ISN Students experience “Santuario”

An Immersion into the Depths of the Ocean (UNOC2025)

by Elizabeth Hernandez

As part of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), a delegation of students, teachers, and parents from ISN had the honour of attending an exceptional event on Tuesday, February 18, 2025: the presentation of the show Santuario: A Journey into the Depths of the Ocean.

Invited by the City of Nice and the Costa Rican Minister of Culture and Youth, Jorge Rodríguez Vives, participants had the privilege of witnessing this unique performance at the Opéra Nice Côte d'Azur. Set in a majestic backdrop, art seamlessly intertwined with nature and Costa Rican culture, captivating an audience of 900 awe-struck spectators.

More than just a performance, Santuario offered a truly immersive sensory experience. Through a masterful fusion of theatre, dance, circus arts, and music, the show magnified the breathtaking beauty of the oceans, the earth, and the Costa Rican people, while delivering an essential message: the urgent need to preserve marine ecosystems.

At the heart of this creation, Cocos Island—an UNESCO World Heritage treasure—stood as a powerful symbol of exceptional biodiversity, home to sharks, sea turtles, rays, and endemic species such as the rare island toad. Santuario forged a deep connection between this natural wealth and the need for its protection, reminding us that ocean conservation is crucial for global ecological balance.

Directed by Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Costa Rica’s Minister of Culture and Youth, the show brought together renowned artists, including the Cirque La Libertad Company, the National Dance Company, and the General Directorate of Bands. This unique collaboration carried a strong and poignant message: saving the oceans is a collective responsibility and an imperative for the future.

Following the show, the ISN delegation had the privilege of attending a closing reception, providing a valuable opportunity to interact with the artists as well as representatives from the City of Nice and the Costa Rican government. This evening was a significant moment of dialogue, emphasising the importance of inclusive decision-making that transcends gender and generational barriers for a united action in favour of the planet.

A few of the key persons that attended the event and with whom the students were able to engage with included:

• Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Costa Rica’s Minister of Culture and Youth • Ms. Maty Diouf, Deputy Mayor of Nice, Delegate for Women’s Rights, Cooperation, and Metropolitan Councilor

• Ms. Barbara Prot, Municipal Councilor, Sub-Delegate for Prevention and Health Education

• Mr. Greg Monetti, Deputy Mayor of Nice, in charge of Events, Youth, and Equal Opportunities

• Mr. Thomas Capiten, Founder of the NGO Thalas Océan and director of the award winning film Heroes of the French Mediterranean

• Mr. Greg Lecoeur, world-renowned underwater photographer

Since 2022, ISN students, alongside Ms. Maty Diouf, Deputy Mayor of Nice, have been actively working to promote the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) within the framework of UNOC. They view quality education (SDG 4) as a fundamental driver of sustainable development and human rights, while linking gender equality (SDG 5) to climate challenges and ocean preservation (SDG 14). Their commitment aligns with a global vision, strengthening the partnerships necessary for a more sustainable future (SDG 17).

“Attending Santuario was both inspiring and educational, as it beautifully blended storytelling, music, and drama to highlight the importance of marine conservation. It reminded me that environmental issues are not just scientific concerns but also cultural and emotional ones. My studies have taught me about sustainability, but this event showed me how the arts can make the promotion of environmental awareness more impactful. It changed my perspective on Costa Rica by showing how deeply rooted the country’s cultural identity is in its natural beauty. This experience taught me that the arts can be a powerful tool for advocacy and inspired me to approach sustainability more creatively.” - Adrian, Grade 9 Student

"This event was a memorable experience for me, as it immersed me in Costa Rican culture and music. I expanded my Spanish knowledge and deepened my understanding of Hispanic cultures. What moved me the most was the music—I loved the bands and the talent of the performers. The performances touched me deeply." - Nikita, Grade 10 student

"It was an honour to be invited by the Minister of Culture to discover Santuario. We felt the passion and admiration of the Costa Rican people for their country, history, culture, and nature. I was amazed to learn that Costa Rica is a pioneer in sustainability, and I felt proud to see a

Latin American country recognized for its efforts in this field. ¡Pura vida!" - Ms Richter, Director of Inclusion.

"It was a true honour to attend the presentation of Santuario, an incredible show filled with emotion, where art meets ocean conservation. A unique event celebrating the connection between creativity and marine protection, inspiring awareness and action for our oceans! A standing ovation to Costa Rica for this moving and urgent call to preserve the beauty of our blue planet!" - Ms. C. Hernandez, Spanish Teacher

More than just a performance, Santuario was a true call to action, showcasing Costa Rica’s dedication to nature and highlighting the importance of artistic and intergenerational cooperation. For ISN, this unforgettable evening marks a turning point in the fight for ocean conservation, reaffirming that the future of our planet also lies in the hands of engaged young generations.

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