With their new ambassador "Race for Water", the world's largest solar boat (formerly Planet Solar), they presented their program for fight against plastic pollution in the oceans .
Arriving in Paris on November 25th with its ambassador ship, the Race for Water Foundation organized and participated in many events, within the framework of the COP21. The conferences organized allowed to present solutions and to emphasize the urgency to act for the oceans. A rather satisfying operation.
In addition, the exhibit on board Race for Water was titled "Plastic Water Pollution: from Impact to Solutions." It featured, among other things, its solutions and pilot project program for 2016.
The foundation has found an innovative approach to prevent waste from entering waterways by converting it upstream into electricity. Several coastal metropolises are already interested in implementing this technique starting in 2016.
The solar ship will serve as a multipurpose platform, as Marco Simeoni explains "The Race for Water is an extraordinary tool for drawing public and media attention to our cause and message. It is a versatile vessel that allows the foundation to present innovative solutions for the recovery of plastics at the end of their life, but also to raise awareness and to host scientists for studies on plastic pollution in the marine environment. It is therefore an exceptional scientific and communication platform for the foundation, a unique opportunity to put the cause even more in the spotlight."
Race for Water also presented the "Collector", a prototype boat that collects macro-waste in bays, lakes and rivers, developed by the company MOD S.A and the shipyard Industrie Lorientaise (Nil). It has a cleaning capacity of 5000 m2 per hour with an output of 500 kg/h. The waste is absorbed by the front of the ship and is brought up on the deck thanks to a conveyor belt before being stored in containers. Transportable and versatile, the Collector can fit the program of different communities and cleaning companies, whatever the water body.
Studying plastic pollution in the oceans
In 2015, the foundation launched the Race for Water Odyssey expedition with a clear realization: plastic pollution is everywhere in the ocean, but a large-scale cleanup is unrealistic. Therefore, it is important to treat plastic waste before it reaches the water.
Aboard the trimaran Mod 70 "Race for Water", the members of the foundation sailed 32,000 miles through the Pacific and Atlantic oceans to study the beaches of the Ilands near the plastic gyres. The expedition was cut short due to a capsize last September. ( Stève Ravussin capsizes aboard his Mod 70 and remains locked up for more than 30 hours )
