CORDAP and Westbrook Racing team up to raise coral awareness around the world
PRESS RELEASE, February 3rd, 2025
The G20 Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) is proud to announce a partnership with the E1 racing team Westbrook Racing, owned by global icon Will Smith, to accelerate awareness and education about coral conservation worldwide.
This partnership will spotlight the critical challenges facing coral reefs and champion global initiatives for a sustainable and thriving marine ecosystems.
Westbrook Racing all-electric racebird. Photo by Westbrook Racing.
Global icon and cultural legend Will Smith is leveraging his voice and influence for the greater good. As the owner of the E1 electric powerboat team, Westbrook Racing, he is steering his team toward the forefront of ocean conservation. Recognizing the critical role of corals in marine ecosystems, Westbrook Racing has joined forces with the G20 Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) to inspire global action for coral conservation.
The years 2023 and 2024 have witnessed unprecedented coral bleaching events, devastating reefs worldwide due to record-breaking sea temperatures. Between February 2023 and October 2024, 77% of the world’s coral reefs were exposed to severe bleaching heat stress. With 2024 declared the warmest year on record—1.55°C above pre-industrial levels—the stakes for coral conservation have never been higher.
Corals are a lifeline for hundreds of millions of people, supporting food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity. The need for concerted planetary actions urges. In response to this critical moment, CORDAP and Westbrook Racing are uniting to raise awareness, drive conservation efforts, and engage audiences in a collective mission to protect these ecosystems for generations to come.
Local fisherman in a coral reef location, in Indonesia. Photo by Kanenori / Pixabay.
A formal agreement was signed by Professor Carlos Duarte, the Executive Director of G20 CORDAP, and Ana Agostinho, Sustainability Lead for Westbrook Racing, at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia on January 23th, 2025. The partnership underscores the shared commitment to restoring and reviving the world’s coral reefs, with CORDAP acting as Westbrook Racing’s Local Impact Partner.
Highlights of the CORDAP x Westbrook Racing partnership:
- Awareness and Outreach: Local activations at E1 race venues, collaborative digital media campaigns, interactive educational tools, and documentaries to connect fans with the diverse ecosystems worldwide, fostering a deeper understanding of their significance and the critical need for conservation and restoration efforts.
- Promote and Mobilize Action: Westbrook Racing will leverage its network of sponsors, partners, and stakeholders to create opportunities for CORDAP to connect with a broader audience and showcase its programs.
Westbrook Racing Team competing in E1 Jeddah GP, Saudi Arabia. Photo by Westbrook Racing.
On the signing ceremony of the agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding, Professor Carlos Duarte, Executive Director of CORDAP, shared his enthusiasm with the partnership:
“Coral reefs are at a tipping point, with rising sea temperatures and back-to-back bleaching events threatening their survival. But together, through collaboration and collective effort, we can turn the tide. This partnership with Westbrook Racing is a powerful example that we all have a role to play in saving our oceans. Whether we are scientists on the field or athletes racing on the water. Every one of us can be an agent of change.”
“We are at a pivotal moment for ocean conservation, and coral reefs are at the heart of this crisis,” said Ana Agostinho, Sustainability Lead for Westbrook Racing. “Through our partnership with CORDAP, we want to use the power of sport to drive awareness and action, ensuring that these vital ecosystems are protected for future generations.”
Phil Allen, Team Principal at Westbrook Racing, added:
“Sustainability is an important pillar for Westbrook Racing. Partnering with CORDAP aligns perfectly with our mission to not only compete at the highest level but also to make a tangible impact in ocean conservation. By using our platform, we hope to drive meaningful change and inspire others to take action.”
Through this new partnership with CORDAP, Westbrook Racing will help raise awareness of the critical state of corals globally and inspire action worldwide.
Westbrook Racing team members. Photo by Westbrook Racing.
About CORDAP:
TThe G20 Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform Foundation (CORDAP) was established by G20 countries and is the only international organization fully dedicated to funding global research and development for tropical and cold-water coral restoration and conservation. CORDAP Foundation is the financial arm of the G20 CORDAP. It is committed to secure funding streams, including donations, grants, and financial support from both public and private sectors. Learn more: cordap.org
About Westbrook Racing:
Westbrook Racing is a powerhouse team in the E1 Series, a pioneering racing platform for sustainable electric watercraft aimed at reducing environmental pressures on oceans, rivers, and lakes. Led by Hollywood icon Will Smith, Westbrook Racing is dedicated to winning both races and fans around the world. Westbrook Racing’s commitment to sustainability and innovation drives the team’s mission to revolutionize the sport and engage fans globally. Westbrook Racing benefits from the leadership of co-owners Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio and Alshair Fiyaz. By combining performance, entertainment, and sustainability, Westbrook Racing is setting new standards in racing and sports marketing. Learn more: westbrook-racing.com
Media contact (CORDAP):
Carla Lourenco, Communications Specialist, carla.lourenco@kaust.edu.sa
Media contact (Westbrook Racing):
Yan Lefort, Commercial and Marketing Manager, yan@westbrook-racing.com