The Costeau Foundation has chosen l’Estartit to build its global scientific headquarters in an area of about 6,000 m2 thanks to an agreement between the Torroella de Montgrí City Council, the non-profit association and the Mascort Foundation, which gives the land where the building will be built.
The construction of the facility will begin soon and is expected to be completed in two years period. It will be used to carry out research related to oceans and sea life, such as the reintroduction of marine animal and plant species in danger of extinction and to eradicate invasive species problematic for the ecosystem.
A modern building with scientific equipment
The Costeau Foundation building will have a modern and functional architecture. Two amoeba-shaped areas with water tanks of between 1,700 and 31,000 liters surrounded by moats between 3 and 4 meters deep will serve for the reproduction of species. Furthermore, the building will also have quarantine tanks, a cultivation space and nearly two hundred aquariums.
The global scientific headquarters ‘Union of the oceans’ will work in a water control laboratory to analyse the polluting elements of the sea and another one for marine biology. The facility will be completed by an auditorium for exhibitions and conferences, a documentary centre and a restaurant.
Commitment of the City Council to host the Costeau Foundation building
Beyond the construction of the worldwide scientific headquarters of the Costeau Foundation, Torroella de Montgrí and l’Estartit will host several projects led by the entity, such as the organization of the International Mediterranean Fisheries Congress, marine biology programs and other activities in collaboration with universities.
The Costeau Foundation value the generosity of the Mascort Foundation and the key work of the City Council as elements that helped them to decide to locate the global scientific headquarters in l’Estartit.
The mayor, Jordi Colomí, considers that this project will have worldwide repercussions and will help in the preservation of the environment as well as promotion of the eco-friendly tourism. The environment counsellor, Marc Calvet, thinks that the Costeau Foundation’s choice is a recognition of the city commitment to preserve their natural heritage.
