by InTrieste
Wendy Schmidt, philanthropist and environmental advocate, returns to Barcolana this year, not to race but to promote marine conservation. At the heart of Barcolana 56, Schmidt is unveiling the “Deep Blue Exploration Zone,” an interactive pavilion in Piazza Unità that highlights the beauty and fragility of the ocean.
Created in collaboration with the Miramare Marine Protected Area, the installation offers visitors an immersive experience with stunning footage of deep-sea expeditions conducted by the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too). The exhibit aims to raise awareness about threats to marine ecosystems—such as climate change, overfishing, and plastic pollution—and to inspire action.
Schmidt’s work with the Miramare MPA dates back to her 2022 Barcolana victory, after which she donated $100,000 to support marine conservation efforts in the Gulf of Trieste. “The ocean is our source of life,” Schmidt said. “We hope that by sharing its wonders, people will see why we must work together to protect it.”
The pavilion, which opens on October 5, will be free to the public until October 13.
