Role in the ACCENT project: Organisation of activities, contribution of resources, Local Citizens’ Debates
NAUSICAA, Centre National de la Mer, raises public awareness of the need for better management of the ocean and its resources to 620.000 visitors per year, from North West Europe (Benelux, France, Germany, and UK). NAUSICAA is among the top ten tourist and cultural attractions in France approaching 11 million visitors since its opening in 1991.
Showing the world’s seas in a 6000 m2 exhibition area, the permanent and temporary exhibitions highlight the relationship between mankind and the marine environment.
NAUSICAA disseminates scientific information through a multimedia library and develops educational programmes, outreach activities, communication tools and events to mobilise the public at large. Recognised in 1999 by UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission as the world’s first Centre of Excellence for ocean education, NAUSICAA is one of the founders of the WORLD OCEAN NETWORK, an international alliance of 250 organisations inspiring sustainable use of the ocean.