The Ocean Race — The Ocean Race Summit Newport urges recognition of the inherent rights of the ocean

May 16, 2023

The Ocean Race Press — The event held during the stopover of the round-the-world sailing race gathered together over 150 government, civil society and private sector representatives

The Ocean Race Summit Newport today celebrated Rhode Island becoming the first US state to commit to recognizing the rights of natural communities and ecosystems, and urged for global recognition of the inherent rights of the ocean.

With over 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island is known as ‘the Ocean State.’ The resolution also recognizes the importance of Rhode Island’s blue economy and the steps the State is taking to protect its biodiversity. With this initiative, Rhode Island has become the first State in the United States to support the recognition of the Rights of Nature and Ocean Rights

The event, held during the stopover of the round-the-world sailing race, gathered together over 150 government, civil society and private sector representatives that explored the power of sports to catalyse positive change and “Shore to Sea” solutions for ocean health.

In an opening “land acknowledgment” ceremony, Director of Community Planning and Natural Resources Department and Vice-Chair of the Land & Water Resources Commission of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Indian Tribe, Dinalyn Spears, said “Let us gather in deep connection to the land and the water. It is a sacred and reciprocal relationship.”

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