On June 10, 2025, at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Prada Group’s Chief Marketing Officer, Lorenzo Bertelli, announced the establishment of the “SEA BEYOND – Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Connecting People and Ocean.” Seeded with an initial €2 million investment from Prada, the fund aims to expand ocean literacy and sustainability education worldwide, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
A Collaborative Approach to Ocean Literacy
The SEA BEYOND fund is an extension of Prada’s ongoing collaboration with educational and environmental institutions. Since its inception in 2019, the program has reached tens of thousands of students across multiple countries, promoting awareness and understanding of ocean conservation.
“This mission is not something that belongs only to us,” Bertelli emphasized during his remarks at the conference. He highlighted the need for collective responsibility in addressing the health of the world’s oceans. The fund is designed as an open platform, inviting contributions from other fashion houses, corporate entities, and public organizations, with the goal of maximizing global impact.
Expanding Educational Initiatives
The SEA BEYOND program includes several innovative projects that deliver hands-on and accessible ocean education:
- Kindergarten of the Lagoon: This outdoor educational experience in Venice allows preschoolers to explore and learn from the lagoon ecosystem, nurturing early awareness of nature and conservation.
- Cassiopea: A historical sailing vessel transformed into a mobile oceanographic research and educational lab. Docked in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Cassiopea serves as an interactive space for schools and visitors to learn about marine science.
- Ideas Box: A mobile multimedia center designed to bring ocean literacy to children in vulnerable or underserved communities. Equipped with digital tools, books, and games, it provides an immersive learning experience.
These projects demonstrate Prada’s dedication to making marine education both engaging and inclusive. By reaching younger generations and underrepresented communities, the brand hopes to foster a deeper understanding of ocean ecosystems and the importance of their protection.
Corporate Responsibility and Broader Sustainability
Prada’s sustainability vision extends well beyond its educational initiatives. One percent of proceeds from its Re-Nylon collection is allocated directly to support the SEA BEYOND program, linking fashion consumption with ecological responsibility.
Additionally, Prada has implemented internal training programs, educating over 14,000 employees globally on the fundamentals of ocean literacy. These efforts include virtual reality experiences and participation in sustainable living platforms that reinforce the brand’s message.
Bertelli stressed the long-term significance of these efforts, stating, “We are investing first and foremost in people. The ocean is the subject, but we are investing in people’s minds, spirits, and hearts.” The philosophy behind SEA BEYOND aligns with the idea that lasting environmental change begins with informed and inspired individuals.
Global Engagement and Looking Ahead
The establishment of the SEA BEYOND fund is a landmark moment for corporate involvement in global environmental education. By creating a framework that encourages participation from a wide range of stakeholders, Prada aims to set a benchmark for the fashion industry and beyond.
Looking forward, the fund plans to expand its reach into new countries, build additional educational modules, and host international workshops to strengthen the connection between people and the ocean. It also seeks to facilitate research and data sharing among marine scientists, educators, and policymakers to support long-term conservation goals.
This initiative not only positions Prada as a leader in sustainability but also illustrates how brands can transcend traditional roles to become catalysts for global awareness and action. The SEA BEYOND fund is expected to grow in both scope and influence, uniting partners across borders in a shared mission to protect one of Earth’s most vital resources.
By reinforcing the importance of ocean literacy and providing tools for action, Prada is shaping a future where sustainability is at the heart of both education and enterprise.
