adopted by the Kumming-Montreal COP15 on biodiversity (i.e.: protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030). In fact, we are still in time to change things and each of us can make a contribution, in partnership with both public and the private sector.
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most exploited marine areas, being affected by marine litter, overfishing, over-tourism and human consumption of natural resources. The need to regulate its management is urgent, considering that 8.33% of its waters are currently classified as protected, but only 0.04% benefit from a real protection management plan. Thus, the Oceanographic Institute believes that combining science, decision makers' commitment and collective action can make the difference in pushing a sustainable Blue Economy of the Mediterranean Basin.
By entering the 'Temple of the Sea', all visitors will be guided by exceptional tour guides. A parade of cetaceans will act as ambassadors of wealth, beauty and uniqueness of the Mare Nostrum. The Oceanomania lounge will invite us to approach a 4-meter high sperm whale multimedia sculpture offering precious information on the evolution of the Mediterranean Sea. Passing through the Mazedia, the Princes of Monaco will virtually trace their commitment to the protection of the Ocean, from Prince Albert I, pioneer of modern oceanography, to Prince Rainier III and H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, fervent defenders of ocean preservation at local and international level, with the support of the the Gouvernement Princier (Prince's Government).
Soon after, the Oceano Odyssey, an avant garde 2050-style submarine, will welcome us on board to set sails to the heart of the Pelagos Sanctuary, across a regenerated Mediterranean sea. Finally, the My OCEANO Med will offer an interactive and engaging experience to the discovery of three ecosystems: posidonia seagrass meadows, coral reef habitat and open sea. The visitors will be then able to choose among various possible actions for marine conservation, with the possibility to see the results of their choices on flora and fauna through multimedia screens.
A series of high-tech devices will animate the exhibition, notably the official smartphone App and ImmerSEAve VR, an augmented reality marine diving experience, specially created for the exhibition.
«Méditerranée 2050» aims to offer an out-of-the-ordinary museum experience where we will not be passive spectators but actors capable of creating positive change to maintain living conditions in the Mediterranean Sea, through a shared collective action. ***
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By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
À TRAVERS 4 ESPACES
De 35 millions d’années
avant notre ère
De 1885
À NOS JOURS
2025
L’expérience se prolonge au-delà du Musée grâce à une application web accessible via QR code, relayée diffusée largement (affichage, publicité, réseaux sociaux...). Les utilisateurs sont aussi invités à relever une série de défis dont certains sont exclusifs à l’application. À la clef ? La création de leur propre AMP, qui évolue au fur et à mesure des défis relevés, et la possibilité de participer à un tirage au sort mensuel pour remporter de nombreux lots.
Une fresque interactive affiche, en temps réel, le nombre de soutiens et d’actions réalisées. Ce dispositif met en évidence la force du changement lorsque citoyens, entreprises et institutions œuvrent ensemble pour protéger la Méditerranée.
l’heure des choix
pour l’Océan
HOVERTONE
Un supplément immersif en réalité virtuelle :
l’animation ImmerSEAve VR proposée au visiteur
Pour prolonger l’expérience, une zone dédiée à la réalité virtuelle propose une plongée immersive au cœur d’une Aire Marine Protégée. Équipés de casques de réalité virtuelle dernière génération, comme de véritables plongeurs, sans masque ni tuba, les visiteurs ont la possibilité d’évoluer librement dans un univers numérique virtuel qui recrée des écosystèmes marins prospères car protégés. Une immersion sensorielle inédite pour comprendre rapidement tous les bienfaits de la préservation.
Disponible en supplément.
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