The involvement of local populations is a subject that is dear to Blancpain; this component is the basis of several marine exploration and preservation projects, recently conducted as part of the Blancpain Ocean Commitment. In parallel to these activities, the Brand takes pride in raising the public’s awareness of the beauty of the ocean, in particular through underwater photography. During World Oceans Day 2013, Blancpain thus organized the exhibition “Oceans” at the United Nations headquarters in New York, presenting underwater pictures taken from its series of publications Edition Fifty Fathoms, as well as from the Pristine Seas and Gombessa expeditions, both supported by Blancpain as founding partner. Following the success of the event, the United Nations decided to establish an underwater photo competition the subsequent year, in celebration of World Oceans Day; since 2015, Blancpain has demonstrated consistent support of this initiative. Last year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 8 June celebrations were held virtually, via a digital event, which attracted hundreds of thousands of people across the globe, setting World Oceans Day as a milestone in terms of raising awareness for oceanic causes. Blancpain, who strongly believe in the potential of this event, decided to extend their support to the United Nations by backing the 2021 edition.