msc-foundation-annual-report-2021

CONTENTS

“In a landmark year dominated by continued uncertainty, the MSC Foundation charted a clear and certain course in pursuit of its Values and its Mission.”

Captain Gianluigi Aponte - Chair of the Board

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Notwithstanding the ongoing pressures of the COVID pandemic, we not only made solid progress in all our partner programmes in 2021, but also launched new initiatives while simultaneously delivering emergency support in 13 countries worldwide. This saw the Foundation leveraging our global reach and networks, frequently coordinating the actions of several Group companies and partners to provide prompt lifesaving assistance.

It was for this, above all, that the MSC Foundation was created - to fully harness our Group’s potential to make a difference.

Now, over three years of relentless hard work, the Foundation has laid strong roots, persevering in its values and showing unwavering determination to generate lasting change.

Through our growing programmes and initiatives, we are joining with like minds worldwide to play our part in building a fairer and more sustainable world.

As this report is published, the purpose of our business is more relevant than ever: the MSC Group connects people, cultures and economies as sustainably as possible. In doing so, we actively contribute to technological progress, international understanding and peace. This has never been more important than today.

We have no illusions that all our work will yield immediate results, but we will be steadfast over the long term, as we are confidently and indelibly committed for our planet, our communities and our future generations.

That is our pledge across the MSC Group, not only to our colleagues, but also to our partners, donors and supporters.

Captain Gianluigi Aponte Chair of the Board

CHAIR OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE’S REPORT

Looking back on a landmark year while considering what lies ahead, Pierfrancesco Vago reflects on the power of values to drive achievement in adversity.

2021 was a landmark year for the Foundation with our transition to the implementation phase of our Super Coral programme. At the same time, it was a further year of strong achievement in adverse conditions.

Driving this were the enduring values of MSC as a family-owned Group with a 300-year seafaring tradition. These values not only led to the creation of the MSC Foundation but also ensured its resilience in a year still largely dominated by the COVID-19 health emergency.

With donations still impacted by the pandemic, the MSC Group moved beyond covering all the Foundation’s administrative expenses and committed itself to fully funding all our programmes and

initiatives in the year, enabling us to make the substantial progress reported herein and reach a total of 173,500 direct beneficiaries in 2021.

This commitment of values in action wasn’t restricted to our long-term partner programmes either, extending to substantial investments in the MSC Foundation Marine Conservation Center on Ocean Cay and the launch of new coral restoration partnerships. At the same time, the MSC Foundation was empowered to continue assisting vulnerable COVID-affected communities and providing prompt disaster relief wherever most needed around the world.

In short, our Group’s commitment to its Foundation was continuous and unstinting. Because adverse circumstances don’t curtail values, they bring forth their fullest expression.

The MSC Foundation is the embodiment of these values.

“Adverse circumstances don’t curtail values, they bring forth their fullest expression.”

We are sustained by passion to protect and restore our Blue Planet, but also compassion, which is what impels us to action in solidarity with those less fortunate than ourselves, whatever the cause.

We are therefore also motivated by loyalty. To our partners, our colleagues and to our programme beneficiaries and their communities. That is why our support commits to long-term impact and our emergency relief extends into rebuilding assistance. Our aim is to help ensure sustainable change for a brighter future.

We believe in equal opportunities, women empowerment and the power of education.

And we believe everyone has a right to quality healthcare so they can fulfil their potential.

Most of all, we believe in taking effective concrete action to move the dial measurably and sustainably in all these areas. Which is why every one of our programme reports in this Annual Review shows the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals impacted.

These are our values, family values that see all of us on this beautiful Blue Planet as one big family with a duty to build a future of which we can be increasingly proud.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Pierfrancesco Vago Chair of the Executive Committee

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Dear MSC Foundation supporters and friends,

Welcome to our 2021 Annual Report, which shows the MSC Foundation coming into its full potential and consolidating progress on all fronts thanks to the unwavering commitment of the MSC Group through the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Having been prevented from considering any new programmes in 2020 due to the global health emergency, the situation was decisively reversed in 2021 and we were able to launch new partnerships and initiatives again.

This state-of-the-art centre will form the programme’s research hub upon completion in 2023, but the research work has already begun thanks to our new graduate intern schemes with the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University in the year. These were set in motion by an expert panel discussion called Save the Coral, Save the Oceans, which issued an urgent call for coral reef restoration.

Complementing and supporting this work, we embarked on a coral restoration partnership with the Ba’a Foundation in Saudi Arabia.

During the year, we advanced 8 programmes with 7 longstanding partners in 10 countries and launched 15 emergency relief initiatives around

the world

Of these, 10 were actions to combat and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 worldwide. The remaining 3 took prompt action to support communities impacted by extreme events: the Haiti earthquake and the volcano eruptions on Saint Vincent and La Palma.

Salient among the year’s achievements, we progressed to the implementation phase of our Super Coral programme, which is pioneering new approaches in coral conservation and restoration. The construction of the MSC Foundation Marine Conservation Center commenced with a Ground Breaking Ceremony attended by the President of The Bahamas in November 2021.

We likewise made solid progress in our programme with long-term partner UNICEF in Ivory Coast, recycling plastic waste into innovative bricks and using them to build much needed classrooms.

Having contributed to establishing and funding the Andrea Bocelli Foundation’s innovative Mobile Clinic in Haiti, we helped ensure its 5 schools in the country could continue to provide a quality education during the pandemic.

We celebrated our ten-year partnership with Mercy Ships, supporting Africa Mercy’s work to bring hope and healing while also assisting the construction of Global Mercy, the first-ever purpose-built civilian hospital ship in the world.

Marevivo’s Guardian Dolphins programme reopened to face-to face teaching in 26 primary schools and Nautici in Blu returned to full strength in 13 nautical institutes across Italy.

On the communications front, we increased our visibility and presence on social media, including through a new CRM platform. It has been heartening to see our followers growing on these channels, enabling us to communicate ever more widely about the urgent challenges we respond to in our work.

Further enhancing our ability to connect directly with the public, we also inaugurated a new MSC Foundation Centre on board MSC Seashore, featuring a sculpture evoking the fragility of the sea.

All these substantial efforts and many more to make a difference for people and planet are reported in detail on the following pages.

Together they show our Foundation building on the solid base laid in previous years thanks to the unfailing support of our Foundation and Advisory Boards, partners, colleagues, MSC Cruises guests, donors, MSC Group business partners and volunteers.

We have always recognised that the impact we seek for people and planet can only be achieved in partnership with others, which is why we continually work to build and maintain strong connections for which we are truly thankful.

So, thank you, all of you reading this report, for the continued support which made everything we achieved with our partners in 2021 possible.

Daniela Picco Executive Director

2021 OVERVIEW

8 Programmes, 10 Countries

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

7 Partner organisations

15 Emergency relief initiatives in 13 countries

3 New strategic ocean conservation partnerships

MSC Foundation Marine Conservation Center under construction on Ocean Cay, The Bahamas

More than 173,000 direct beneficiaries worldwide

Expert Panel Discussion

“Save the Coral, Save the Oceans” issues an urgent call for coral reef restoration around the world

100% of donations transferred directly to selected partners and programmes

New communication platform implemented

CHF 1,975,000+ allocated to programmes & initiatives

3 MSC Foundation Centres on MSC Cruises ships inform thousands of people about the most pressing needs worldwide

CREATED TO CARE

The MSC Foundation is a non-profit organisation that was established to implement the MSC Group’s marine conservation, humanitarian and sustainable development commitments worldwide. Leveraging MSC’s global reach and unique knowledge of the sea, we work to protect and nurture our blue planet, its peoples and our shared heritage.

Focusing

on four areas

the Foundation promotes the restoration and sustainable management of ecosystems, empowers vulnerable communities around the world to realise their full potential, supports equitable and inclusive quality education to foster enduring individual and collective development, and assists populations affected by humanitarian crises towards recovery.

The Foundation works to achieve this both independently and with dedicated partners: independently, by leveraging MSC Group engagement in designing and managing projects, connecting communities, raising awareness and mobilising the financial support of thousands of people; and together with trusted partners that are selected for their expertise, solid reputation and strong innovative vision or track record for effective action.

The MSC Foundation is family-led and reflects the vision and values of its founders.

VISION

To restore the critical balance between people and nature within a generation

MISSION

To utilise MSC’s global reach and unique knowledge of the sea to take immediate action that contributes to protecting and nurturing the blue planet and all its people

OUR VALUES

The MSC Foundation’s values are rooted in our Group’s seafaring heritage and strong family culture, expressed not only in our Vision, Mission and Values, but equally in our advocacy of and engagement in partnership.

Our values shape the character and actions of our Foundation, guiding how we behave and make decisions, while setting the course of all our operations.

Constant as the Pole Star, they ensure we are focused on supporting, reappraisal and innovation: we learn as we travel.

Moreover, we travel as a community, deeply aware that the urgency of the problems our planet and its people face today means that only by joining forces and working together can we rise to the challenges. Sharing our partners’ goals, the power of together is thus at the heart of our culture and shapes our strategies and future direction. It is also a driver of our Values, inspiring us to strive to always be:

RESPONSIBLE

Our love and inherent sense of responsibility for the seas and oceans represent the core values that define the MSC Group. Nurtured over centuries of seafaring experience, they are driven by a culture of active care that comes from being a familyowned and family-run business. For us, this active responsibility is a fundamental duty, a mission to protect and care for the seas, our blue planet and all those who depend on it.

RESPECTFUL

Everything we do is driven by our deep care and concern for the planet: its waters, seas, oceans and – of course – its people, both now and into the future. This respect underpins all our efforts and actions to help build a more positive, sustainable future and a better world. Knowing we cannot do this alone leads us to welcome and encourage others to join us in our vital work.

RESPONSIVE

We understand that the situation humanity faces is urgent, and that immediate intervention and change is required if we are to have a chance of restoring the critical balance between people and nature within a generation. This sense of urgency drives our responsiveness, committing us to prompt, effective action with energy and determination worldwide - leveraging our reach, scale and breadth of partnerships to make a real difference.

RESOURCEFUL

MSC’s global scale and reach ensure the Foundation can cover every corner of the world, benefitting from strong local knowledge, networks and experience on the ground. This enables us to harness an innovative resourcefulness and respond effectively to the challenges and emergencies threatening life, growth and fulfilment on both a local and global scale.

