The CNR and Costa Crociere announce a framework agreement to further the cause of research in the fields of oceanography and marine science. Costa will make available its ships for use as facilities to support the scientific research network run by the Italian National Research Council.
Joint initiatives to raise awareness are also planned.
A high degree of synergy between the partners – both actively engaged in the field of environmental sustainability, albeit in different ways and areas – lies behind the announcement of a framework agreement between the CNR (Italian National Research Council) and Costa Cruises. The goal of the partnership is to provide major opportunities for discussion, development and in-depth study of particularly important oceanography and marine science topics. Data gathered by continuous monitoring of the stretches of sea on the routes sailed by the Italian company’s ships – with analysis of parameters such as temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen – will be processed and used to study climate change in the Mediterranean. Under the agreement, special monitoring units will also be set up on board in order to enable daytime sightings of whales and dolphins so as to study their behavior and migration. Costa will be making available its ships and its expertise to support the scientific research network run by the CNR. In addition, the two partners will develop joint dissemination and awareness raising initiatives regarding respect for the marine environment and related issues.
“The distinctive feature of the CNR’s work is the way it combines scientific and technological excellence with a decidedly interdisciplinary approach and enhances opportunities for exchange with other organizations, universities, institutions, companies and community stakeholders. Accordingly, we’re delighted to be embarking with Costa on this adventure based on joint research, academic expertise and scientific dissemination,” said Enrico Brugnoli, Director of the CNR’s Department of Earth System Sciences and Environmental Technology.
“Raising the awareness of our guests to the need to safeguard the environment, especially the marine environment, is an integral part of our commitment. Together with the CNR we will work to sensitize people to the importance of respecting the balance of nature and to share opportunities arising from the use of innovative technologies aimed at marine environmental protection. We’ve been working for some time now on practical ways of promoting both the development of scientific research, and projects and processes directed at responsible innovation,” said Costa Cruises Sustainability & External Relations Director Stefania Lallai.
As part of the 4-year framework agreement (2016 – 2020), a Joint Committee has been set up (with two representatives from the CNR and two from Costa (appointed respectively by CNR Chairman and Costa Cruises President) in charge of defining and coordinating actions to continue the collaboration. The details will be defined when the specific operating agreements are signed; however, it has already been emphasized that one of the basic principles will be the ready availability of Costa’s ships for CNR’s researchers so as to assist them and facilitate their work.
SOURCE: Costa Cruise Lines