The Ocean Race Summit to tackle urgent threats

The Ocean Race is hosting a high-level summit on 16th June which, it says, will help drive new and improved policies to tackle some of the most urgent issues facing our blue planet.

Addressing the lack of governance for our seas and the impact of climate change, The Ocean Race Summit Europe will bring together leading experts from the worlds of government, science, industry, NGOs, media and sport. The line-up includes the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen and Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment, Ocean and Fisheries, who will speak on how the EU will put the blue in the European Green Deal and how the union could be at the forefront of protecting the ocean and planet.

Alongside these leading voices, Annie Lush from Offshore Team Germany will reveal what life is like at sea and how offshore racers are helping scientists understand climate and weather systems.

The Ocean Race Summit Europe will also feature local speakers live from Alicante, Spain, the Race’s home city and a live link to Brussels. The event will be hosted virtually, with a diverse group of speakers and participants from across the world.

The Summit series has been developed in collaboration with 11th Hour Racing, premier partner of The Ocean Race and founding partner of the Racing with Purpose sustainability programme.

“We have one ocean, but the way it is protected and governed is splintered. When you add to this the impact of climate change, it is a recipe for disaster for our marine world. We urgently need to create a better system, with collaboration at the heart of it,” says Richard Brisius, race chairman of The Ocean Race.  “Sailors in The Ocean Race have seen more of the ocean, and its decline, than most people on the planet. Our race is all about teamwork, overcoming challenges and achieving the extraordinary. We can apply this through our summits, to help drive change for the ocean. Sport has the power to make a real difference for the planet and we are going to do all we can to make the most of this opportunity.”

The Ocean Race Summit Europe will be hosted by television presenter and science communicator Danni Washington. Confirmed speakers include:

•  Mumta Ito, lawyer and founder of the NGO Nature’s Rights, revealing why giving the ocean rights could help to ensure its future

•  Tommy E. Remengesau, former president of the Republic of Palau discussing leading the way in ocean protection

•  Pascal Lamy, president of the Paris Peace Forum and chair of the EU Mission Starfish 2030 talking on the ambitious mission to revamp ocean governance

•  Dr. Emily Pidgeon, vice president, Ocean Science and Innovation talking about the importance of including the ocean in the climate conversation

•  Teresa Ribera Fourth deputy vice president and minister for ecological transition for Spain on the need to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030

•  Valerie Cabanes, international law expert and co-founder of End Ecocide on Earth, who will reveal what ecocide means for people and nature

 •  Manu San Felix, marine biologist from Ibiza Preservation and a specialist in the protection of posidonia (seagrass), who will highlight how the ocean can be a hero in the climate crisis

The Summit will be livestreamed on The Ocean Race: Racing with Purpose YouTube channel.