In the elegant setting of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, a landmark event unfolded on Saturday, October 11. Titled “The Ocean Meets Art”, the evening was hosted by Blue & Sport Alliance Monaco (BSA) and brought together a distinguished group of diplomats, scientists, artists, and philanthropists - all united by a common cause: the protection of the world’s oceans and polar regions.

Conceived and led by BSA’s President and Founder, Isidoro Miele, the event represented far more than a ceremonial gathering. It was a deliberate attempt to bridge disciplines - science and art, policy and culture - to address the accelerating environmental threats facing marine ecosystems. “Art speaks to the heart, science enlightens the mind, and from their meeting, conscience is born,” Miele said in his opening remarks, setting the tone for the evening.

The event drew high-level participation from across Europe’s diplomatic and scientific communities. In attendance was Her Excellency Emanuela Ruosi, Ambassador of Italy to the Principality of Monaco, and Raphaël Ghiandai, Administrative and Financial Director of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a longstanding advocate for marine and polar conservation.

Also present were senior figures from key maritime institutions, reflecting the technical depth of the evening’s agenda. These included Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi, Director of the International Hydrographic Organization and Vice-President of BSA Monaco; Rear Admiral Fabrizio Orengo, Director of the Italian Hydrographic Institute; Rear Admiral Giosuè Allegrini, naval engineer, historian, and art critic; and Commander Maurizio De Marte, head of the Italian Navy’s polar mission High North 24.

The evening opened with a scientific roundtable focused on climate and maritime challenges, including ocean warming, polar ice melt, and rising sea levels. This was followed by an artistic performance designed to evoke the fragility and beauty of the marine world - an expression of the central theme that intellectual insight must be paired with emotional connection to inspire meaningful action.

A highlight of the program was the intervention by Tom Woods, President and Founder of the NGO Help Save The Med, who delivered a compelling testimony on the urgent need to protect the Mediterranean Sea. Emphasizing international cooperation and citizen engagement, Woods underscored the importance of moving from awareness to action in marine conservation.

Support for the event came from key private-sector partners and long-time allies of BSA Monaco. Among them was Marcello Pica, CEO of Mama Shipping, Vice-President of the Monegasque Chamber of Shipping, and a member of the BSA board. Pica, a principal sponsor of the event, was joined by philanthropist Mikhail Nefedov, whose continued backing of climate-focused initiatives was acknowledged with gratitude during the evening.

What made “The Ocean Meets Art” distinct was its ambition to create new coalitions. By bringing together military officers and environmentalists, cultural figures and hydrographers, the event embodied a new model of engagement - one in which the tools of science are amplified by the voice of culture and the reach of diplomacy.

In a time of escalating environmental crises, BSA Monaco reaffirmed its mission: to forge partnerships across disciplines, unite expertise and creativity, and defend the fragile beauty of our shared marine world.

Monaco - with its historic commitment to oceanic stewardship - once again proved itself a stage where science and society can meet, and where real collaboration begins.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.