Volvo Cars launches new coastal health initiatives at The Ocean Race Summit in Alicante
by The Ocean Race, 30 Nov 07:47 PST
At The Ocean Race Summit in Alicante, Vanessa Butani introduced two new coastal health initiatives through the Volvo For Life Fund © Tiger Brisius / The Ocean Race
At The Ocean Race Summit in Alicante, Volvo Cars, a Premier Partner of The Ocean Race, introduced two new coastal health initiatives supported by the Volvo For Life Fund.
“As a company based in the coastal city of Gothenburg, we deeply value the health of our coastal ecosystems,” stated Volvo Cars Head of Global Sustainability, Vanessa Butani, earlier today at The Ocean Race Summit in Alicante.
At The Ocean Race Summit in Alicante, Volvo Cars, a Premier Partner of The Ocean Race, revealed two new coastal health initiatives through the Volvo For Life Fund.
“As a company based in Gothenburg, a coastal city, we cherish the well-being of our coastal ecosystems,” Volvo Cars’ Head of Global Sustainability, Vanessa Butani, affirmed earlier today at The Ocean Race Summit in Alicante.
The Volvo For Life Fund is a global initiative that supports projects aimed at empowering communities, restoring and safeguarding our planet, and providing relief during natural disasters. It carries Volvo’s legacy of safety into the future, igniting hope for individuals, communities, and ecosystems. Launched today at the Ocean Race Summit in Alicante, Spain, the fund introduced two new coastal health initiatives in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and the University of Gothenburg. These projects aim to conserve biodiversity and support local communities.
During her keynote, Butani emphasized that the health of ocean and coastal areas is essential for sustaining biodiversity, supporting marine ecosystems, and securing the livelihoods of millions globally. Healthy marine environments contribute to climate stability, food security, and economic well-being.
“Given the current triple planetary crisis encompassing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, merely focusing on CO2 emissions is insufficient. Nature undergirds all life on Earth, serving as our greatest ally against climate change through vital carbon dioxide absorption by forests and oceans,” she added. She also pointed out that ocean and coastal ecosystems enhance water quality, foster maritime and terrestrial biodiversity, serve as carbon sinks, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and provide nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change effects, such as coastal erosion protection and flood prevention.
“This announcement’s timing and location are intentional. We convene at The Ocean Race Summit to advocate for ocean health, and we are proud to announce our partners here. Sustainability entails much more than CO2 emissions, and Volvo Cars is committed to making significant strides in addressing our environmental footprint, which includes coastal health,” Butani continued.
Held under the themes “Restoring Society’s Connection with the Ocean and Connecting Europe,” The Ocean Race Summit Alicante brought together representatives from host cities of The Ocean Race Europe 2025, teams, sailors, academics, youth, policymakers, and partners at ADDA, the Auditorium of the Alicante Diputation, which is the headquarters of the Race. The event showcased best practices, solutions, and policies for ocean health in the Mediterranean and beyond, illustrating Volvo Cars’ ambitious efforts in coastal health restoration and biodiversity.
Representatives from The Ocean Race Europe host cities also shared their effective water management and blue economy practices.
“Over 80% of all life on Earth resides in the Ocean; a significant portion inhabits coastal regions,” remarked Richard Brisius, the Race Chairman of The Ocean Race. “Alongside Volvo Cars, we are participating in a movement striving for a healthy Ocean. We are thrilled to have The Nature Conservancy and the University of Gothenburg join us on our journey focusing on coastal health.”
Long-lasting collaboration
In August 2024, Volvo Cars and The Ocean Race announced an extension of their 25-year partnership into the next decade, which includes a shared mission for ocean health. Both Volvo Cars and The Ocean Race are dedicated to a more sustainable future, contributing actual change where it’s essential, including efforts in restoring and preserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity.