World Oceans Day 2024

13 June 2024

Our founder, alongside BCSS’ chief scientist were privileged to represent BCSS and Kisawa at  One Ocean Foundation‘s Blue Economy Summit in Milan last week, as part of the United Nations’ World Oceans Day  event series.

Held at the incredible Aula Magna auditorium in Milan’s Bocconi University, the second annual summit was a full day of discussion dedicated to the current status of the ocean and the urgent need to mobilise increased financial resources to protect and restore the Blue Natural Capital.

BCSS’ Dr Mario Lebrato spoke on panel dedicated to whales and their role as a signifier for biodiversity. Hosted by Dinah Nieburg from Blue Green Future, his fellow panelists included Mere Takoko of the Hinemoana Halo Fund, Ginevra Boldrocchi from One Ocean Foundation, Ralph Chami from Blue Green Future & Rebalance Earth and Steffania Lallai from MSC Group.

Despite not being a whale specialist, Dr Lebrato’s role as Chief Scientist and Station Manager in the Inhambane region over the last 9 years has given him significant field data and hands on experience with humpback whale behaviour and movements through the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (BANP).

Kisawa’s WIO region holds unprecedented marine biodiversity, embracing 33 species of whales and dolphins recorded to date, 79% of which occur in coastal waters of East Africa. Waters of Bazaruto Archipelago host at least 9 species of cetaceans, recorded by BCSS expeditions. Cetaceans are keystone species. There is a growing recognition of their role and ecological importance for productive and sustainable ecosystems through mechanisms such as nutrient cycling, predator-prey interactions, and carbon sequestration. Whales’ presence is crucial for ecosystem health, which is being the foundation of Blue Economic Development.

“In general, I found the whole experience of the Blue Economy Summit inspiring. In particular, how people were open and willing to listen and learn from what others in their sector had to say.

The topics throughout the day were very challenging, but the discussions and panels helped give space to all sectors point of view in a debate format, and allowed many questions to be answered“, Dr Mario Lebrato.

BCSS & Kisawa founder and creative director, Nina Flohr closed the summit, being interviewed by SKY TG24 TV news journalist, Mariangela Pira. Their discussion explored the work and achievements of Bazaruto Center For Scientific Studies to date, the ground breaking business model partnering luxury hospitality with ocean research (allowing for long term scientific funding) and Nina’s goals for a global expansion of the BCSS concept.

“It was wonderful to exchange ideas and progress with like minded individuals, as well as engage how we can all work more closely together as one“, Nina Flohr.

Meanwhile, showing their support from Benguerra Island, over 100 Kisawis dedicated their morning to a voluntary sunrise beach clean up in honour of World Ocean Day, including “a moment of consciousness on how important it is to take care of our paradise”.