AN INCLUSIVE FOUNDATION

The MSC Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation committed to acting on environmental, development and humanitarian concerns both individually and in partnership, conscious that complex issues can often only be viably addressed by concerted initiatives and the coordinated allocation of resources.

We are therefore organised not only to act as donors and catalysts for action, but also as an agent for social and environmental innovation capable of mobilising the resources of the largest shipping Group in the world. This enables us to implement ambitious programmes, coordinating profit and non-profit entities synergistically and to maximum effect for concrete and lasting change.

Our work therefore includes a focus on disseminating information that raises public awareness and motivates to action, including through MSC Foundation Centres on MSC Cruises ships.

Accompanying this, we conduct fundraising campaigns across the MSC Cruises fleet, the MSC Group and more generally worldwide, with 100% of all funds raised being donated directly to the many programmes and initiatives we organise and promote. This is possible because all our administrative expenses are funded directly by the MSC Group.

The work of the MSC Foundation is focused on 4 core areas: environmental protection, in particular of aquatic ecosystems, support for the most vulnerable

communities around the world, emergency assistance for crisis-affected populations and quality, inclusive education.

CONCEIVED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

“The MSC Foundation is uniquely positioned to make a difference thanks to MSC’s global reach and unique knowledge of the sea, which enable us to achieve rapid impact across the world and to act as a catalyst, bringing a variety of partners together for maximum effectiveness – from governments and international bodies to NGOs and scientific experts.

We see this not only as a strength but also as a responsibility, and have introduced rigorous organisational procedures to ensure we always operate to maximum effect. We identify which programmes to launch and support by analysing the most pressing problems and areas of greatest need, while dispassionately assessing the feasibility of making a concrete difference either through direct action in the field or financial support.

In each case, our aim is to act as a catalyst for the development of effective, innovative solutions, supported by systematic data collection to monitor the achievement of programme goals and continuous dialogue with all parties.

At every stage, our resources are focused on achieving the maximum enduring impact for our planet and programme beneficiaries, including in pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

MARINA ANSELME

Secretary General, MSC Foundation

BUILDING A BETTER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR ALL

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

The work of the MSC Foundation in pursuit of its Vision, Mission and purposes is overseen by the Foundation Board (Conseil de Fondation) with the supervision of the Swiss Supervisory Authority in Bern, the support of the Secretariat, the contributions of an independent Advisory Board and regular external auditing.

THE FOUNDATION BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES

The Board is the Foundation’s supreme authority, overseeing its development and providing the strategic direction of its bodies. It meets twice a year to consider strategic matters, analyse programme progress, assess new initiatives and validate the operational approaches followed. It is composed of six members:

• Gianluigi Aponte (Chair of the Board)

• Alexa Aponte Vago (Vice Chair of the Board, Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee)

• Pierfrancesco Vago (Chair of the Executive Committee)

• Elâ Soyuer Aponte (Member of the Finance Committee)

• Rafaela Diamant

• Diego Aponte

The Board has established a Finance Committee and Executive Committee from among its members to manage and report on all related matters.

THE ADVISORY BOARD

The Foundation Board is assisted by an Advisory Board of independent experts who provide strategic guidance on the Foundation’s programmes. Acting as a resource to ensure the MSC Foundation’s effectiveness and sustainable development, the Advisory Board contributes strategic, scientific, partnership and project evaluation advice and inputs, and assists in the development of new activities.

• Matthew McKinnon (Chair)

• Prof. David Smith (Chief Scientific Advisor), Professor of Marine Biology at the University of Essex (UK), Chief Marine Scientist Mars Inc.

• Carl Gustaf Lundin, Mission Blue Managing Director, former Principal Scientist of the Global Marine and Polar Programme of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Switzerland.

THE SECRETARIAT

The Secretariat performs the administrative, finance and operational functions of the MSC Foundation and manages its inter-institutional relationships. Composed of highly experienced professionals, it is responsible for the day-to-day management, supervision and in certain cases implementation of the Foundation’s initiatives and programmes, including their Monitoring & Evaluation.

• Daniela Picco (Executive Director)

• Marina Anselme (Secretary General)

The Secretariat benefits from the support of MSC Group services and divisions and committed volunteers.

Board of Directors

Determines direction & controls

Advisory Board

Provides independent advice

Executive Committee

Develops activity and work plans

Financial Committee

Oversees the Foundation’s financing and accounts

Secretariat Implements strategy & reports, informs & engages stakeholders

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Ernst & Young is the MSC Foundation’s external auditor, appointed in accordance with the applicable legal provisions to review the Foundation’s accounts and submit a detailed report to the Board.

https://www.ey.com/ch/en/home

CONNECTIONS & NETWORKING

The Foundation pursues an active networking approach to strengthen our relationships with advisors, community leaders and others, with a view to building synergies, enhancing our programmes and leveraging our philanthropic commitments. We have partnership agreements with CAF (Charities Aid Foundation America) and TGE (Transnational Giving Europe), non-profit corporations that enable the MSC Foundation to raise funds for its approved charitable purposes from countries outside Switzerland, where we are based.

The MSC Foundation builds strong institutional partnerships with organisations and distinguished specialists to ensure it maintains the highest levels of expertise, transparency and accountability.

PHILANTHROPY ASSOCIATIONS

Swiss Foundations swissfoundations.ch

CAF America cafamerica.org

Transnational Giving Europe transnationalgiving.eu

DAFNE (Donors & Foundations Network Europe) – PEX Community, https://dafne-online.eu/pex/

RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS

Intl. Union for Conservation of Nature iucn.org

Global Center on Adaptation gca.org

Nova Southeastern University cnso.nova.edu University of Miami rsmas.miami.edu

Perry Institute for Marine Science

oceanconservancy.org

Centre Scientifique Monaco centrescientifique.mc

Center for Ocean Research and Education coresciences.org

2021 MILESTONES

Andrea Bocelli Foundation schools in Haiti equipped with internet and cell phones to provide online lessons and guidance during the pandemic.

JANUARY

COVID emergency support with Mercy Ships in Guinea, DR Congo, Cameroon & Senegal, delivering PPE* to Hospitals & Ministries of Health.

FEBRUARY

COVID emergency support in Italy, donating 10,000 antigen tests worth € 58,500 to the Sorrento Foundation for distribution in 6 coastal municipalities.

InfoPoint donated by MSC Foundation as social hub for Glade of Remembrance in memory of victims of Genoa bridge collapse.

MARCH

COVID emergency support in Brazil, leasing a refrigerated container free of charge to Santos City Hall for medical storage.

Guardian Dolphins programme with Marevivo installs “Blue Corners” in first 8 of 21 primary schools on 11 Italian islands to reach over 900 pupils.

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines volcano eruption response, donating one container of vital supplies to National Emergency Management.

APRIL

COVID emergency support in Brazil, donating 200 food stamp units and hygiene products to Santos Social Solidarity Fund.

Donation of a container for the storage of educational supplies at a Montevideo school teaching 400 vulnerable teenagers.

MAY

COVID emergency support in Lebanon with Geneva Mosaic School Association, donating free transportation and logistics to deliver goods to local charities.

Nautici in blu programme fully operational, with Marevivo innovating online to reach around 800 students, 80 teachers and 3,300 family members

Partnership for Coral restoration with the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University in the Caribbean.

Launch of Coral restoration partnership with Ba’a Foundation in the Red Sea.

JULY

Plastic Waste Goes to School with UNICEF builds 50 more classrooms for 3,070 children, recycling 115,000 kg of plastic & training 185 women waste collectors.

AUGUST

Support for UNICEF COVID/COVAX efforts, donating logistics & shipping of PPE* from Jebel Ali to Beirut

COVID emergency support for the DR Congo donating the shipping of 1 million medical masks.

La Palma volcano eruption response providing cash assistance to Tenerife Red Cross relief for families.

SEPTEMBER

COVID emergency support, donating 3 storage containers to a Montenegro hospital and USD 10k to a hospital in Vietnam.

OCTOBER

Haiti Earthquake response, donating 11 containers to non-profits Food for the Poor and World Vision for emergency relief storage & temporary housing.

Completion of the Sculpture La Danza del Mare in the MSC Foundation Centre on MSC Seashore, with 190 glass fish evoking the beauty & fragility of sea.

Ground Breaking Ceremony launches construction of the MSC Foundation Marine Conservation Center on Ocean Cay.

NOVEMBER

COVID emergency support, donating USD 25k to purchase 25 laptops for the Caribbean Maritime University’s laptop access programme for 600 vulnerable students.

Expert Panel Discussion

Save the Coral, Save the Oceans on MSC Seashore sees international experts issue an urgent call for coral reef restoration.

Celebrating 10 years’ partnership with Mercy Ships, bringing hope & healing in Africa through 19,740 surgeries, 218,100 dental procedures and medical training for 15,150

DECEMBER

Hollywood star Sophia Loren makes a special present to the coral, gifting her handprint to the Marine Conservation Center.

MSC Foundation joins Geneva Red Cross in second Festive Smiles initiative, donating, wrapping & distributing gifts for children of families in need.

OUR WORK WORLDWIDE

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

FESTIVE SMILES

Switzerland: Geneva

Partner: Red Cross

COVID

Portugal: Lisbon

VOLCANO ERUPTION

Spain: La Palma

EARTHQUAKE EMERGENCY

Haiti

VOLCANO ERUPTION

St Vincent & the Grenadines

COVID

Jamaica: “Laptop Access Programme”.

Partner: Caribbean Maritime University (CMU)

SUPER CORAL PROGRAMME

Bahamas: Ocean Cay

COVID

Brazil: São Paulo, Santos

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMUNITY SUPPORT

EDUCATION

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

EDUCATION

EMERGENCY RELIEF

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

SHIP OF HOPE

Senegal Partner: Mercy Ships

IL PARCO DEL MARE

Italy: Genoa

Partners: Genoa City Council, Helpcode

TOGETHER FOR THE SEA

Mediterranean Sea Partner: Marevivo

COVID

Italy: Naples

Partner: Sorrento Foundation

COVID

Montenegro: Bar

WILDFIRE EMERGENCY

Greece COVID

Lebanon: Beirut COVID

Vietnam COVID in 2021: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea and Senegal

Partner: Mercy Ships

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

ABERDEEN WOMEN’S CENTRE

Sierra Leone

Partner: Mercy Ships

PLASTIC WASTE GOES TO SCHOOL

Côte d’Ivoire

Partner: Unicef

RED SEA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

Partner: Ba’a Foundation

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

With our unique global shipping heritage, the MSC Foundation is keenly aware of the increasing fragility of our planet’s ecosystems. We are therefore committed to launching and supporting programmes that protect and restore our blue planet’s natural resources, varied species and human living environments.

