Prada Hosts Latest Sustainability Conversation in Tokyo on Ocean Conservation
The "Prada Possible Conversations" event featured Emmy-nominated environmental photographer and artist Enzo Barracco.
The Prada Aoyama Epicenter in Tokyo hosted an edition of its Prada Possible Conversations—a series of global discussions exploring the intersections of science, culture, art, and fashion—on December 11. This iteration was dedicated to Sea Beyond, an educational initiative by the Prada Group in collaboration with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). Launched in 2019, Sea Beyond seeks to raise awareness about sustainability and marine conservation.
Building on the momentum of a previous session held at the Prada Broadway Epicenter in New York, the Tokyo conversation reunited Emmy-nominated environmental photographer and artist Enzo Barracco with UNESCO-IOC Senior Program Officer Francesca Santoro. Joining them were Meghan Marrero and Joanna Philippoff, representatives from the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), an organization committed to advancing marine ecosystem understanding and protection.
The event also marked the unveiling of new educational initiatives under the Sea Beyond framework. Building on the success of the Blue Schools initiative, which transformed 16 schools in the Tri-State area into hubs for ocean literacy. The program is now expanding to 10 schools in Hawaii. Experts addressed the pressing need for ocean conservation, emphasizing how art and culture can amplify scientific efforts to inspire action. Through a video message, renowned Japanese ichthyologist Sakana-kun underscored the importance of hands-on experiences to foster curiosity and environmental stewardship among younger generations.
Prada also affirmed its alignment with Sakana-kun’s organization, SD BlueEarth, which educates children on marine ecosystems. This partnership will enable workshops and lessons about Tokyo Bay’s underwater environment. “We want children to experience firsthand what is happening in our oceans, rivers, and nature,” Sakana-kun said. “Curiosity and wonder are the most effective ways to learn.”
“The Hawaii Blue Schools initiative will strengthen students’ ‘pilina’ (connection) with the ocean and their ‘kūleana’ (sense of responsibility),” Philippoff said. She highlighted the program’s focus on place-based learning that celebrates Hawaii’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage, encouraging students to engage with their environment in meaningful ways.
The event coincided with the opening of Barracco’s photography exhibition at Prada Aoyama, showcasing images from his expedition in Hawaii, featured in his book The Blue on Fire, Hawai’i. The collection vividly captures the fragile beauty of Hawaii’s islands, reinforcing the importance of preserving biodiversity. “Art photography is a powerful tool for deepening understanding and inspiring change,” Barracco, whose work has earned him recognition as a Sea Beyond-er, said. “Through my lens, I hope to rekindle humanity’s love for the ocean.”
With Sea Beyond, the Prada Group demonstrates a steadfast commitment to fostering environmental stewardship through education and cultural engagement. As Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, stated, “By uniting art, science, and education, we aim to create a greater impact and inspire meaningful change.” The conversation event in Tokyo reaffirmed the vital connection between humanity and the ocean.
Visitors can experience Barracco’s exhibition at Prada Aoyama until December 29, 2024, a reminder of the delicate balance we must protect for future generations. Click through the gallery below for photos of Barracco’s work.
