MSC Cruises highlights Ocean Cay restoration work at IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi

The MSC Foundation, part of MSC Cruises, has shared insights from its marine restoration initiatives in The Bahamas at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE. 

The organisation joined leaders from government, science, and philanthropy to discuss collaboration on biodiversity protection and sustainable development during the global forum.

Representatives from the Foundation participated in five sessions, including the inaugural IUCN Philanthropy Summit, the Middle East and North Africa Regenerative Coastal Tourism workshop, and discussions on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 

The sessions explored how corporate philanthropy and private-sector partnerships can drive scientific research and conservation outcomes.

Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation, said the Foundation’s work on Ocean Cay, a former industrial sand extraction site in The Bahamas, demonstrated how restoration and responsible tourism can co-exist when guided by science and long-term stewardship. 

“Philanthropy allows us to pilot and scale solutions that connect people with nature,” Picco said. “On the island of Ocean Cay, we are seeing that restoration and tourism can co-exist—when guided by science, long-term commitment, and respect for local ecosystems.” 

“Above all, equity must remain at the centre of every effort, ensuring that philanthropy supports inclusive and sustainable development. These are lessons we’re proud to bring to the global conservation community,” she added.

MSC Foundation established its Marine Conservation Center on Ocean Cay to support coral restoration, marine research, and environmental education. It also partners with local communities and universities to provide training opportunities for marine science students, aiming to link conservation with local capacity building and public awareness.

Since 2023, the Foundation has worked with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to support the global assessment of coral species for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and coral ecosystems for the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems. 

The Red Lists provide evidence-based assessments that identify species and habitats most at risk, helping governments and conservation organisations prioritise actions to prevent decline and aid recovery.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress, hosted for the first time in the Middle East, brought together delegates from more than 160 countries to advance the global biodiversity framework and strengthen cooperation between the public, private and philanthropic sectors.