TAKING THE INITIATIVE FOR CORAL

PROGRAMME: SUPER CORAL

PARTNER: UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

TIMEFRAME: 2019 - 2026

Ocean Cay

BAHAMAS

MARINE CONSERVATION

When the MSC Foundation encounters an unmet conservation need, we attempt to fill the gap in pursuit of our Vision: to restore the critical balance between people and nature within a generation.

That’s what we did in 2019, when MSC Cruises’ environmental conservation and restoration work on Ocean Cay identified that over half the surrounding coral had perished during the cay’s use as an industrial site.

Our pioneering Super Coral Programme in partnership with leading experts and scientific institutions is the result.

PARTNERING TO SAVE THE REEFS

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse underwater ecosystems in the world. Home to a quarter of all marine life despite covering less than 1% of the seafloor, they provide food and livelihoods for half a billion people, while also protecting coastal communities from storms and erosion. This makes them one of our most precious marine resources.

But they’re in mortal danger from climate change and pollution. In 2018, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported that scientists predict 70-90% of the world’s coral reefs are in danger of dying out completely between 2030 and 2050.

“The Super Coral Programme is an important international effort to restore climate-resilient coral reefs, recognising that only through collective action and strong partnerships can we as a global community reverse the global trend of reef loss before time runs out. We need to act now and act together.”

DAVID SMITH

Prof. David Smith, Chief Scientific Advisor to the MSC Foundation Advisory Board and Chief Marine Scientist Mars Inc.

Taking prompt action to address this emergency, the MSC Foundation launched its own initiative in 2019, assembling a team of international experts and scientists to research and implement pioneering new techniques to conserve and restore coral reefs and their marine ecosystems.

Called The Super Coral Programme, it takes its name from certain hardy species and genotypes of coral, colloquially named “Super Coral”, that have survived recent extreme ocean heat events and other impacts in the waters around Ocean Cay in The Bahamas, 64 miles east of Miami, where the programme is based. Our aim is to develop a replicable, scalable coral conservation model that can be deployed to restore and save vulnerable reefs worldwide.

CHALLENGES

50% of all coral has died off in the last 30 years.

Ocean warming, pollution and fishing could cause 90% global reef loss by 2030 and kill nearly all coral by 2050.

Half of the hundreds of acres of coral around Ocean Cay have already perished.

COVID travel restrictions delayed programme implementation on and around Ocean Cay.

Sources: Burke L., Reytar K., Spalding M., Perry A. (2012) “Reefs at Risk Revisited”; World Resources Institute, Washington D.C. https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life/coral-reefecosystems https://supercoralplay.org/pages/ocean-cay

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Coral reefs support a quarter of all marine life. Hundreds of millions of people depend on coral reefs for their food and livelihoods.

Reefs protect 150,000 km of shoreline in 100 countries from erosion and storm damage.

GOALS

• Increase applied reef science, marine ecosystem resilience and eco-tourism learning opportunities for marine professionals

• Develop quality scientific studies with a focus on coral reef and marine ecosystem resilience.

• Pioneer the application of reef restoration and resilience measures on an increasing scale , safeguarding future system biodiversity and health.

• Inform and engage new audiences at scale, including through direct-contact restoration experiences.

• Develop a sustainable programme financing model, demonstrating the value of resilient marine ecosystems for business, the public and conservation communities.

A TRIPLE-ACTION PROGRAMME

1 Ecological Resilience

Restore coral abundance, diversity and resilience.

2 Science & Education

Advance coral research and support the next generation of marine biologists.

3 Information & Awareness Raising

Inform and motivate many thousands of people every year on Ocean Cay, on MSC Cruises ships and online.

“Coral reefs are facing increasing stress from rising sea temperatures. An important way to address this is increasing the resilience of reefs, like the Super Coral Programme supported by MSC Foundation”

CARL GUSTAF LUNDIN

Managing Director Mission Blue and member of the MSC Foundation Advisory Board

“The partnership between NSU and the MSC Foundation brings our graduate students the opportunity to be on the forefront of coral conservation, developing tools and techniques that assist reef restoration around Ocean Cay and may be used worldwide.”

JOANA FIGUEIREDO

Ph.D. Associate Professor, Nova Southeastern University | NSU · College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography

“We are all one people. We have one planet and are united by one ocean. So, let’s all do our part. Tonight is a great start, certainly, as is the Marine Conservation Center on Ocean Cay.”

TANYA FERGUSON

Principal, Design Elements Ltd

“With funding secured by the MSC Foundation, intern Miriam Burgos conducted a study on genotypic differences in cold stress tolerance. To restore coral reefs, we need to be outplanting corals that are both cold and heat stress tolerant.”

CHRIS LANGDON

Prof. of Marine Biology & Ecology, Department of Marine Biology & Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, University of Miami

2021 RESULTS

The MSC Foundation made significant progress into the implementation phase of this innovative programme in 2021 despite ongoing COVID-related travel restrictions:

• We signed research partnerships with the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University in the Summer, launching the marine biologist graduate internship programme that supports our research and conservation activities on Ocean Cay.

• The MSC Foundation Marine Conservation Center’s ground breaking ceremony was held on 18 November, attended by The Prime Minister of The Bahamas, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, delegates from the Bahamian Government, ocean conservation experts and special guests. Due for completion in early 2023, the centre will provide cutting-edge marine research and coral conservation facilities, including coral nurseries around Ocean Cay.

“Your multi-pronged focus on coral conservation and growth, combined with your facilitation of academic research and public education, is exactly the kind of initiative we wish to prioritize as part of our new-day agenda.

Our country is an ocean state, and if we take care of our oceans, they’ll take care of us.”

PHILIP DAVIS

Marine Conservation Center Ground Breaking Ceremony, Ocean Cay, 18 November 2021

Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis and Pierfrancesco Vago, Chair of the MSC Foundation Executive Committee, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises

Marine Conservation Center

HON.

Prime Minister of The Bahamas

• On 17 November, we held the Expert Panel Discussion “Save the Coral, Save the Oceans”, which sent out a unanimous appeal for urgent action to save coral reefs by the world-leading specialists present: Dean Holly Lynn Baumgartner , Nova Southeastern University, Tanya Ferguson , Design Elements Ltd, Inc. The Bahamas, Frank Mars, Chair of Mars Inc and Strategic Advisor to the Mars Coral Restoration Programme, Prof. Chris Langdon, University of Miami, Prof. David Smith , Chief Scientific Advisor MSC Foundation Advisory Board.

• Our marine biologist graduate interns completed two reviews of the scientific literature, one on coral reef restoration techniques applicable to Ocean Cay and Bahamian ecosystems, and one on Caribbean and Bahamian underwater ecosystems, focused on coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass.

• We produced two awareness-raising public information infographics on the value of and threats to coral reefs, as well as the techniques for restoring them.

• We created coral restoration edutainment activities for kids and teenagers to raise awareness of coral conservation and restoration.

“It is imperative for marine scientists to work with connectors and translators. Translators make the science accessible while connectors foster synergistic collaborations. The MSC Foundation is a connector and translator, bringing the public to science and science to the public.”

DR. HOLLY LYNN BAUMGARTNER

Dean, Halmos College and Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center, Nova Southeastern University

“My internship was an invaluable part of my graduate school and career experience, working with top marine scientists and non-profit and private sector professionals from across the globe.”

MELISSA REX

Nova Southeastern University Graduate Intern 2021-22

“Contributing to the research spearheaded by the Super Coral Programme and receiving feedback on my work helped me gain the skills needed to continue becoming a better and forward-looking scientist.”

MIRIAM BURGOS

Nova Southeastern University Graduate Intern 2021-22

Nova Southeastern University student Murphy McDonald sampling a coral colony to determine fertility.

Save the Coral, Save the Oceans, Expert Panel Discussion, MSC Seashore, 17 November 2022 - Paintings by Ilaria Di Meo

TOGETHER FOR THE CORAL

PROGRAMME:

REEF REVIVE INITIATIVE

PARTNER: BA’A FOUNDATION

TIMEFRAME: 2021 - 2026

Jeddah

The Saudi Arabian non-profit Ba’a Foundation was established in 2020 to create positive environmental and cultural change. One of its first initiatives was an ongoing Marine Conservation Programme integrating an array of techniques from coral gardening and transplanting to artificial reefs that provide a hospitable substrate for coral larvae to settle.

Sharing a common goal, the MSC Foundation and Ba’a Foundation joined forces from the third quarter of 2021 in a comprehensive programme to improve the sustainability of the Red Sea marine environment, centred on an innovative initiative to restore dying and depleted coral reefs. Red Sea coral species have tremendous conservation potential, being better able than many to tolerate harsh environmental conditions, including high temperatures and salinity.

The partnership aims to disseminate the knowledge we acquire to the global scientific and conservation community, while also raising public awareness of the important role coral reefs play in ocean health.

It is initially focusing on locations in the Caribbean and Red Sea and includes the support of the Ba’a Foundation’s main implementing arm, Beacon Development at the King Abdullah University for Sciences and Technology.

Our work with the MSC Foundation to advance coral conservation and help safeguard marine ecosystems will have great impact.

The Red Sea is home to some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world, and through the knowledge and research of the experts and graduates at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology we can really make a difference to coral restoration around the world.

BADR BIN ABDULLAH BIN FARHAN

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ba’a Foundation

CHALLENGES

Only 1% of the seafloor is covered by coral reefs, but they are home to 25% of its species.

It is estimated that 50% of the world’s corals have been lost already.

The coral reefs in the southern Red Sea have suffered significant damage, mainly from coral bleaching and destructive fishing practices.

The Red Sea’s coral reefs support some of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world, third only to the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Triangle where coral reefs are concerned.

Red Sea corals can tolerate harsh environmental conditions, including high salinity and temperatures, making them of great potential value to global coral conservation efforts.

GOALS

• Restore dying and depleted reefs in the Red Sea, integrating an array of techniques from coral gardening and transplanting to artificial reefs that provide a hospitable substrate for coral larvae to settle.

• Increase international collaboration and sharing of resources, best practices, ideas and results to address the problems of scaling up climate-resilient and ecologically-impactful coral reef restoration.

