The Fondazione Acquario di Genova ONLUS was established in 2003 and its main objective is to raise awareness and educate the public on the conservation, management and responsible use of aquatic environments. The Ocean, the heart of life, covers three quarters of the planet’s surface and represents an invaluable source of culture and resources. A heritage increasingly threatened by human activity. More than half of the world’s population lives within 80 kilometres of the coastline. Today, there is no effective management of marine resources in general and only 1% is protected. The world’s ocean environments are under threat; a situation that could potentially endanger future generations. The signs of degradation are particularly visible in the Mediterranean Sea. For a long time, in order to make the public aware of the need to safeguard the Ocean, the Acquario di Genova has been organising educational programmes, exhibitions, conferences, environmental awareness campaigns and applied scientific research projects, also through collaborations with public and private entities. The idea of creating the Acquario di Genova Foundation stems from the recognition that, together with the Acquarium, Public Bodies, Companies and Associations can join forces to protect and enhance the aquatic environmental heritage. The experience gained by the Acquario di Genova, over many years of activity, represents an important starting point for the development of the Foundation’s activities.

The Founders are: the Municipality of Genova, the University of Genova, the Municipal City of Genova, Costa Edutainment S.p.A., the World Ocean Association, the Friends of the Aquarium Association.