Cousteau Lenses: Expanding Human Vision Underwater Moosa Silwadi ( Private sector ) #OceanAction59826 Description SDGs & Targets SDG 14 targets covered Deliverables & timeline Resources mobilized Progress reports Description Description Cousteau Lenses is an ocean observation and awareness initiative that deploys three floating marine stations—called Lenses—offshore from Nice, France and across the globe. Each Lens captures and livestreams high-resolution underwater video to public platforms while serving as hubs for tourism, science, and education. Lens A and B operate in the Mediterranean for local engagement, while Lens C, at the antipode of Nice in the South Pacific, symbolizes global connection. Together they form the Cousteau Ocean Challenge, a biennial expedition linking hemispheres and fostering peaceful ocean exploration. By combining cutting-edge marine technology, tourism, and digital storytelling, Cousteau Lenses expands human vision underwater, raises global awareness of SDG14, and inspires public commitment to ocean conservation. Implementation of the Project/Activity The initiative will deploy three floating marine stations (Lenses) equipped with underwater livestreaming cameras. Lens A and B in the Mediterranean will function as platforms for tourism, research, and education, while Lens C in the South Pacific will serve as a symbolic global observatory. Each Lens streams real-time footage to public digital platforms and physical installations in Nice, France. Activities include construction and deployment of Lenses, organization of biennial Cousteau Ocean Challenge expeditions, educational outreach, and integration with global ocean literacy campaigns. Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer Cousteau Lenses contributes to capacity-building by training young scientists, divers, and digital technicians in underwater observation and data management. The project will share open-access video, data, and technical designs with research institutions in SIDS, LDCs, and LLDCs to strengthen global marine monitoring. Technology transfer includes sharing livestreaming infrastructure, solar-powered offshore systems, and educational content, enabling replication in other regions. Coordination mechanisms The Cousteau Lenses initiative is coordinated by the project lead (Moosa Silwadi) in collaboration with academic, NGO, and institutional partners. Governance will follow a multi-stakeholder model, involving marine scientists, educators, and digital media experts. UNESCO-IOC and universities provide scientific oversight, while local and international NGOs ensure outreach, inclusivity, and public participation. A steering committee will meet quarterly to review progress, align activities with SDG14, and ensure transparent reporting. Evaluation Evaluation will be based on: (1) the number of Lenses successfully deployed and operational, (2) the volume and reach of livestreamed underwater content, (3) engagement metrics from public digital platforms and onsite installations, (4) partnerships established with universities, NGOs, and schools, and (5) contribution to SDG14 indicators. Annual progress reports will be published online, and independent reviews will assess scientific, educational, and outreach impact. Partners UNESCO-IOC, local universities in Nice, marine NGOs SDGS & Targets Goal 4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Targets 4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes Indicators 4.1.1 Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex 4.1.2 Completion rate (primary education, lower secondary education, upper secondary education) 4.2 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education Indicators 4.2.1 Proportion of children aged 24–59 months who are developmentally on track in health, learning and psychosocial well-being, by sex 4.2.2 Participation rate in organized learning (one year before the official primary entry age), by sex 4.3 By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university Indicators 4.3.1 Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex 4.4 By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship Indicators 4.4.1 Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill 4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations Indicators 4.5.1 Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile and others such as disability status, indigenous peoples and conflict-affected, as data become available) for all education indicators on this list that can be disaggregated 4.6 By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy Indicators 4.6.1 Youth/adult literacy rate 4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development Indicators 4.7.1 Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education and (d) student assessment 4.a Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all Indicators 4.a.1 Proportion of schools offering basic services, by type of service 4.b By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries Indicators 4.b.1 Volume of official development assistance flows for scholarships 4.c By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing States Indicators 4.c.1 Proportion of teachers with the minimum required qualifications, by education level Goal 9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation Targets 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all Indicators 9.1.1 Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road 9.1.2 Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport 9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries Indicators 9.2.1 Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita 9.2.2 Manufacturing employment as a proportion of total employment 9.3 Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets Indicators 9.3.1 Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added, based on (a) international classification and (b) national classifications 9.3.2 Proportion of small-scale industries with a loan or line of credit 