On Wednesday, February 26, ISN students from Visual Arts, Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS), and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) had the privilege of attending the RAMOGE Agreement 2024 “Discovery of deep environments and beauty of the RAMOGE area” at Monaco’s iconic Oceanographic Museum. Hosted in the prestigious Salle de conférences, this event was an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blended science, art, and environmental stewardship.

The RAMOGE Agreement is a vital environmental treaty uniting France, Monaco, and Italy in their commitment to protecting the marine and coastal ecosystems of the Ligurian Sea. Its name derives from initials jurisdiction area: RA – Saint-Raphaël (France), MO – Monaco, and GE – Genoa (Italy). 

This year’s event focused on deep-sea exploration campaigns, showcasing groundbreaking discoveries from Exploration RAMOGE 2015, 2018, and the latest 2022 research expedition.

The event highlighted several crucial themes:

• Biodiversity and Conservation – Exploring marine habitats and species of interest.
• Marine Pollution – Addressing litter hotspots, general waste, and their detrimental impact on marine life.

Renowned scientists from all three participating nations presented their latest research, offering ISN students an exclusive opportunity to engage with marine experts. Discussions revolved around the urgent need for biodiversity preservation and innovative strategies to combat pollution in our oceans.

As Florent Champion, Executive Secretary of the RAMOGE Agreement, emphasised: “In 2014, RAMOGE launched an ambitious programme of exploration campaigns. This is a unique initiative in the Mediterranean. The RAMOGE Agreement has succeeded in uniting French, Monegasque and Italian scientists around this programme, who have built a standardised study approach. By mobilising substantial and appropriate oceanographic resources, these expeditions have enabled the discovery of previously unknown canyons and seamounts. Based on inventories of biodiversity and sources of pressure at these depths, RAMOGE is able to provide the necessary information to justify the implementation of new management measures for the sites explored.”

This insightful perspective underscores the importance of international collaboration in preserving marine ecosystems and the profound impact of scientific exploration on environmental policy. 

The Power of Photography in Conservation

The event culminated in the highly anticipated awards ceremony for the 2024 RAMOGE – L’Homme et la Mer ("The Man and the Sea") photography competition. This prestigious international contest, held under the auspices of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), was expertly organised by Mrs. Tiziana Chieruzzi from the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security.

Since its inception in 2016, the competition has inspired photographers worldwide to capture the beauty and vulnerability of our oceans. The 2024 edition saw an overwhelming response, with 368 participants, 2,170 breathtaking images, and representation from 51 countries. Among the four categories of the contest, one was dedicated to young photographers under 25, encouraging the next generation to engage in ocean conservation through the power of imagery.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests and jury members of the contest, including FIAP President Riccardo Busi, a luminary in the field with over 50 years of experience. Busi has played a pivotal role in elevating photography as an art form, transforming it from a mere technical skill into a powerful medium for storytelling and awareness. Also in attendance was acclaimed photographer Greg Lecoeur, winner of National Geographic’s "Nature Photographer of the Year" in 2016. Sergio Pitamitz, the third jury member of the contest, couldn’t be present, but his talented work on showcasing the richness and diversity of the natural world, was also highlighted.

As the winning photographs were unveiled, they captivated the audience, showcasing both the breathtaking beauty and the fragile state of marine life. The images served as a poignant reminder of the vital role photography plays in inspiring action and preserving the ocean for future generations.

A Transformative Experience for ISN Students

For ISN students, attending this event was a transformative experience that reinforced the profound impact of visual storytelling in environmental advocacy. The fusion of science and art demonstrated how knowledge, creativity, and passion can drive meaningful change in the fight for ocean conservation.

Nalinka Kalder, Creative Arts Coordinator, shared her thoughts on the event, highlighting its relevance and impact on students: “The RAMOGE event at the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco was a fabulous opportunity to engage in important issues around marine ecosystems. It tapped into so many relevant topic we are covering in school and allowed our students to witness some extraordinary underwater film and photography. The photography awards at the end were a highlight and inspired students to consider entering the ‘new generation’ category next year.” 

This experience reinforced a crucial message: Young people must take the lead in advocating for sustainable practices, influencing policies, and igniting grassroots movements. Events like RAMOGE empower students to think critically, act responsibly, and use their voices to inspire real action.

Talal, ISN Grade 11 Student, shared his thoughts: "This event was especially relevant to my ESS class, as it provided real-world examples of ecosystem preservation efforts while also aligning with my personal interests. The most memorable part for me was seeing the breathtaking photographs submitted by contestants and learning about the extensive research being conducted to protect local coastal environments. It inspired me to stay informed about conservation initiatives in my community and actively participate in more events like this in the future."

Jack, another Grade 11 student, reflected on the experience: "Overall, I found this event to be a highly educational and inspirational experience. The main focus of mapping and maintaining the ocean used technologies that I had never seen or heard about, proving the level of innovation that could be celebrated at this conference. It was also interesting to view this new technology from a computer science perspective, where we already learn so much about the sensors and embedded systems used in the mapping devices. Finally, I feel this conference truly showed us the biodiversity of our region and gave us infinite reasons to strive to protect it. I would be thrilled to continue learning about our extraordinary local marine environment."

As the ISN students departed the Oceanographic Museum, they carried with them a renewed passion for environmental stewardship and a deeper appreciation for the role of photography in conservation.

The RAMOGE event was a powerful reminder that through education, creativity, and collaboration, we can safeguard our planet’s natural wonders for generations to come.