© Kiel-Marketing
News
The Ocean Race Summit Alicante: Call for Ocean Health
The Ocean Race Summit in Alicante brought together global leaders, innovators, and advocates to confront one of the defining challenges of our time: protecting the health of our ocean and restoring society’s relationship with the blue heart of the planet.
Supported by the EU Mission “Restore Our Oceans and Waters”, the event focused on real-world solutions for restoring marine ecosystems, with particular emphasis on coastal resilience in the Mediterranean – a region that exemplifies both the urgency of the problem and the potential for impactful change.
A Platform for Change
For half a century, The Ocean Race has inspired millions to connect with the sea, blending sport with a deep commitment to sustainability. The Ocean Race Summits build on this legacy, acting as catalysts for collaboration and driving meaningful action.
The Alicante event was no exception. It served as a hub for experts, policymakers, and business leaders to come together and explore ways to strengthen society’s relationship with the ocean. The tone for the day was set by Elisabetta Balzi, Head of the EU Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters, who joined on live video to deliver a rousing keynote:
“We really need to work all together – from scientists to citizens to governments. We really need to join forces because there are some really big challenges ahead of us.”
Elisabetta Balzi
Balzi’s call for unity resonated throughout the day, echoed by speakers who shared innovative insights, groundbreaking projects, and inspiring strategies for ocean restoration.
Guiding the discussions with insight and energy, Arianna Liconti, Marine Ecologist and Ocean Citizen Science Mediator, provided a space where diverse perspectives converged. Her ability to foster dialogue brought the day’s themes to life, leaving attendees with a sense of purpose and possibility.
Diverse Voices, Shared Commitment
The Summit featured an exceptional line-up of speakers from across sectors and regions, each contributing their unique perspective:
- Elisabetta Balzi highlighted the EU Mission’s goals for restoring marine ecosystems and engaging stakeholders in ocean action.
- Richard Brisius, Race Chairman of The Ocean Race, underscored the Race’s role as a platform for driving meaningful change for the ocean.
- Filip Radulovic, Minister of Maritime Affairs of Montenegro, shared Montenegro’s efforts to ensure sustainable practices as a host city for The Ocean Race Europe 2025 finale.
- Vanessa Butani, Head of Global Sustainability at Volvo Cars, announced their new coastal health initiatives under the “Volvo for Life Fund”, highlighting the company’s commitment to biodiversity and restoring vital coastal ecosystems.
- Carrie Ask, CEO of Helly Hansen, celebrated the seven-year extension of the brand’s partnership with The Ocean Race, reinforcing shared values of innovation and sustainability.
- Damian Foxall, sailor and sustainability consultant, emphasised the sailing community’s responsibility to champion ocean health.
The Summit also featured regional leaders such as César Bordehore, PhD Biologist at the University of Alicante, and Ana Vanesa Torrente, Head of Sustainability at the Cartagena Port Authority, who highlighted innovative Mediterranean-focused restoration efforts.
Highlights from the Day
Restoring Coastal Resilience
Speakers presented pioneering projects like Volvo Cars’ biodiversity initiatives and successful coastal restoration efforts in the Mediterranean, showcasing scalable solutions with global implications.
The Ocean Race Europe 2025
A dedicated panel examined how the upcoming race will amplify the urgency of ocean advocacy. Scientists, sailors, and host city representatives shared insights into the transformative potential of combining sport and sustainability.
Relay4Nature Ceremony
The Relay4Nature ceremony provided a poignant moment, as Nature’s Baton passed between leaders, symbolising the shared commitment to advocating for ocean protection.
Looking Ahead
The Summit offered an invaluable space for reflection and exchange. It invited participants to think deeply, bring together their ideas, and start building frameworks for future action.
As we look forward to The Ocean Race Europe 2025 and beyond, the message is clear: protecting our blue planet is not only possible, but essential. Together, we can make it happen.
© Kiel-Marketing GmbH
Acquire article rights