Get ready for an adventure out of the ordinary. September promises to be full of surprises and on the sports front an unprecedented challenge has already been launched. An only-way swim crossing between Calvi(northernmost point of Corsica) and the Principality of Monaco will try to establish a Guinness record. Can you swim 180km (200 miles)? Rémi Camus, skilled athlete and explorer fond of nature preservation, is convinced to make it for a good cause. The next Exploration, emerging association focusing on ecology through education, awareness-raising and communication, is ready to support him in achieving this ambitious goal within #calvimonaco2022.
What inspired the initiative?
Every minute, nearly 26,000 tons of plastic waste are dumped into the oceans. This serious environmental problem has reached global dimensions, being increased exponentially since plastic appeared on the market (1950’s). Global production of this petroleum-based material increased from 1.5 million tons to 300 million tons (2016). Consequences on marine biodiversity are devastating. Besides objects of larger size, macroplastics (diameter ≥ 5 mm), small plastic particles, microplastics (less than 5 mm) are spread almost everywhere in the oceans, bearing toxins and chemicals. So, the latter entered the food chain of marine fauna through the ‘food transfer’ process up to being included in human nutrition. According to recent studies, 99 per cent of seabirds ‘will have ingested plastic by mid-century’ (Petter Malvik, UN Environment Programme’s Communication Officer).
UN Clean Seas (#CleanSeas) campaign, started at the Economist World Ocean Summit, held in Bali in 2017 triggered a series of global actions to combat the phenomenon. Despite awareness campaigns, the production of plastic is destined to increase by 15% in the next years and in 2017 United Nations Agency (UNEP) estimated that by 2050 there could be more plastics than fishes in all oceans. Plastic single-use items, together with polypropylene bags and bottles are among the major factors of this dangerous environmental impact.
About 75% of marine pollution originates in the continents, having mainly an anthropic nature. Thus, it is up to all of us to find sustainable alternatives to plastic to protect these spaces that are essential for life on Planet Earth. On these premises Rémy’s sporting commitment starts.
What makes this challenge special? What are its goals?
The sea crossing will be carried out by the French athlete in complete autonomy and without any assistance, forcing his ability to withstand to the forces of nature. Besides that, it will act as a marine exploration aimed at raising awareness on the need to preserve a vital resource: water. Dufour 530, an equipped sailing boat will follow Rémy’s swimming all the way, hosting the film crew, the photographers and other partners, including a few ONG’s and startups committed in ecosystems’ preservation. Among them, the Fédération des MFR du Rhône, which brings together twelve training institutions, to scale up the project in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. A technical partnership with the University Hospital of Grenoble (CHU de Grenoble) will allow to study the effects of stress on prolonged exposure to the marine environment and on the body.
The Calvi Monaco 2022 is therefore much more than pure endurance. It is a real test, including the valuable contribution of sport and ecology in the best group spirit. Stay tuned to know about the follow up.
Photo >> Rémy Camus just arrived on the Larvotto Beach to conclude his Tour of France by Swimming (Monaco, 16th September 2018) - © M.Abbati
Rémy Camus’ previous challenges in Monaco
On September the 16th 2018, a group of supporters and international journalists eagerly awaited the arrival of Rémi Camus on the Larvotto Beach (Monaco’s sea front). On his arrival by swimming, his emotion and spontaneity conquered all. His Tour of France by Swimming ended in a win-win mood. He covered enthusiastically a 2650 km swim marathon, divided in 91 steps, setting a new record to convey a meaningful eco-message: ensure a reasonable access to safe water and to protect sea water from marine litter. A tight training, a great willpower and the conviction of having to act in favor of the environment have been animating Rémi Camus in every single project of his life. A human approach to be respected and a proactive teaching to be handed down to the new generations. ***
To know more about Rémy Camus please visit: RemyCamusExplorer
Official video > Why making Calvi-Monaco sea crossing? 🎥 © THE NEXT EXPLORATION :
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By Maurice Abbati
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