Mediterranean Odyssey II : Using a world record attempt for the longest swim for Nature to highlight the preservation of waters and the protection of biodiversity

The Mediterranean Sea covers less than 1% of the global Ocean but is one of the planet’s richest sources of marine and coastal biodiversity. Over 500 million people live in the 21 countries that make up the Mediterranean region. It is home to more than 10,000 plant and animal species, nearly 30% of which are found nowhere else in the world. Yet today, only 0.23% of Mediterranean waters are designated as highly or fully protected, compared to 2.9% of the world’s ocean.

The Mediterranean Odyssey II represents a powerful and innovative inclusive action that embodies awareness-raising, citizen mobilization, and environmental education. Focused on engaging both local and international voices, this project uses an extraordinary athletic feat to amplify the voices of local actors and raise massive public awareness of Mediterranean marine biodiversity issues. This unprecedented challenge, undertaken by Noam Yaron, involves swimming 180 kilometers from Calvi to Monaco over approximately five days and nights, without ever leaving the water. A world first in nature sports, it brings attention to the importance of protecting the Pelagos marine protected area, a unique sanctuary that harbors threatened biodiversity.

The inclusive aspect of this project is highlighted by the direct involvement of citizens from multiple countries. Held annually, the Water Lover 2024 challenge broke records by collecting over one million cigarette buttscollected, turning small actions into significant global impacts. Supported by organizations such as the Little Prince Swiss Foundation and the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (OFEV), the campaign reached a diverse range of participants, from schools and businesses to public figures and local municipalities. This broad engagement fosters environmental responsibility and strengthens public understanding of ocean health and the complex factors of pollution.

The Mediterranean Odyssey II is also an inclusive approach thanks to a communication strategy that engages 500,000 followers with 50 million monthly views—allowed us to reach 26.4 million people in 3 months during our 2024 attempt, with coverage on 60 national newspapers in France, Switzerland, and Monaco gathering at about 100 million impressions. Our approach speaks to many audiences, and youth in particular through strategic messaging (Instagram reels, TikTok, Linkedin) on a specific subject, the Pelagos Sanctuary’s protection.  

To conclude, by combining an athletic feat with educational campaigns and citizen action, the Mediterranean Odyssey II aims to raise awareness about the Mediterranean’s environmental challenges and advocate for greater protection. The Mediterranean Odyssey II enables people from all backgrounds, including those geographically distant from the Mediterranean, to learn about the challenges of protecting this ecosystem and its biodiversity and contribute to this goal.Through these efforts, the Mediterranean Odyssey II aspires to make the One Ocean Science Congress a global benchmark for marine biodiversity education, demonstrating that anyone, anywhere, can become an advocate for the ocean.