News Following in the tracks of its founder, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, The Cousteau Society has embarked on an expedition to the coral reefs in the Red Sea. Fifty years after Cousteau made his first prize-winning underwater film, The Silent World, the scientists intend to document the current condition of the coral reefs at the same location. This is the first time that The Cousteau Society has taken a partner, the watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen, on board. In addition, the project is being actively supported by UNESCO.
"This expedition would not have been possible in the first place without the substantial commitment of IWC", said Francine Cousteau (on the right in our photo where she is accompanied by the Prince Albert from Monaco and Georges Kern, CEO from IWC) shortly before the departure of the Alcyone. "We are very pleased to have found a partner who suits us ideally. As a commercial undertaking, IWC has already spearheaded the cause of sustainability", continued Francine Cousteau.
Georges Kern, CEO of IWC, also expressed his enthusiasm for the company's involvement. "The co-operation between The Cousteau Society and IWC transcends mere sponsorship. The two partners who have come together here share the same passionate dedication to their objectives. Both are linked by a great tradition and hold identical fundamental values, and the principle of sustainability applies to both. That is why we are so pleased to support an expedition, which is expected to produce enlightening discoveries", said Georges Kern.
The undertaking is led by an outstanding scientist. Jean Jaubert, Professor of Marine Biology at the University of Nice, has established a name for himself in the field of coral research. He has grown corals successfully in vitro, and the synthetically cultivated corals have been found to mature significantly faster than their natural equivalents. Professor Jaubert leads a team of highly qualified marine biologists, medical doctors and other scientists. Some of them worked alongside Jacques-Yves Cousteau 50 years ago. The crew of twelve on board the Alcyone will be working in the Red Sea together with 45 specialists from the bordering countries of Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen.
December 04, 2003
