© C.Sardet / CNRS / Fonds Tara

The United Nations has declares 2010 to be the Year of Biodiversity for the world. It is a wonderful occasion to explain to young people the importance of maintaining healthy biodiversity as well as the benefits and the stakes that are associated with it (i.e. political, economic, ecological, etc...).

The Tara Oceans expedition has put to sea in order to study and observe the biodiversity of plankton within our oceans. A study of this magnitude ? conducted in accordance with today’s scientific capabilities ? has never before been undertaken. Discovering the mysteries of a world so rich, often invisible and so largely unknown is a fascinating prospect. This adventure provides an unparalleled opportunity to introduce the notion of biodiversity into the classroom and to help students link school studies with real-world scientific research.