The Santo Sospir meets the school children of Nice!
15 June 2021
The training boat owned by the SOS Grand Bleu association comes to the Port of Nice three times a year, in June, October and May, to carry out environmental awareness-raising activities with the city’s schools.
A half-day awareness-raising session on marine biodiversity
In June every year, the association welcomes groups of around 20 students on board its vintage sailing ship, the “Santo Sospir”, anchored on Quai Amiral Infernet. The idea? Offering half-day observation trips at sea to raise awareness among schoolchildren about marine biodiversity and the protection of cetaceans. This is an opportunity to teach them how to identify different species based on their morphology, colour, speed, behaviour, etc. But above all, to explain the dangers that threaten these species and to make them want – from a very young age – to adopt eco-friendly actions to help protect them. This time is also used for collecting waste at sea. These workshops are a real success with the children and teachers.
SOS Grand Bleu, guarantees marine biodiversity
For thirty years, the association has fought for the protection of the marine environment, with a special focus on dolphins and whales, in the Mediterranean. SOS Grand Bleu has already had several victories: total ban of drift nets at European Union level, ban on tuna fishing, contribution to the creation of an international sanctuary for marine mammals in the Mediterranean (Pelagos Sanctuary), participation in its management, etc.
Fourteen years ago, the “Santo Sospir” training boat was bought, enabling them to better practise their motto: “action + raising awareness = protection!”