• Exchange of academic and scientific experts across programmes and initiatives to advance understanding of topics of mutual interest and enhance the effectiveness of the related programmes or initiatives.

• Fundraising campaigns to mobilise resources to support the marine conservation programmes of each foundation.

• Contribute to raising public awareness of the need to protect the Blue Planet and its rich ecosystems, including through the production of educational materials.

2021 RESULTS

• Fundraising and awareness-raising campaign organised on MSC Cruises’ ship MSC Bellissima throughout its Red Sea season, reaching thousands of guests from all over the world.

• Joint technical team established to plan and implement partnership actions in Saudi Arabia and The Bahamas.

• Initiative launched to increase international collaboration and sharing of resources, best practices, ideas and results to address the problems of scaling up climate-resilient and ecologicallyimpactful coral reef restoration.

Marina Anselme, MSC Foundation Secretary General, Sultan Khaled Olayan, Board of Trustee Ba’a Foundation, Bader Alrabiah, CEO Ba’a Foundation, Daniela Picco, MSC Foundation Executive Director, Mohammed Alssaggaf, Initiatives Officer Ba’a Foundation

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

We support some of the most vulnerable communities around the world, particularly those living by seas, oceans and rivers, to achieve their full potential through humanitarian, health, women empowerment and sustainable development programmes.

CELEBRATING 12 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP

JOINING FORCES FOR LONG-TERM CHANGE AND PROMPT EMERGENCY RELIEF

PROMOTING EDUCATION IN 126 VULNERABLE BRAZILIAN COMMUNITIES FROM 2009 TO 2013

SUPPORTING CHINA’S FOOD SUPPLEMENT PROGRAMME TO PREVENT CHILD MALNUTRITITON FROM 2018 TO 2019

REDUCING CHILD MALARIA MORTALITY IN AFRICA IN 2013

PROVIDING LIFESAVING TREATMENTS FOR 115,668 CHILDREN SUFFERING FROM SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITITON IN ETHIOPIA, SOUTH SUDAN, SOMALIA AND MALAWI FROM 2013 TO 2020

5 life-changing programmes and 4 emergency initiatives since 2009

“We are proud of the fruitful, twelve-year-long journey we have travelled hand in hand with the MSC Foundation. MSC’s longstanding trust and generous support for UNICEF have been invaluable. Since 2009, MSC has raised more than €11 million to help UNICEF improve the lives of children around the world.

Together, we have achieved great progress for children worldwide”.

BETTINA JUNKER

CEO UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein

PLASTIC WASTE GOES TO SCHOOL

PROGRAMME: PLASTIC WASTE GOES TO SCHOOL

PARTNER: UNICEF

TIMEFRAME: 2019 - 2022

Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest cocoa producer and a major exporter of other valuable crops such as rubber and coffee. However, 46% of Ivorian households live in poverty. And while education is key to today’s children building a brighter future, 1.6 million children in Côte d’Ivoire don’t go to school because there aren’t enough classrooms. Plastic pollution is also a big problem.

Abidjan, the country’s economic capital, throws out 288 tons of plastic waste every day, but only 5% is recycled, mainly collected by marginalised women who earn a precarious living and are paid low prices for the plastic they sell.

In 2019, UNICEF launched a pioneering programme to address these problems in an integrated manner, with the MSC Foundation as founding partner and sole corporate funder.

A THREE-PRONGED PROGRAMME

• Education: build bright and airy, clean and durable, low-cost modern classrooms.

• Environmental Conservation: combat plastic pollution, taking many tons of plastic waste out of landfill.

• Women Empowerment: support vulnerable women waste collectors to earn a regular fair income.

This three-pronged programme called “Plastic Waste goes to School” sees us:

Firstly, supporting vulnerable women to earn a regular income collecting plastic waste.

Secondly, we’re recycling the plastic to make innovative, environmentally-friendly building bricks in partnership with Conceptos Plásticos, the Colombian social enterprise that invented them.

Thirdly, we’re using these easily-assembled bricks to build much-needed schools and classrooms for children who wouldn’t otherwise get an education.

“Plastic Waste Goes to School” is contributing to the Côte d’Ivoire Government’s strategic plan to build an additional 25,000 classrooms by 2025. UNICEF Cote d’Ivoire is working closely with the Ministry of Education to identify the localities in greatest need of classrooms.

LIFE-CHANGING BRICKS

These recycled bricks last 50 years longer than clay bricks, are 30% cheaper, 20% lighter and much easier to build with.

It takes 3kg of recycled plastic to make each large brick.

CHALLENGES

Ivory Coast needs 25,000 classrooms to meet the needs of children without a place to learn.

Most classrooms are overcrowded, with an average of 100 learners per class, and suffer from insufficient resources and investment, which impacts learning outcomes and student retention.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and tensions surrounding the 2020 presidential election were compounded by power outages and a period of insecurity in 2021, impacting travel, procurement and logistics.

In Abidjan more than 280 tons of plastic waste is produced every day, only 5% of which is recycled.

As an innovative programme without precedent, the implementation of “Plastic Waste Goes to School” is a constant learning process.

GOALS

• Provide equitable development opportunities for disadvantaged children and women through a climate-resilient approach.

• Improve children’s access to quality education and foster education equity.

• Enhance sustainable income opportunities for marginalised women.

• Contribute to cleaning up the environment by establishing a plastic waste recycling value chain.

• Create the conditions to scale up the programme and to transfer its integrated transformation model to other countries.

2021 RESULTS

The programme made solid progress despite multiple challenges, aided by flexible implementation responses that put new protocols and systems in place to meet the complex interlinked needs of this unprecedented initiative by:

• Establishing a dedicated Construction Unit to oversee construction planning, site preparation by School Committees, brick and equipment transportation logistics, the construction process and quality control.

• Building a storage centre where women waste collectors can store, clean and prepare plastic waste before sale.

• Compiling all the new processes in a “Lessons Learnt” document drafted by the UNICEF country office to establish best practices and support replication of this landmark programme.

• Completing a study to map the plastic collection points in Abidjan and Grand-Bassam. This led to the creation of a national working group of non-profit organisations, UNICEF, the private sector and Government to reform the plastic waste sector and involve municipal authorities - an important step towards scaling up the programme.

• 50 classrooms built and equipped (71 since programme launch).

• 3,070 more children benefitting from a quality education environment (4,274 since launch).

• Teacher training provided and learning materials distributed to improve quality of education.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

• 115,000 kg of plastic recycled to produce plastic bricks (517,000 kg since programme launch).

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

• 185 women trained to collect plastic waste and organised in an association with groups in Angré, Akoueko, Palmeraies, Williamsville, Bandji, GrandBassam and Bingerville.

• Women waste collectors in the programme receive about 90% of the plastic’s final market value, compared with only 20% paid by other intermediaries.

“Seeing all these children happy and developing in a healthy learning environment is a wonderful reward for all the work done by UNICEF and our partner the MSC Foundation.”

FANTA KONE

Communication Officer, UNICEF, Côte d’Ivoire

“Despite the many challenges of 2021, we were – with MSC’s support – able to build and fully equip 71 classrooms, with another 44 in the process of completion. This will give over 3,000 children access to a productive learning environment. On behalf of the whole UNICEF team, thank you, MSC Foundation, for believing in this project from the beginning.”

MARC VINCENT

UNICEF Representative, Côte d’Ivoire

“I’ve taught in traditional brick buildings and today I teach in a classroom made of recycled plastic bricks. The plastic brick classrooms are more spacious and airier. It’s a pleasure to teach in them and the children’s results are getting much better. They are now happy to come to school and feel privileged.”

AKA

Teacher in Sangouiné, in the West of Côte d’Ivoire

JOINING HANDS FOR HEALTH AND EDUCATION IN HAITI

PROGRAMME: W.H.E.A.T.

PARTNER: ANDREA BOCELLI FOUNDATION

TIMEFRAME: 2018-2021

The MSC Foundation has partnered with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) since 2018 to assist vulnerable populations in Haiti as part of the WHEAT Project (Water Health Education Action Time), under which the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and St. Luke Foundation for Haiti operate 5 schools that also serve as community centres in underserved remote areas of the country.

The MSC Foundation supported this work by helping establish and fund ABF’s unique Mobile Clinic, together with its medical and technical staff, from 2018 to 2020, when it was suspended due to the pandemic. The ABF Mobile Clinic visited these schools in rotation throughout the year, setting up its facilities in their grounds to provide free medical care for their over 2,850 students, together with their families and communities.

These operations were suspended due to COVID containment measures in 2021.

Serving thousands of direct beneficiaries per year in a close and productive partnership with ABF, the Mobile Clinic has had a strong life-changing impact of which the MSC Foundation is extremely proud. As this partnership now comes to an end, we thank everyone at the Andrea Bocelli Foundation for their extraordinary dedication, innovative spirit and trust. It has been a privilege to work with them.

CHALLENGES

Mobile clinic suspended due to COVID containment regulations.

Student numbers fluctuated due the pandemic and socio-political situation.

Student difficulties with infection and getting to school threatened continuity of education.

Staff members dedicated to health and safety had to be increased.

GOAL

• Ensure continuity of quality education through the COVID pandemic for all 5 schools for vulnerable populations in remote areas of Haiti.

“Access to quality, equitable education is the key to a future of opportunity and hope. That’s why ABF committed to keeping schools open in the pandemic, creating a sanitation and prevention protocol to protect all our students, school staff and communities.”

LAURA BIANCALANI Teacher in Sangouiné, in the West of Côte d’Ivoire

CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION DESPITE COVID

The Mobile Clinic has operated successfully even in moments of political instability and civil unrest, delivering regular health screening, medical consultations, treatments, vaccines, counselling and training. But the COVID pandemic proved an insurmountable challenge and its services had to be suspended in compliance with government measures to contain the pandemic.

The pandemic also meant that student attendances at the 5 schools fluctuated while staff numbers had to be increased to comply with the necessary health and safety protocols. This meant additional economic resources were required to run the schools.

Many pupils experienced difficulties getting into school because of the pandemic and ongoing political instability. In addition, gang shootings in the area around Port Au Prince sometimes made it even more difficult for the children in Croix des Bouquets to get to school.

The MSC Foundation’s financial support in 2021 was therefore focused on helping ensure continuity of education. We funded the purchase and distribution of hygiene and cleaning items to combat the spread of COVID-19 so that the teachers and school staff could welcome the students with a full safety procedure every day, including temperature checks, hand washing and the provision of medical masks.

