2023 Highlights: Building on our values, advancing our mission

The MSC Foundation touched the lives of some 400,000 people in 2023, steadily increasing our partnerships and initiatives in pursuit of our mission 

Focus areas: Environmental Conservation, Community Support, Education, Emergency Relief

In a year marked by severe challenges to our planet’s health, the MSC Foundation fostered change through environmental conservation, education, community support and emergency response initiatives, positively affecting the lives of approximately 400,000 people in 2023. Through 13 programmes and 29 projects and initiatives spanning 30 countries, supported by the MSC Group's global reach and its supporters' generosity, we made a tangible difference in communities worldwide.

The Foundation mobilised swiftly in the face of natural disasters, conducting 14 relief operations across 8 countries. From earthquakes, cyclones, and wildfires to record cold temperatures, we delivered vital aid to those affected, including earthquake survivors in Türkiye and Syria. With the MSC Foundation and MSC offices rallying together, aid worth approximately CHF 3,350,000 was provided, transforming containers into emergency accommodation and supplying 101 containers and free transportation to the UN Refugee Agency. MSC Aurelia played a crucial role in delivering essential relief items and providing accommodation for survivors in Türkiye.

At Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas, the Foundation achieved significant milestones through its Super Coral Programme. Four genotypes of critically endangered elkhorn coral were installed in our nursery, and 94 fragments were grown successfully, demonstrating resilience in the face of environmental challenges such as the past summer’s heat wave.

Our commitment to environmental conservation saw the Foundation launch four new partnerships and fund innovative programmes. We supported IUCN's scientific work to compile the Red List of Threatened Species, assisted NatureMetrics’ biodiversity monitoring through DNA analysis of water samples collected on MSC vessels, and the Qatar Foundation’s mangrove forest renewal. Youth empowerment also continued to be a prime focus, and we joined forces with the Horn Foundation's Pangaea X programme to help environmentally passionate young people develop impactful projects that contribute to achieving key UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Engaged in longstanding partnerships, the Foundation celebrated milestones such as over €12 million donated to UNICEF's global programmes since 2009. Efforts like our 'Plastic Waste Goes to School' programme in Côte d'Ivoire were extended, while the new Green Yoma programme began equipping youths with essential skills for the future. The Marevivo educational programmes Guardian Dolphins and Nauticinblu trained 2,567 children and young people, as well as 312 teachers – and not just across Italy, with Nauticinblu now also extending into Spain. Finally, our renewed support for Mercy Ships’ work facilitated the medical treatment of 2,852 patients and 4,311 life-changing surgeries in six West African countries.

Throughout 2023, the MSC Foundation continued to speak powerfully for marine conservation, engaging with diverse audiences and stakeholders worldwide. Opening our 6th MSC Foundation Centre and launching our first MSC Foundation Lab on MSC Euribia, we reached out to almost 1.5 million MSC Cruises guests, raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems. Two new onboard edutainment activities were launched for younger cruise guests and 40,000 children and teenagers were involved in MSC Foundation Day across the MSC Cruises fleet. In addition, we supported our actions to protect our Blue Planet by participating in high-profile events, including Monaco Ocean Week, COP28 and a high-level panel on World Ocean Day organised with the UN World Tourism Organization.

Reflecting on the year, we can see that the MSC Foundation continued steadfastly in pursuit of its mission to foster change through environmental conservation, education, community support and emergency response initiatives. Thanks to our global network of partners, supporters and stakeholders, we were able to make significant strides in building a more sustainable and resilient future. 

You can read our 2023 Highlights here.