CORDAP and Aoki Racing join forces to raise coral awareness around the world
PRESS RELEASE, June 8th, 2025
The G20 Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) is proud to announce a partnership with Aoki Racing, the E1 racing team owned by world-renowned DJ Steve Aoki. Together, they will raise awareness about the urgent threats facing coral reefs and launch joint initiatives to secure funding for coral conservation.
Globally known for his musical charisma, DJ Steve Aoki is also passionate about the underwater world. Now, with Aoki Racing, he is amplifying his voice to turn up the volume on the coral crisis. After witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of a coral bleaching event in the Red Sea—where 80% of the reef was either dead or dying—Aoki Racing teamed up with CORDAP to drive global action for coral conservation.
“I love being underwater. It’s kind of meditative. You get to the zone, you listen to your breathing, try to listen to some sounds of the creatures. But it was actually very sad to see how much dead coral there is. You look around and it is very difficult to see any vibrant colours. After this dive and seeing how much devastation is down there, losing more corals is heartbreaking to me. But it is important to see that, to see what’s happening with the rising temperatures and how much it affects everything. We can’t lose the corals – that’s priority number one. We need to save them.”
– Steve Aoki said, after his dive in the Red Sea.
CORDAP and KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) took members of the E1 series team and Aoki Racing Team on a diving expedition to witness the corals of the Red Sea firsthand.
Unprecedented devastation
Over the last two years, record-breaking sea temperatures have caused unprecedented coral bleaching events worldwide. Between February 2023 and May 2025, 84% 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. Now, in early 2025, another round of coral bleaching events is already underway.
Corals are essential to nearly one billion people worldwide, providing food, coastal protection, and livelihoods. Their decline has direct consequences for human communities and marine life. In response to this crisis, CORDAP and Aoki Racing will engage global audiences and develop fundraising initiatives to support coral research and restoration.
Teaming up to save corals
The CORDAP x Aoki Racing partnership will introduce several key initiatives:
- Interactive experiences and exhibits at E1 races and beyond, allowing the public to connect with the science and innovation behind coral conservation.
- Incorporating coral themes into Aoki Racing Team Owner’s performances, campaigns, and live events to drive awareness and action.
- Using panels, summits, and speaking engagements to highlight the role of sports, music, and entertainment in ocean conservation.
- Leveraging Aoki Racing’s network of sponsors, partners, and stakeholders to facilitate resource mobilization for scalable, long-term coral conservation solutions.
A formal agreement was signed by Professor Carlos Duarte, the Executive Director of CORDAP, and Azam Rangoonwala, Co-Founder and Team Principal for Aoki Racing at the E1 Doha GP, Qatar, on February 22, 2025.
From left to right: Professor Carlos Duarte, the Executive Director of G20 CORDAP, HRH Prince Sultan Fahd Salman Al Saud, DJ Steve Aoki, and KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne.
Professor Carlos Duarte, Executive Director of CORDAP, shared his enthusiasm with the partnership:
“The devastating scenario we witnessed when we took the Aoki Racing team diving in the Red Sea is a clear reflection of what’s happening to corals worldwide. Mass coral bleaching and mortality are unfolding before our eyes. That’s why it’s critical to talk about this crisis and take immediate action. Through this partnership with Aoki Racing, we will take coral awareness to the next level and inspire people to act. We can’t afford to wait for better conditions – the time to act is now.”
Azam Rangoonwala, Co-Founder and Team Principal for Aoki Racing, said:
“We are excited to partner with CORDAP, as it aligns with one of our team’s core missions: raising awareness about marine sustainability. Our goal is to educate others about the current state of coral in our oceans and explore proactive ways to promote ocean regeneration.”
With many organizations dedicated to coral conservation, Aoki Racing was intentional in choosing to partner with CORDAP. As the only global initiative dedicated to accelerating research and development (R&D) for coral conservation and restoration, CORDAP stands out for its science-driven approach and commitment to finding scalable, long-term solutions.
For Aoki Racing, this partnership reflects the team’s broader mission to champion ocean health, innovation, and sustainability. By supporting CORDAP, Aoki Racing is backing the global effort to develop groundbreaking solutions that can help corals survive in a rapidly changing ocean. Through this collaboration, Aoki Racing aims to amplify the message that saving corals isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a race against time that requires urgent action and the best minds in science and conservation.
About CORDAP:
The 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 Aoki Racing
Aoki Racing Team is the notorious and global DJ, Steve Aoki’s first racing venture on the water. Aoki Racing Team participates in the UIM E1 World Championship. The championship is fiercely competitive both on and off the water where each team not only competes to win a UIM World Championship on the water but also both in our oceans and on the land where the teams compete for the Blue Impact Championship. E1 and the Blue Impact Championship are competitions where environmental sustainability and awareness are key pillars to the championships and teams.
Media contact (CORDAP):
Carla Lourenco, Communications Specialist, carla.lourenco@kaust.edu.sa