A legacy for the ocean is celebrated in Genova

The Ocean Race’s work towards a Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights (UDOR) was acknowledged in Genova, Italy this week with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, to permanently mark the site where the groundbreaking Principles of Ocean Rights was first signed alongside the finish of The Ocean Race around the world in 2023.

The goal of this work is to shift the perception of the ocean from that of a resource to one of a living entity with inherent rights to exist, thrive, and regenerate, thus providing a global, overarching framework for its protection.

The draft Principles that were then presented to the United Nations General Assembly in 2023 had been developed through the Genova Process, a series of workshops convened by The Ocean Race involving over 150 global experts, working together to protect and restore ocean health.

In Genova on Thursday, the newly unveiled plaque was promoted by Dr Antonio di Natale, member of the ocean rights core group formed by The Ocean Race, and Vittoria Canessa Cerchi, Consigliere Delegato Comunale (Special City Councillor) of Genova, who noted this serves as a tangible reminder that in the global effort to protect the ocean, sport has an important role to play.

"The Ocean Race is about more than competition. It is about mobilising action for the blue planet," said Richard Brisius, the Race Chairman of The Ocean Race and one of the first signatories to the Principles. "Two years ago, the energy of the sailors crossing the finish line here in Genova after having sailed around the world translated directly into the political will to sign this foundational document, and today’s unveiling confirms that the waves of impact started by the race continue to travel far beyond the start and finish lines.

“This is a permanent symbol of our ambition to elevate the principles drafted through the Genova Process into a Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights at the level of the United Nations. And the plaque serves to honour the work done by many persons across the world who over many years have worked towards acknowledging the rights of the ocean.”

"The protection of the ocean is an absolute priority for us," added Marco Bucci, the President of the Liguria Region. "Here in Genova, we experience the sea in economic, cultural, and identity-building terms. It is fundamental. The Ocean Race was an extraordinary success in terms of audiences, participation, and visibility for Italy, and it is something that continues to bear fruit today: with the unveiling of this plaque dedicated to ocean rights, we renew our commitment to protecting and enhancing the sea, more and more every day."

The work towards a Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights is part of The Ocean Race's award-winning Racing for the Ocean sustainability programme which includes ocean science, learning and literacy, The Ocean Race Summits and sustainable event excellence initiatives.