Funds were also dedicated to improving internet provision through cell phones and routers, increasing learner access to online lessons and to teaching aids for all 5 schools. The schools likewise supported students unable to get in for lessons by providing hard copy and support for parents to guide their children using mobile phones supplied through the School Committees.

5 SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY CENTRES IN HAITI

The schools are St. Augustin in Abricots Jérémie, St Philomène in Kenscoff, Notre Dame Du Rosaire in Croix-des-Bouquets, Manitane in Dame Marie and St. Raphael in De Varenne Grand Rivière, Jacmel.

2021 RESULTS

• All 5 schools (primary and secondary) continued operating thanks thanks to provision of the medical and hygiene equipment and products required to implement COVID health and safety protocols.

• 2,788 children received educational supplies and were able to attend school.

• 133 teachers and 73 employees received medical and hygiene training to implement COVID health and safety protocols in all 5 schools.

• All 5 schools were equipped with internet and cell phones to provide online lessons and guidance to parents and learners.

“The school has done so much for me, giving me a free education, course books, exercise books and pens. One day, I would like to become somebody for my parents. I would really love to become a nurse to help keep my area safe, to help my community and to offer medical care to people in need.”

MARIE LOVE ARTISTE

1st Grade

“I live 20km from school and walk in every day, but it’s worth the effort. I have a message for all our students: I hope you continue to attend. School will do a lot for you, even if you aren’t aware of it now.”

CARIGNOLE SEVERE

7th Grade.

HOPE AND HEALING IN AFRICA

For over 30 years, Mercy Ships has used hospital ships to strengthen local health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, where around 93% of the population is unable to access safe, affordable surgical care. Mercy Ships volunteer medical staff achieve this by training health professionals and providing free surgeries that have transformed and saved thousands of people’s lives. MSC’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable communities has led it to partner with Mercy Ships since 2011.

Providing transportation and logistics support together with prompt assistance, we enable Mercy Ships to concentrate its resources on delivering free professional healthcare and surgery for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, together with medical training, monitoring, capacity building and infrastructure renovations.

MSC also shares its expert knowledge of the maritime sector with Mercy Ships, assisting its technical teams to keep abreast of the latest techniques and technologies.

TOTAL IMPACT OF MSC SUPPORT IN AFRICA SINCE 2011

19,740

TOTAL SURGERIES

218,100 DENTAL PROCEDURES

15,150 MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS TRAINED

“MSC and the MSC Foundation have been remarkable and loyal partners for many years. We are grateful for their faithful partnership, and for the many ways they have helped bring to life our vision and mission to bring hope and healing to those in need.

Our work delivering free life-changing surgeries and medical capacity building, strengthening health systems, could not be achieved without the global logistics support of MSC.”

DON STEPHENS Founder, Mercy Ships

PROGRAMME:

SHIPS OF HOPE

PARTNER: MERCY SHIPS

TIMEFRAME: 2011 - 2021

SENEGAL TENERIFE

GHANA TOGO

SPAIN BENIN SIERRA LEONE LIBERIA

CHINA

REPUBLIC OF CONGO

MADAGASCAR

A STEP CHANGE YEAR

The MSC Foundation provided Mercy Ships with special additional support to assist two very important projects in 2021, providing logistics and transportation to supply the construction of Global Mercy, the world’s first ever purpose-built civilian hospital ship, and the maintenance and refitting of Africa Mercy in the Canary Islands.

With both ships now outfitted to the highest standards and in operation, Mercy Ships’ capacity to deliver health and healing has more than doubled.

Overall, the MSC Foundation assisted Mercy Ships with the safe delivery of 95 containers to and from 9 countries across four continents in the year.

CHALLENGES

More than 18 million people worldwide die due to lack of surgical care every year.

Over 93% of the population of Sub-Saharan Africa doesn’t have access to safe, affordable surgical care.

There are on average fewer than 10 physicians per 100,000 people in Africa.

25% of the world’s diseases are concentrated in Africa.

Over 50% of the world population can be assisted from the sea.

The global repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact logistics, supply chains, food access and travel throughout the year.

2021 RESULTS

• 52 containers of supplies delivered for the construction and outfitting of Global Mercy.

• 27 containers of medical supplies delivered for surgeries and direct medical programmes.

• 4 containers of food delivered to feed patients and volunteers.

• 12 containers delivered containing sundry supplies for volunteers, crew and community partners.

• Logistics and transportation provided to deliver PPE and supplies for Mercy Ships’ hospital operations in 9 African countries: Ethiopia, Guinea, Liberia, Malawi, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.

• Global Mercy was completed and joined the Mercy Ships fleet in active operation.

• Africa Mercy returned to service in Senegal.

• 3,138 total surgical procedures performed in 9 countries: Ethiopia, Guinea, Liberia, Malawi, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.

• 16,067 dental procedures performed and 2,526 people trained in basic oral health.

• 1,343 medical capacity building participants trained for a total of 157,812 hours across 6 countries (Benin, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, South Africa and Togo), assisted by an online training platform.

“It has been a pleasure to help develop and grow the partnership between Mercy Ships and MSC and the MSC Foundation. Given the challenges that the maritime and logistic sectors have faced during the pandemic, MSC has continued to prioritize the expeditious delivery of life-saving supplies to Mercy Ships in Africa. The entire MSC and MSC Foundation team is a pleasure to work with as they clearly hold close to their hearts our mission to bring hope and healing to those without access to safe surgery.”

SIMONE JONES

Director of Corporate and New Business at Mercy Ships

“With the MSC Foundation’s partnership, Mercy Ships has helped bring sustainable healing to Africa. Thanks to partners like MSC, we continue to accelerate and improve access to free healthcare in the African continent.”

EMMANUEL ESSAH

Beneficiary of medical capacity buildingCountry Engagement Biomedical Project Manager

LIFE-CHANGING SERVICES FOR VULNERABLE WOMEN

PROGRAMME: THE SHIP OF HOPE

PARTNERS: MERCY SHIPS & FFF

TIMEFRAME: 2020 - 2021

SIERRA LEONE

Astou after her dress ceremony and discharge from the hospital.

UPGRADING A UNIQUE HOSPITAL

The Freedom from Fistula Foundation (FFF) has its own hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, which Mercy Ships was instrumental in establishing.

Called the Aberdeen Women’s Clinic (AWC), this hospital has a dedicated fistula operating theatre with a capacity of 300 surgeries per year and a maternity ward which safely delivers up to 3,000 babies each year. It is the only comprehensive fistula repair service in Sierra Leone and more than 90% of its staff are Sierra Leonean.

In 2020, the MSC Foundation partnered Mercy Ships’ programme to assist access to sexual and reproductive health services for vulnerable women in Sierra Leone, providing funding and donating supplies and equipment to the AWC.

Pandemic-related delays during 2020 resulted in 72% of the items committed to for the programme being acquired and delivered in 2021.

CHALLENGES

More than 3,000 women die each year as a direct result of obstetric complications.

Sierra Leone was estimated to have around 2,400 women living with obstetric fistula in 2021. This number is constantly rising.

Obstetric haemorrhage (bleeding in pregnancy) accounts for approximately 40% of maternal deaths in the country.

717 deaths per 100,000 women: Sierra Leone has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.

89% of fistula cases seen at the Aberdeen Women’s Centre are caused by obstetric complications.

Deliveries of equipment and supplies to the AWC were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Procurement was also impacted by the UK’s exit from the European Union (Brexit), delaying full implementation of the programme.

2021 RESULTS

• 67,998 items of medical equipment and supplies were delivered to improve the AWC hospital’s maternity, fistula and outpatient medical services, laboratory and general facilities, and maintenance and administration.

• The modern laboratory equipment purchased and installed increased the hospital’s blood sample processing capacity from 1 to 30 samples per hour and reduced laboratory test processing times from 1 hour to 3 minutes, while also cutting the number of tests requiring external processing, substantially reducing patient waiting times.

“We are incredibly grateful to the MSC Foundation and MSC family of companies for their generous support for more than a decade. As Mercy Ships prepares to double the hope and healing in the communities we serve in West Africa, the loyal support of the MSC partnership has been a beacon of light during our journey. We look forward to the future!”

CECILIA VILLA

Head of Resource Development, Mercy Ships

“The MSC Foundation partnership with Mercy Ships has provided invaluable support to our mission through the provision of shipping, supplies, and generous donations. With the return to Senegal, our two ships, Africa Mercy and Global Mercy, were able to serve side by side this summer, bringing hope and healing to those in need. This was largely possible due to the faithful partnership of MSC.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Africa together.”

KARIS JOHNSON

Projects

Mercy

and Events Manager,

Ships

GENOA GLADE OF REMEMBRANCE INFOPOINT

PROGRAMME:

IL PARCO DEL MARE

PARTNERS:

COMUNE DI GENOVA, HELPCODE

TIMEFRAME: 2019 - 2023 Italy

GENOA

Genoa’s Morandi Bridge collapsed in August 2018, killing 43 people, injuring 16 and requiring the entire area under the bridge to be evacuated.

Supporting the city’s recovery was an immediate focus of the MSC Foundation upon its inception in 2019. The MSC Foundation and MSC Group, in conjunction with Genoa City Council and Liguria Regional Council, organised a high-profile public fundraising concert of international stars, the award winning Ballata per Genova. The concert took place 10 months after the disaster, broadcast live on TV and Radio to millions across Italy and worldwide.

The associated fundraising campaign, “Anch’io per Genova” in collaboration with Helpcode, raised more than 450,000 euro for the city’s regeneration and launched an innovative community park project with a focus on the sea and environmental protection: Il Parco del Mare.

2021 marks the first step in the creation of this park with the completion of a Glade of Remembrance installation in memory of the victims of the disaster, including an Infopoint social hub made possible by an additional donation of the MSC foundation.

Located under the new bridge, it creates an outdoor meeting place for public events, including expert talks, outdoor education, shows and art.

GOALS

• Regenerate an area by the bridge with 43 trees in memory of those who lost their lives in the disaster and a commemorative social hub for residents of all ages that also provides information on the park project.

• Create an Infopoint that is open every day, managed by a network of neighbourhood associations to meet identified local needs.

2021 RESULTS

• Infopoint donated by the MSC Foundation, made from two MSC containers sited side by side and converted into a wheelchair-accessible visitor centre.

