To mark World Oceans Day on June 8, 2017, the Race for Water Foundation is drawing attention to the need for concerted action against the plastic pollution that is swamping our oceans. As a specialist on the plastic problem, the Foundation is studying and implementing methods for combatting this manmade plague.
2015: Survey specialist
In 2015, the Race for Water Foundation undertook a scientific and experimental expedition to draw up an initial global assessment of the plastic pollution of our oceans. After nine months traveling around the world, contributing to several scientific studies and carrying out numerous surveys on the presence of plastic waste surrounding islands situated near or in the 5 gyres, the conclusion was clear: the “plastic islands” do not exist, so, simply going and collecting the plastic waste from the sea was a fantasy. For Marco Simeoni, founder of Race for Water, the urgent focus is on preventing plastic waste from reaching the oceans and making plastic valuable in order to encourage its collection on land.
2017-2021: Solutions exist
Building on their expertise, the Foundation launched a second expedition in April 2017 to help provide solutions and hope for the preservation of the oceans. For five years the vessel, Race for Water, will travel the world in order to:
- Promote innovative solutions capable of transforming plastic waste into energy resources (thanks to a machine developed with the green engineering company, ETIA, whose pilot project will be carried out in autumn 2017).
- Accelerate the process of energy transition by developing and demonstrating the mixed solar-hydrogen-kite propulsion systems on our ambassador vessel.
- Contribute to science by hosting international teams of researchers and educational science projects on board.
- Raise awareness among decision-makers as well as the general public and younger generations about the urgent need to preserve the oceans.
For the crew of Race for Water, this environmental challenge began on April 9, when they left Lorient (France) on board the revolutionary catamaran, Race for Water, powered by solar-hydrogen-kite mixed energy systems and headed to Bermuda for the first stopover (from May 22 to July 7, 2017).
June 8: all hands on deck
On World Oceans Day, on June 8, 2017, all the members of the Foundation will be available to share their knowledge about plastic pollution. Do not hesitate to contact us.
In Bermuda, the crew on Race for Water will also be involved. Alongside initiatives from the teams’ contesting the 35th America's Cup in the Bermuda, the Consulate General of the United States and the honorary Consul of France, Race for Water, moored in the heart of the America's Cup race village, will welcome students from schools around Bermuda to raise awareness about ocean protection.
More information www.raceforwater.com
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