"The Sea, a Friend to Discover and Protect" – An Environmental Educational Project in Rome

Italy's connection to the sea has influenced its culture and history, shaped by the Ligurian, Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian seas. Although Rome isn't coastal, the Tiber River connects it to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

In this context, the Arvalia Music School, under Antonella Catani and supported by the Cuomo Foundation since 2023, has introduced an educational initiative titled “The Sea, a Friend to Discover and Protect.” This program aims to educate young students about marine ecosystems and the threats they face, promoting environmental awareness amidst rising climate change effects.

Each week, approximately 15 children and teenagers, many from immigrant families or impoverished backgrounds, attend courses and workshops on ocean secrets, marine biodiversity, and the dangers of pollution and global warming. The program also includes educational field trips along the Roman coastline, which build a greater awareness for the Mediterranean's beauty and fragility. The Cuomo Foundation supports and funds this effort, which is consistent with its present main values of education and environmental conservation.