9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities Indicators 9.4.1 CO2 emission per unit of value added 9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending Indicators 9.5.1 Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP 9.5.2 Researchers (in full-time equivalent) per million inhabitants 9.a Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States Indicators 9.a.1 Total official international support (official development assistance plus other official flows) to infrastructure 9.b Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities Indicators 9.b.1 Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added 9.c Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020 Indicators 9.c.1 Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology Goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Targets 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries Indicators 13.1.1 Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population 13.1.2 Number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 13.1.3 Proportion of local governments that adopt and implement local disaster risk reduction strategies in line with national disaster risk reduction strategies 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning Indicators 13.2.1 Number of countries with reports under the Paris Agreement, as submitted to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 13.2.2 Total greenhouse gas emissions per year 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning Indicators 13.3.1 Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment 13.a Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible Indicators 13.a.1 Amounts provided and mobilized in United States dollars per year in relation to the continued existing collective mobilization goal of the $100 billion commitment through to 2025 13.b Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities Indicators 13.b.1 Number of least developed countries and small island developing States with reports under the Paris Agreement, as submitted to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Targets 14.1 By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution Indicators 14.1.1 (a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density 14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans Indicators 14.2.1 Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas 14.3 Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels Indicators 14.3.1 Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations 14.4 By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics Indicators 14.4.1 Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels 14.5 By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information Indicators 14.5.1 Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas 14.6 By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation Indicators 14.6.1 Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing 14.7 By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism Indicators 14.7.1 Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries 14.a Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries Indicators 14.a.1 Proportion of total research budget allocated to research in the field of marine technology 14.b Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets Indicators 14.b.1 Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries 14.c Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want" Indicators 14.c.1 Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources Goal 17 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Targets 17.1 Strengthen domestic resource mobilization, including through international support to developing countries, to improve domestic capacity for tax and other revenue collection Indicators 17.1.1 Total government revenue as a proportion of GDP, by source 17.1.2 Proportion of domestic budget funded by domestic taxes 17.2 Developed countries to implement fully their official development assistance commitments, including the commitment by many developed countries to achieve the target of 0.7 per cent of ODA/GNI to developing countries and 0.15 to 0.20 per cent of ODA/GNI to least developed countries; ODA providers are encouraged to consider setting a target to provide at least 0.20 per cent of ODA/GNI to least developed countries Indicators 17.2.1 Net official development assistance, total and to least developed countries, as a proportion of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee donors’ gross national income (GNI) 17.3 Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources Indicators 17.3.1 Additional financial resources mobilized for developing countries from multiple sources 17.3.2 Volume of remittances (in United States dollars) as a proportion of total GDP 17.4 Assist developing countries in attaining long-term debt sustainability through coordinated policies aimed at fostering debt financing, debt relief and debt restructuring, as appropriate, and address the external debt of highly indebted poor countries to reduce debt distress Indicators 17.4.1 Debt service as a proportion of exports of goods, services and primary income 17.5 Adopt and implement investment promotion regimes for least developed countries Indicators 17.5.1 Number of countries that adopt and implement investment promotion regimes for developing countries, including the least developed countries 17.6 Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism Indicators 17.6.1 Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, by speed 17.7 Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed Indicators 17.7.1 Total amount of funding for developing and developed countries to promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies 17.8 Fully operationalize the technology bank and science, technology and innovation capacity-building mechanism for least developed countries by 2017 and enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology Indicators 17.8.1 Proportion of individuals using the Internet 17.9 Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to support national plans to implement all the Sustainable Development Goals, including through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation Indicators 17.9.1 Dollar value of official development assistance committed to developing countries 17.10 Promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization, including through the conclusion of negotiations under its Doha Development Agenda Indicators 17.10.1 Worldwide weighted tariff-average 17.11 Significantly increase the exports of developing countries, in particular with a view to doubling the least developed countries’ share of global exports by 2020 Indicators 17.11.1 Developing countries’ and least developed countries’ share of global exports 17.12 Realize timely implementation of duty-free and quota-free market access on a lasting basis for all least developed countries, consistent with World Trade Organization decisions, including by ensuring that preferential rules of origin applicable to imports from least developed countries are transparent and simple, and contribute to facilitating market access Indicators 17.12.1 Weighted average tariffs faced by developing countries, least developed countries and small island developing States 17.13 Enhance global macroeconomic stability, including through policy coordination and policy coherence Indicators 17.13.1 Macroeconomic Dashboard 17.14 Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development Indicators 17.14.1 Number of countries with mechanisms in place to enhance policy coherence of sustainable development 17.15 Respect each country’s policy space and leadership to establish and implement policies for poverty eradication and sustainable development Indicators 17.15.1 Extent of use of country-owned results frameworks and planning tools by providers of development cooperation 17.16 Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries Indicators 17.16.1 Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 17.17 Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships Indicators 17.17.1 Amount in United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships for infrastructure 17.18 By 2020, enhance capacity-building support to developing countries, including for least developed countries and small island developing States, to increase significantly the availability of high-quality, timely and reliable data disaggregated by income, gender, age, race, ethnicity, migratory status, disability, geographic location and other characteristics relevant in national contexts Indicators 17.18.1 Statistical capacity indicators 17.18.2 Number of countries that have national statistical legislation that complies with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics 17.18.3 Number of countries with a national statistical plan that is fully funded and under implementation, by source of funding 17.19 By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries Indicators 17.19.1 Dollar value of all resources made available to strengthen statistical capacity in developing countries 17.19.2 Proportion of countries that (a) have conducted at least one population and housing census in the last 10 years; and (b) have achieved 100 per cent birth registration and 80 per cent death registration SDG 14 targets covered Name Description 14.1 By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution 14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans 14.3 Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels 14.4 By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics 14.5 By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information 14.6 By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation 14.7 By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism 14.a Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries 14.b Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets 14.c Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want" 17.14 Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development Deliverables & Timeline 30 December, 2026 Deployment of Lens A (Nearshore Mediterranean Explorer) Floating observation ring near Nice, equipped with livestream cameras, solar power, and tourism/education access. 30 December, 2027 Deployment of Lens B (Midsea Expedition Base) Extended offshore platform with cabins, café, labs, and real-time biodiversity data streaming. 30 December, 2028 Launch of Cousteau Ocean Challenge (Lens A → Lens C route) Biennial international expedition linking Mediterranean and South Pacific, engaging universities, youth, and scientists. 30 December, 2030 Deployment of Lens C (Antipode Deep-Ocean Lens, Chatham Rise, NZ) Monumental red Lens, deep-moored, livestreaming from 3,000–4,000 m depth, symbolizing planetary unity. Resources mobilized Financing (in USD) Financial resources: Seed funding, sponsorships, and grants to support platform construction. Staff / Technical expertise Human resources: Multidisciplinary teams (engineers, marine biologists, educators, designers). Staff / Technical expertise Technical resources: 360° underwater cameras, livestream servers, solar energy systems, mooring tech. In-kind contribution In-kind contributions: NGO & university partnerships for expeditions, educational content, and public exhibitions. Partnership Progress No progress reports have been submitted. Please sign in and click here to submit one. False Feedback Action Network This initiative does not yet fulfil the SMART criteria. Share Timeline 01 January 2026 (start date)30 December 2026 (date of completion) Entity N/A SDGs 4 9 13 14 17 Geographical coverage Nice, France (main hub & public exhibition site) Other beneficiaries Students, educators, tourists, marine researchers, coastal communities, youth organizations, NGOs, and the general public worldwide through digital access. More information www.moosasilwadi.com Countries Bangladesh France New Zealand Contact Information Moosa Silwadi, Founder & Designer of Cousteau Lenses Projectmoosasilwadi@gmail.com