• Facilities include Wi-Fi internet, a visitor reception, toilet for people with disabilities and room for public meetings with a collage of images provided by the victims’ families in their memory.

• Infopoint officially opened on 8 March 2021.

“It’s wonderful to see this area, which the bridge collapse made impassable, now return to life, providing a place of remembrance, leisure and learning for the whole community.

The MSC Foundation has been fully committed to our regeneration work since the very beginning, and I would like to thank them for this outstanding additional contribution, completed in record time considering the quality of work involved.”

SIMONETTA CENCI

Presentation of the key to Marco Bucci, Mayor of Genoa

Genoa City Council

BRINGING A SPARK TO CHILDREN’S EYES

PROGRAMME: FESTIVE SMILES

PARTNER: GENEVA RED CROSS

TIMEFRAME: 2020 ONWARDS ANNUALLY

Switzerland

GENEVA

Croix-Rouge genevoise

The MSC Foundation has partnered with the Geneva Red Cross in its Christmas Baskets action since 2020. The action distributes gift baskets to the poorest families in the Canton of Geneva every December. Each Christmas Basket contains basic foodstuffs and festive items, such as delicacies, cosmetics, beauty and personal care products and gift vouchers, as well as family games and new gifts for children.

The initiative with which the MSC Foundation supports this is called “Festive Smiles” and sees us collecting gifts across the MSC Group’s Geneva offices for young people aged between 3 and 18, which are then distributed in the Christmas Baskets.

In 2021, the MSC Foundation organised its second “Festive Smiles” campaign, which saw our MSC Group colleagues based in Geneva not only donating children’s gifts but also volunteering to dedicate their time to wrapping and distributing them.

CHALLENGES

Coronavirus pandemic led to significant increase in people requiring emergency assistance in 2021.

Prepare and distribute 2,000+ Christmas Baskets to more than 8,000 people in need in the Canton of Geneva.

2021 RESULTS

The Red Cross distribution took place between the 15th and 19th of December 2021.

• 2,500 families received Christmas Baskets.

• 8,552 beneficiaries received gifts, including 4,356 children and teenagers.

The MSC Foundation and MSC Group Geneva employees contributed:

• 180 gifts for children from families in need.

• 35 volunteers.

FESTIVE SMILES

Giving back this holiday season

• 113 hours dedicated to wrapping and helping distribute baskets.

“We would like to warmly thank the MSC Foundation and the MSC employees who supported the Geneva Red Cross during its annual Christmas Baskets action. Thanks to the hundreds of new gifts collected and the help of many MSC volunteers, the action was a great success.”

BENJAMIN LACHAT

Fundraising Officer

Major Donors, Geneva Red Cross

EDUCATION

Believing in the transformative power of education, we support environmental, vocational, technical, basic and post-primary education, teacher and other education personnel training, life skills development and peace education among others, in formal and non-formal settings.

NURTURING CITIZENS OF THE OCEAN

CARING FOR THE SEAS

The MSC Foundation has worked in close partnership with the Italian marine conservation NGO Marevivo for over 7 years, supporting its educational programmes for children and youths of all ages across Italy to raise awareness of marine biodiversity, sustainable development and the conservation of marine protected areas.

CHALLENGES

The Mediterranean accounts for just 1% of the global ocean floor but is home to 10% of the world’s marine biodiversity.1

229,000 tons of plastic leak into the Mediterranean Sea every year. That’s equivalent to the contents of over 500 shipping containers every day and to 7% of all microplastics in the world’s oceans.2

Italians use around 2.1 million tons of plastic every year, only 49% of which is recycled.3

134 species in the Mediterranean are victims of plastic ingestion and 51% of its native fish species are in danger of extinction, with 4% listed as near threatened.4

The Italian school system currently dedicates just a few hours to environmental education in its civic education curriculum.

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions prevented all outdoor learning and field study activities, including beach clean-ups, museum visits and marine observation.

The MSC Foundation continued its support for two Marevivo programmes in in 2021: Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Senegal: Guardian Dolphins of the Islands and Nautici in Blu.

5,860 GUARDIAN DOLPHINS OF THE ISLANDS AND 562 TEACHERS SINCE 2015*

3,186 265

NAUTICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS SINCE 2017*

“From the smallest plankton to the biggest whale, the ocean connects us all. It’s our home, our mother, our life. Conveying the values of respect for the sea to our younger generations is the heart and driver of our work.

Thanks to the MSC Foundation’s support, the culture of protecting the sea enters the lives of thousands of children every year. That is the only way to ensure our future on this Planet: our life depends on the health of the sea, but the health of the sea depends on us.”

President, Marevivo

1European institute of the Mediterranean- IEMed- Mediterranean Yearbook 2020. https://www.iemed.org/publication/mediterranean-medioplasticae-analysis-of-plasticpollution-in-the-mediterranean-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/?lang=fr 2 WWF, Report 2018 https://wwf.fi/app/uploads/c/n/h/5gditunbtfhymucbvzdllwd/a4 plastics med finale 31may 2.pdf 3 https://www.statista.com/statistics/910898/recycling-rate-of-plastic-packaging-waste-in-italy/ 4 WWF, Impacts of plastic pollution in the ocean on marine species biodiversity and ecosystems.2022. https://www.wwf.de/fileadmin/fm-wwf/Publikationen-PDF/Plastik/WWF-Impacts of plastic pollution in the ocean on marine species biodiversity and ecosystems.pdf

ROSALBA GIUGNI

* Direct beneficiaries of MSC support in Italy since launch

GUARDIAN DOLPHINS OF THE ISLANDS

PROGRAMME:

GUARDIAN DOLPHINS

PARTNER: MAREVIVO

TIMEFRAME: 2015 ONWARDS

ELBA

Guardian Dolphins is an education programme for primary school children on Italy’s small islands. MSC has been the main sponsor since 2015. Combining multidisciplinary lessons with experimental learning and outdoor activities, Guardian Dolphins fosters a greater awareness of and sense of responsibility for the conservation of marine resources.

Marevivo continued to develop and fine-tune the educational material used in the Blue Corner display and study unit it developed in 2020 to meet the participating schools’ needs during the pandemic emergency.

GOALS

• Nurture a generation of Citizens of the Ocean able to protect the Blue Planet and manage environmental issues in a sustainable, responsible and equitable manner in line with the targets of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• Fill the environmental education gap in primary schools.

• Provide environmental education focused on the marine environment for primary school children on the Italian islands of Alicudi, Elba, Favignana, Filicudi, Lipari, Marettimo, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, Vulcano and in the town of Milazzo in Sicily.

• Strengthen local and national capacities to adopt a quality environmental curriculum in Italy.

RESULTS1

• 26 primary schools integrated the Guardian Dolphins education programme in their annual curriculum plans.

• More than 1,440 students aged 8-10 benefited from Blue Corner activities.

• A further approximately 2,000 students at these primary schools were indirectly impacted through peer interaction.

• Over 134 teachers on 10 islands and 1 town received guidance to implement the Blue Corner lessons and activities.

• Roughly 5,700 family members were indirectly involved in the programme.

• A total of 5,860 pupils and 562 teachers have been reached since 2015.

“Guardian Dolphins showed us how children experience the sea and look at the world, highlighting the benefits of their learning the importance of environmental and marine conservation from an early age.”

DOMENICA IANNELLO

Teacher at Santa Lucia Institute, Lipari

“I don’t just want my beach to be healthy, but the whole world, otherwise there’s no justice. We all know the world is sick, but I dream of a healthier planet, for the animals and all of us.”

GINEVRA GIUSTI

Student at Casa Del Duca Portoferraio Primary School, Elba

“The Guardian Dolphins programme plays a vital role with its classroom and above all field activities, which are important for nurturing the ideas and values of our younger generations.”

MARIELLA GATTUSO

Marevivo Sicily Project Coordinator

NAUTICI IN BLU

PROGRAMME:

NAUTICI IN BLU

PARTNER: MAREVIVO

TIMEFRAME: 2017 ONWARDS

GENOA LA SPEZIA ANCONA

PORTO S. STEFANO

CIVITAVECCHIA

BARI

PIANO DI SORRENTO

PALERMO

MILAZZO

TRAPANI PORTO EMPEDOCLE

The Nautici in Blu programme delivers an intensive 4-day course to students at Italy’s nautical institute state secondary schools every year. Combining class work and field trips, including at sea by boat - even virtually during the pandemic - the course provides a solid grounding in environmental protection and marine sustainability, informing and motivating youths interested in maritime, environmental and scientific careers.

The MSC Foundation has been the programme’s main sponsor since 2017.

GOALS

• Build a generation of Citizens of the Ocean able to protect the Blue Planet and manage environmental issues in a sustainable, responsible and equitable manner in line with the targets of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• Provide a learner-centred grounding in environmental education for students at Italy’s nautical institute state secondary schools.

• Develop the Ocean Literacy of the teaching staff at the Nautical Institutes.

2021 RESULTS

• Programme delivered at 13 nautical institutes in Ancona, Bari, Civitavecchia, Genoa, La Spezia, Milazzo, Ortona, Palermo, Porto Empedocle, Porto Santo Stefano, Sorrento, Trapani and Trieste, involving 5 marine protected areas and 1 regional nature reserve.

• More than 886 students aged 15-17 enrolled in the Nautici in Blu programme in 2021.

• Over 60 teachers and 11 school managers successfully trained in the Nautici in Blu course.

• 4 Environmental Education Officers were assigned to each Institute and 10 experts were directly involved in the programme.

• Around 3,500 family members were indirectly impacted.

• Each student received 90 hours of lessons.

• A total of 3,186 pupils and 265 teachers have been reached since 2017.

“Thanks to the MSC Foundation and Marevivo, we are given the opportunity to educate future generations to respect the environment.”

FERDINANDO LEONE

Teacher at the Volterra Elia Institute, Ancona

“Nautici in Blu helped us see we can change the future through actions like reducing and recycling plastic, Marine Protected Areas and energy transition. If we all take action together, we can make a difference.”

VALENTINO SALVADOR

Student at the Cappellini Sauro Institute, La Spezia

“Sustainability is a key question in our society that is currently facing important challenges for which we have no single solution, only a global strategy to share, especially with youth.”

OMAR D’INCECCO

Marevivo Nauticinblu

Project Coordinator

EMERGENCY RELIEF

Leveraging the MSC Group’s global reach and the capabilities of MSC Cargo in particular, we support emergency response initiatives in disaster situations, promptly obtaining and transporting first relief goods to affected areas and their most vulnerable populations. Wherever possible, we continue our assistance into the rebuilding phases, including to help strengthen resilience.

