Relay4Nature: The Mission

Team Vestas Wind passing by Costa da Morte - Coast of Death - in Spanish waters during Leg 8 to Lisbon © Ainhoa Sanchez / Volvo Ocean Race

A healthy ocean is fundamental to life on Earth. It's our life support system, producing over half of the planet's oxygen and providing food for billions of people.

The ocean is our climate change hero, playing a hugely important role in climate regulation. It's absorbing the vast majority of excess heat caused by the burning of fossil fuels and has drawn down a quarter of CO2 emitted.

However, despite being the largest habitat on earth, covering some 70% of the Earth's surface, the ocean still receives far too little attention from world leaders.

We call on governments and businesses to radically increase their ambition for nature, human and ocean rights across all policy and actions.

Connectivity is crucial to protecting the ocean's wellbeing. Leaders from the biodiversity and climate communities, from companies, cities, and nations, must work together to strike a fair deal for people and planet.

Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal SDG14 Life Below Water is crucial for addressing both the climate and biodiversity crises.