A dive into the unknown with Tara Ocean Foundation

08/05/2023 • 2 minute read

We all know by now that climate change is a fact. But what effect does it have on our oceans, exactly? What happens to diversity and to those organisms that live at invisible depths? Tara Ocean Foundation, a French foundation founded by fashion designer Agnès B., has been organising impressive expeditions for years to find out exactly what is happening in our oceans. We had the opportunity to join them both above and below the surface!

A floating laboratory

The Tara Ocean Foundation, founded in 2003 by Agnès Troublé, who is better known as fashion designer agnès b., was the first foundation in France to be recognised as an institution for the promotion of the interests of the ocean in general. Whichever way we choose to look at it, our planet is "blue" and consists largely of water. Our future therefore depends on the future of our oceans. Wherever we live, we all need to understand and protect the ocean better. That’s why Tara Ocean Foundation’s team collaborates with many research institutions to carry out scientific expeditions. The findings from these ocean voyages are then used to raise awareness and educate young people and the general public. Another outcome is to be able to inform and mobilise top-level political decision makers.

United we make a difference

As a pioneer in ESG and impact investing and the promotion of the sustainable transition, ABN AMRO focuses on sharing expertise and connecting like-minded people. In the Tara Ocean Foundation we have found a strong partner: we want to offer them support and a platform, so they can continue their expeditions and complete their latest project – to establish a permanent research base at the North Pole. Romain Troublé, CEO of the foundation, last week told the inspirational story of the foundation at our signature event "Tomorrow 2023 – leading through transition". The event also put up for auction a painting by Herr Seele, the entire proceeds of which will go to the foundation*.

But we didn't stop there. On Friday 21 April, the sailing ship “Tara” docked in Ostend for a special visit on the way to its next expedition in the Baltic Sea and the Arctic Ocean. This gave us a unique opportunity to visit the ship with a few guests and to talk to the crew. The success of this day was crowned by some generous donations. This was a great example of how we as a bank deliver on our purpose: banking for better, for generations to come.

*You can still submit a bid until 22 May in Dutch or French.

The video summary of Romain Troublé’s presentation can be found on our Tomorrow Event Page (visit in Dutch / visit in French).

A dive into the unknown with Tara Ocean Foundation

A floating laboratory

United we make a difference

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