A HELPING HAND IN EMERGENCIES WORLDWIDE

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE 2021

EMERGENCY INITIATIVES 15

131,313

BENEFICIARIES

MORE THAN 14 PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

13 COUNTRIES

The MSC Foundation is committed to providing prompt emergency relief and rebuilding support worldwide, leveraging MSC’s global reach and capacity to act as a catalyst for donations, with over 500 offices and networks in 155 countries. We launched 13 emergency relief initiatives around the world in 2021.

2 10

VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS AND ONE EARTHQUAKE

COVID RESPONSES

The majority of these (9) were concerted actions to combat and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 worldwide, while the remaining 3 took prompt action to support communities impacted by volcanic and seismic disasters: the Haiti earthquake and the volcano eruptions on Saint Vincent and La Palma.

HELPING COMBAT COVID AND MITIGATE ITS IMPACT

PROGRAMME: COVID EMERGENCY RESPONSE

PARTNERS: MULTIPLE TIMEFRAME: 2021

The COVID pandemic continued to dominate events in 2021, as it did the year before. This was particularly so in the first two quarters, marked by high hopes for the new vaccines and their role in prevention strategies.

The MSC Foundation continued to support initiatives to combat the pandemic and mitigate its impact in 9 countries around the world.

ITALY GUINEA

MONTENEGRO

SENEGAL JAMAICA CAMEROON

LEBANON VIETNAM

BRAZIL

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Provision

free transportation to Lebanon for the UN’s COVAX campaign.

Meho Mučić and Dalibor Pelevic, Head of Facility Maintenance and Managing Director of MSC Montenegro D.O.O., with Veljko Glavičić, Bar General Hospital Head of Technical Services.

January

• Donation of 10,000 rapid antigen tests to the Fondazione Sorrento (Naples, Italy) for distribution to municipal authorities, following on from donation of 30,000 antigen tests in 2020.

January – April

• Donation of logistics and transportation to deliver Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) through Mercy Ships to Hospitals and Ministries of Health in 4 countries (Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, and Senegal).

February

• Free leasing of refrigerated container to Santos City Hall (Santos, Brazil) for the storage of medical items for its COVID prevention campaign.

April

• Donation of 200 food stamp units (approx. 2,600 kg of non-perishable food) and hygiene products to the Santos Social Solidarity Fund (FSS) in Brazil to support vulnerable COVID-affected families living in risk areas.

May

• Donation of transportation and logistics for secondhand clothes, toys and books, delivered from the Mosaic School Association, Geneva, to local charities in Lebanon for distribution to people impacted by COVID-19.

July

• Support for UNICEF COVID/COVAX programmes, donating free logistics and transportation of six 40-foot containers to ship PPE (isolation gowns, gloves and masks) from Jebel Ali, UAE, to Beirut, Lebanon.

August

• Free transportation and logistics to ship one million medical masks donated by M3 Group/Sinatrade from Le Havre to the Ministry of Health in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

September

• Cash donation of USD 10,000 to a hospital assisting the most vulnerable inhabitants of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, funding the purchase of PPE and electric syringe pumps.

October

• Donation of 3 containers to “Blazo Orlandic” General Hospital in Bar, Montenegro, to archive medical records in the pandemic.

November

• USD 25,000 cash donation to the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation to purchase 25 laptop computers for its “Laptop Access Programme” to enable 600 vulnerable students from the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) in Jamaica to continue and complete their education from abroad.

“The city of Santos faced the pandemic with planning and invested early in immunizing the population. In this, we benefitted from the prompt committed support of the MSC Foundation, which lent us a refrigerated container to store the immunizers before they were sent to the vaccination centers. I often say nobody does anything alone and in this case we have an excellent example of the public and private sectors joining forces to protect life.”

ROGERIO SANTOS

Mayor of Santos City

“We are honoured that MSC Brazil played a role in the MSC Foundation’s global campaign to combat the spread of Covid-19. For us, it is extremely important to participate directly in moments of crisis, putting into action our strong commitment to do everything in our power to assist such important global mobilizations.”

ELBER JUSTO

Managing Director MSC Brazil

“The devices have been shipped to the CMU and are being utilized by many students, enabling them to do coursework where they were challenged before, some on the verge of failing.”

GENEIVE BROWN METZGER

LLD

Hon President, American & Caribbean Maritime Foundation

FUNDS AND FREE SHIPPING FOR

PROMPT VOLCANO RELIEF

PROGRAMME: VOLCANO RELIEF

TIMEFRAME: 2021

HAITI ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

LA PALMA

VOLCANIC ERUPTION ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

On Friday the 9th of April 2021, La Soufrière, the largest volcano on the island of Saint Vincent, erupted, causing the forced displacement of over 20,000 people while indirectly affecting a further 110,600 inhabitants as result of ashfall, water restrictions, loss of income and home rental shortages.

The MSC Foundation and MSC USA raised funds to purchase a container-load of vital supplies, which were donated together with their free transportation to the National Emergency Management Organization in Old Montrose, Kingstown.

The container was shipped immediately, reaching Saint Vincent within a week to deliver 20 pallets of mineral water, 6 power generators, 36 double and queen mattresses, 15 wall tents, 300 mylar thermal blankets, 192 hygiene kits, 15 collapsible water containers and 31 respirators.

VOLCANIC ERUPTION LA PALMA, SPAIN

The Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted continuously from 19 September to 13 December 2021, causing the evacuation of over 7,000 people and destroying more than 3,000 homes across the southern half of the Spanish island of La Palma in the Canary Islands.

The MSC Foundation and MSC Spain provided cashassistance to support the Tenerife Red Cross relief response for affected families. The donation was used to provide supermarket shopping cards, rental aid, vehicle fuel cards and school material vouchers, benefiting more than 100 people.

“The MSC Foundation’s donation enabled the Red Cross to meet the basic needs of the people affected by the volcanic eruption through providing financial aid. Your support was absolutely crucial to support the personal and emotional as well as economic needs of the populations devastated by the damage and uncertainty of the disaster. We needed to act swiftly, and you supported us in this response. Thank you!”

GARCÍA GRIMÓN

Eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano

VANESA

Directora técnica Asamblea Comarcal de Cruz Roja en Oeste de La Palma

INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS FOR POST-QUAKE RELIEF

HAITI EARTHQUAKE EMERGENCY

On 14 August 2021, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Tiburon Peninsula in Haiti, killing at least 2,248 people and injuring more than 12,000. A total of 1.2 million people, including 540,000 children, were impacted.

As a first response in early September, the MSC Foundation and MSC Haiti, donated 11 empty containers to non-profit organisations operating on the ground. Six enabled World Vision to increase its non-food storage to 160 tonnes and serve 6,000 beneficiaries in 1,200 households .

The remaining five were donated to Food for the Poor Haiti, which has initially used them for logistics and to make deliveries, but plans to transport them to the earthquake-affected regions as soon as road conditions allow, where they will be used as temporary accommodation for those who have lost their homes.

In October, the MSC Foundation joined forces with Miami-Dade County representatives to partner with Food For the Poor International (FFPI).

One container-load of relief items (1,782 pounds of food, 182 baby kits and 146 cleaning kits) was donated to Food for the Poor Haiti in Miami, as well as the container itself (for use as emergency aid storage), which MSC shipped free of charge to Haiti for distribution to earthquake-affected families.

“Food For The Poor was blessed to partner with MSC Foundation to bring much-needed support to the people of Haiti. MSC Foundation was instrumental in helping us deliver humanitarian assistance and emergency aid in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace in August 2021. We are grateful for this collaborative effort. It was a lifesaver for thousands of people struggling to overcome a series of natural disasters, in addition to the ongoing turmoil of crippling poverty, political unrest and deadly gang violence.”

MARK KHOURI

Food For the Poor Executive Vice President/COO

Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade Mayor with Food For The Poor

REACHING OUT TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGE TOGETHER

Believing everyone has a responsibility to act and that we all do better when we work together, the MSC Foundation is committed to advocacy and communication that leverage our global reach.

Reaching out to inform, motivate and mobilise donations, we aim to bring people together in action for a better world.

A major focus of this is our strong relationship with MSC Cruises and its voyager guests, whose generous donations have helped educate vulnerable children, reclaim degraded environments and save thousands of lives over the years. These are three of the major initiatives through which we supported this in 2021.

THE MSC FOUNDATION CENTRE: A PERSONAL CONNECTION

In 2020, we created the first onboard MSC Foundation Centre on MSC Grandiosa, which was followed by MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore in 2021.

Every Centre is designed to transform the MSC Foundation from a name into a personal experience. Welcoming guests of all ages into an informal environment, each Centre features comfortable sofas and chairs, an LED screen with interactive educational games and an array of audiovisual and printed information for guests of all ages about the Foundation, our partners and our programmes.

A fully-trained member of staff is in attendance to provide helpful information at all times, assisting with the interactive edutainment as well as the purchase of the stylish and practical MSC Foundation merchandise on sale, the entire proceeds of which are used to help fund our programmes.

The MSC Foundation Centres create powerful opportunities to reach out to millions of people, raising awareness of some of the most urgent problems worldwide and motivating them to action.

MSC Foundation Centre on board MSC Seashore

LA DANZA DEL MARE: A GIANT SEA SCULPTURE THAT SPEAKS FOR THE PLANET

The MSC Foundation Centre on MSC Seashore features a world first: a breathtaking 12-metre-high sculpture of hand-blown glass spanning three decks, created by Murano masters Venini. Named “La Danza del Mare” or Sea Dance, the 190 swimming glass fish really seem to be dancing in the light.

Partly an evocation of the biosphere’s richest source of oxygen and food, and partly an image of simple beauty, “Danza del Mare” symbolises the sea’s indispensable role in our own and our planet’s wellbeing.

Located prominently at the heart of MSC Seashore, the sculpture sends a powerful message of care for the sea and our planet to thousands of voyagers, who can visit the Centre to learn about and support the MSC Foundation’s environmental conservation and other efforts.

“Venini is proud of the creation of this unique work of art! Our imagination, design expertise and craftsmanship brought to life this one of a kind glass sculpture celebrating Nature and its beauty.”

MSC FOUNDATION DAY: A COMMUNITY OF CARE

Every MSC Cruises voyage features an MSC Foundation Day of edutainment activities for kids and young people that also raises awareness of the big challenges facing humanity for all on board.

