2018, 2019
Puerto Rico
During the 2017 – 2018 Volvo Ocean Race, Vestas 11th Hour Racing tracked its carbon footprint, with the goal to offset what they could not avoid, with a carbon sequestration method that restores ocean health. The Ocean Foundation’s Seagrass Grow program was identified as a leader in blue carbon offsets and selected by the team and partners as the best option. Seagrass meadows provide ecosystem services that are among the most valuable and diverse on earth, including enhancing storm protection, protecting critical habitat for wildlife, improving water quality, and promoting natural coastal resilience. The site selection, Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Puerto Rico, sits in front of Salinas and Guayama, two towns that are critical to power generation and emergency infrastructure on an island still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Maria.
In addition to offsetting the team’s footprint, 11th Hour Racing will support The Ocean Foundation’s communication initiatives to grow knowledge and awareness on the availability and benefits of selecting blue carbon offsets.
The Ocean Foundation advances innovative, customized philanthropic solutions for individual, corporate and government donors, to simplify giving so donors can focus on their chosen passion for the coasts and ocean. The organization focuses its collective expertise to generate cutting-edge content on emerging threats, potential solutions, and better strategies for implementation. The Ocean Foundation aims to evaluate and support the most effective marine conservation projects and organizations.
Header image photo credit: The Ocean Foundation