Including sea watching, drawing, games, videos and other activities with our long-term partners Marevivo and UNICEF, the topics covered range from sea conservation and recycling to education and health.

The unforgettable experience ends with the award of a special certificate of attendance for every participant as a memento of the day.

President of Venini and Vice President of

SILVIA DAMIANI

the Damiani Group

EYES ON THE FUTURE

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The world began 2022 with a new sense of confidence, resilience and optimism regarding the COVID pandemic and global economy. This led us to receive new project proposals, some of which hold unquestionable promise for the furtherance of our mission.

Vigilant as always of emergencies, the Foundation was quick to respond to the unfolding refugee and displaced persons crisis in and around Ukraine, engaging in and launching initiatives to assist with shelter, warmth, food, clothing and medical items.

Spring 2022 saw us celebrating the launch of Mercy Ships’ Global Mercy, the world’s first custom built civilian hospital ship, in which MSC played a key role.

At the same time, our partnerships with the University of Miami and Bahamas-based specialist organisations have begun translating coral restoration science into practice, and our Plastic Waste Goes to School programme with UNICEF in Côte d’Ivoire has been making very successful progress towards completion.

By July 2022, 616,000 kg of plastic waste had been recycled, 188 women waste collectors had received training and 90 classrooms had been completed (with 22 more already under construction), enabling over 5,100 children to receive a quality education. A further 44 classrooms were, in addition, already in the planning process.

We are extremely proud to see this innovative threepronged programme delivering so meaningfully on its promise.

OUTLOOK

The humanitarian and economic outlook for 2022 continues to be uncertain, with lingering COVID challenges, the ongoing war in Ukraine and inflationary pressures worldwide. Moreover, extreme climate events are almost certain to occur.

With secure funding and a steadily growing base of generous supporters, the MSC Foundation will be increasingly well-placed not only to respond globally in emergencies, but also to advance, innovate and increase its environmental, development, education and health programmes, partnerships and initiatives. There are many important developments afoot which we look forward to sharing before the end of the year.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Looking beyond the 2022 time horizon, the MSC Foundation has plans commensurate with the urgency of its Vision “to restore the critical balance between people and nature within a generation”.

We are already working on the development of new initiatives that will further strengthen the Foundation’s commitment to our Blue Planet.

Significantly increasing our resources, the MSC Group has committed to fund match every donation made by MSC Cruises guests, doubling the impact of their generosity.

Moreover, in line with our increasing programme portfolio and emergency relief initiatives, we are strengthening our team, competencies and assets.

Complementing this, we are implementing innovative processes and procedures to ensure we become increasingly effective at strengthening programmatic and implementation delivery.

We thus look to the future determined to chart a path of continuous learning and improvement that empowers us to make the most of our unique global resources and reach to the benefit of people and planet.

“In 2021 the MSC Foundation really came of age. The mobilisation response to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the unique logistical contribution that the Foundation can make. Our UNICEF project to turn plastic waste into affordable school building materials has shown significant results.

Other strategic areas of work like the pioneering of coral reef resilience has also doubled down with the start of work on Ocean Cay. The Foundation is now strongly positioned to carry these and other valuable contributions forward with real momentum into the coming years.”

MATTHEW MCKINNON Chair of The Advisory Board MSC Foundation

FINANCIAL REPORT

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The MSC Foundation is committed to transparency and accountability.

Our financial statements are audited by Ernst & Young and all donors receive regular updates and communications.

It is important to note that the allocation of funds shown here does not include the regular in-kind and expert support provided by the many technical and operations departments of MSC Group companies, including MSC Shipping Company and MSC Cruises.

The MSC Group funding shown therefore only regards the financial support provided.

In addition, all the administrative expenses of the MSC Foundation are funded directly by the MSC Group, such that no deductions are made from any donations to the MSC Foundation’s programmes and initiatives.

2021 ALLOCATION OF FUNDS

With the increasing success of the COVID response worldwide, the third operational year of the MSC Foundation saw us starting to rebalance our funding allocation around our 4 focus areas: environmental conservation, community support, education and emergency relief.

From the summer of 2021, we increased our direct support for initiatives and programmes aiming to protect and nurture our Blue Planet, making that the focus area to receive the most funds in the year.

We did, however, continue to support a number of community initiatives to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the most fragile countries.

The MSC Foundation simultaneously continued to support communities impacted by emergencies, leading 15 relief initiatives in 13 countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, volcanic eruptions, an earthquake and wildfires.

100%

31% ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

100% ADMINISTRATIVE, ADVOCACY AND FUNDRAISING COSTS COVERED BY THE MSC GROUP 100% OF DONATIONS INVESTED IN PROJECTS

This saw us providing Personal Protective Equipment, as was the case for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for instance, where we delivered 1,000,000 surgical masks to the Health Authorities.

But it also saw us supporting combined actions (emergency relief & education), such as funding 25 laptops for a loan scheme of the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation for students at the Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica, which enabled the most vulnerable to attend online courses when the university was closed because of the pandemic.

28% EDUCATION

19% COMMUNITY SUPPORT EDUCATION

22% EMERGENCY RELIEF

SOURCES OF INCOME

The MSC Foundation received total funds of CHF 2,318,545 in 2021.

The international situation continued to impact one of our main sources of revenue: individual donations on MSC Cruises vessels. The MSC Group donation therefore represented our main source of income in the year (73%) and enabled us to guarantee our commitments to partners, continue our ongoing programmes and initiatives, and fund the total operating and administrative costs of the Foundation.

The second largest source of income was Individual Donations (21%), followed by Merchandise Sales (4%) and then other (2%).

CHF

1,975,608

ALLOCATED TO PROGRAMMES AND INITIATIVES

2% CORPORATE DONATIONS

21% INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS

YEAR OVERVIEW

4% MERCHANDISE SALES

INCOME

2021

73% MSC GROUP DONATION

8 PROGRAMMES IN 10 COUNTRIES

173,500

DIRECT BENEFICIARIES IN 21 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

15 EMERGENCY INITIATIVES IN 13 COUNTRIES

PROGRAMMES & INITIATIVES

7 PARTNERS

The Super Coral Programme (Bahamas), Plastic Waste Goes to School (Ivory Coast), Guardian Dolphins of the Islands (Italy), Nautici in Blu (Italy), Il Parco Del Mare (Italy), The Ship of Hope (Africa), Health Services for Vulnerable women (Sierra Leone) and W.H.E.A.T (Haiti).

PARTNERS

Andrea Bocelli Foundation, Ba’a Foundation, Marevivo, Mercy Ships, UNICEF and University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University.

COUNTRIES

Bahamas, Brazil, Cameroon, DRC, Guinea, Haiti, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Lebanon, Montenegro, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leona, Spain, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Switzerland, Turkey, Uruguay and Vietnam.

We’d like to thank everyone who has so magnificently supported us in our efforts to help restore the balance between people and nature to leave a better world for future generations.

Concept design: MSC Mediagrafica

Copywriting: Michael Benis

Printed by: Eurografica s.r.l, Genova

Copyright © 2022 by MSC Foundation

All rights reserved. This report or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the MSC Foundation except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

PHOTO CREDITS

© Harold Cunningham (page 5)

© Ivan Sarfatti (page 6, 14, 25, 68, 69, 71, 76, 77, 82)

© UNICEF/Frank Dejong (page 8, 9, 13, 19, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 60, 61, 79, 86, 87)

© UNICEF/MLIA2012-01168 (page 14, 34, 35)

© ABF/Osme-Julmane (page 18, 46, 47)

© GENOA RELIEF/Mirco Adamo Lulli (page 18, 58, 59, 82)

© Andrea Parodi (page 19, 83)

© SUPER CORAL PROGRAMME/Little’s Photography (page 27)

© UNICEF/Milequem Diarassouba (page 36)

© UNICEF/Wilson (page 37)

© Mercy Ship/Elizabeth Page Brumley (page 50, 54, 55)

© Mercy Ship/Judit Maier (page 51, 53, 56)

© Mercy Ship/Shawn Thompson (page 51)

© Mercy Ship/Emily Frazier (page 52)

© Mercy Ship/Justine Forrest (page 53)

© EMERGENCY RELIEF/Fouad Choufany (page 72)

© EMERGENCY RELIEF/Kevin Morrison (page 73)

© EMERGENCY RELIEF/Andres Leiva (page 75, 82, 83)

© Andrea Savini (page 77)

© James McEntee (page 82, 83)

© KASHYAPSAGAR (page 83)

The MSC Foundation invites any image copyright holders that we have been unable to contact to kindly approach us directly.

In grateful appreciation, we express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who generously contributed to our programmes and initiatives this year. With your help we were able to support the sustainable development of vulnerable groups, bring relief to those most in need and nurture our planet.

THANK YOU!

MSC Group and MSC employees

AB2 S.r.l. (Giovanni Bellucci)

Agency S.r.l. : in 2021

Alessandra Lanza de Cristofoiris

Bureau Veritas Italia - Marine & Offshore - (Alberto Moroncelli)

Cisalpina Tours S.p.A. - (Domenico Pellegrino)

Epam Systems Inc. - (Antonio Amerise)

Errebi Arredamenti S.r.l. - (Andrea Barbera)

Eurografica S.r.l. - (Antonio Fresa)

Fratelli Pazzaglia - (Marco Pazzaglia)

Interworld Freight Inc. - (John Crespo)

Ilaria Di Meo

ImagingPro - (Davide Brusatin)

John Ripard & Son (Shipping) Limited - (John R Ripard)

Lenz & Staehelin – (Benoît Merkt)

Maurizio Pezzini

MEDLOG Germany - (Ulf Bueschking)

MEDLOG Italia - (Federico Pittaluga)

Mehdi Lazaar

Moviebox S.r.l. - (Andrea & Carlo Parodi)

MSC Bahamas

MSC Canada - (Rami El Zein)

MSC Greece

MSC Mediagrafica S.r.l.

MSC USA - (Fabio Santucci)

Phoenix International S.r.l. - (Alessandro Cocchi)

Port Charleston

Port Everglades Terminal LLC - (Richard Rovirosa)

Port of Jacksonville

Port Of Miami - (Hydi Webb)

Port of Tampa - (Paul Anderson)

Sarat S.r.l. - (Paolo & Carlo Vicini)

Solsino - (Yuri Valazza)

Spray S.r.l. - (Davide Grassi)