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Boris Herrmann

We compete on the highest level in the toughest races, inspire action & create awareness and highlight solutions to the climate crisis.

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Team Malizias Skipper Boris Herrmann und die deutsche Modemarke kündigen ihre Kollektion "All Nature" an. Für ihre erste gemeinsame Kapselkollektion setzen sie ausschließlich auf natürliche Materialien aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen. Die Kollektion besteht aus sieben Teilen, weitere Kapselkollektionen sind geplant.

, das erfolgreiche Familienunternehmen aus Deutschland, geben den Start ihrer 

ausschließlich auf nachhaltigen Materialien basiert

. "Die Partnerschaft mit OLYMP begann durch unsere gemeinsame Leidenschaft für Nachhaltigkeit", erklärt 

. "Daraus entstand die Idee, eine Modekollektion zu entwickeln, die von Stoff bis Knopf ausschließlich aus natürlichen Materialien besteht und dabei auch meinem Stil entspricht.”

 Kollektion besteht aus 100% Bio-Baumwolle oder Bio-Leinen mit Knöpfen aus Steinnuss und Garne aus Baumwolle und Zellulosefasern. Dabei setzt OLYMP erstmals auf den Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). „All Nature“ steckt zudem in allen Details und Komponenten der Produkte. Durch den konsequenten, sortenreinen Einsatz von natürlichen Materialien, sowohl beim Stoff als auch bei den Nähgarnen, Knöpfen und allen weiteren Produktbestandteilen, kann die Recyclingfähigkeit der Produkte erhöht werden.

“Wir wollen zeigen, dass es möglich ist, natürliche Materialien zu verwenden, nachhaltig zu produzieren und trotzdem leistungsfähige Produkte zu haben”, sagt der 

 Rennyacht gebaut haben, haben wir beschlossen, bestimmte Teile des Bootes durch Naturfasern wie Flachsfasern zu ersetzen, wie zum Beispiel die Lukendeckel, Motorabdeckung, Bodenplatten und anderes. Das ist nur ein geringer Anteil, aber man muss mit kleinen Schritten beginnen, so auch in der Mode. Auch dort gibt es in der Produktionskette noch viele Etappen, die sich nachhaltiger gestalten ließen. Aber wenn jeder kleine Schritte macht, wird die Veränderung groß sein.”

„Beim Thema Nachhaltigkeit haben wir in den letzten Jahren bereits einen sehr konsequenten Kurs gesteuert und schon viel bewegt“, erklärt 

. „Mit unserer ersten Boris Herrmann x OLYMP Kollektion unterstreichen wir nicht nur unsere verantwortungsbewusste Sortimentsgestaltung, sondern schaffen einen weiteren Leuchtturm für die Nachhaltigkeit“, so Mark Bezner weiter.  

Die neue Boris Herrmann x OLYMP Kollektion besteht aus drei Hemden, zwei T-Shirts, einem Polo- und einem Sweatshirt mit klassischen Farben und zeitlosem Design. Die Artikel lassen sich flexibel miteinander kombinieren und bilden die Grundausstattung einer nachhaltigeren Garderobe, die mit wenigen Teilen auskommt, möglichst lange genutzt und um Kleidungsstücke aus noch folgenden Kollektionen immer weiter angereichert werden kann. 

In Kooperation zwischen dem Weltumsegler und der Modemarke sind mehrere Kapselkollektionen geplant. Sie widmen sich jeweils einer zentralen Herausforderung der Produktgestaltung und präsentieren innovative Nachhaltigkeits- und Designideen. Den Auftakt macht „All Nature“ mit einer Kollektion rund um das Thema natürliche Materialien. Die Kollektionen sind Teil des bereits im Herbst 2021 eingeführten Nachhaltigkeitslabels „Green Choice“. Damit kennzeichnet OLYMP Produkte, die in besonderem Maße für ökologische Nachhaltigkeit stehen.

Der Start der ersten Kapselkollektion erfolgt mit der High-Summer-Kollektion im April 2024, einige Wochen bevor Boris Herrmann zur Transat CIC Einhandregatta über den Atlantik aufbricht. Im Rahmen der 

“A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now!”

 Mission seines Team Malizias wird Boris Herrmann erneut wertvolle Ozeandaten sammeln und wissenschaftliche Instrumente einsetzen, um die Ozean- und Klimaforschung weiter voranzutreiben.

Der Team Malizia Skipper und OLYMP geben ihre erste Kapselkollektion "All Nature", die ausschließlich aus natürlichen Materialien besteht, bekannt © OLYMP

Die anspruchsvolle Strategie hinter Green Choice beruht auf drei Säulen: dem Einsatz nachhaltigerer Materialien, einer umweltfreundlicheren Herstellung sowie einer nachhaltigeren Produktverpackung. Unabhängige Siegel wie GOTS, OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN und TENCELTM verifizieren das breite unternehmerische Engagement. Ziel ist es, bis 2025 das gesamte OLYMP Sortiment auf Green Choice umgestellt zu haben. Bereits heute erfüllen über 80 Prozent des Sortiments diese Kriterien.

Über Team Malizias A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now! Mission 

Die Mission von Team Malizia A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now! ist nur durch das starke und dauerhafte Engagement seiner 

 möglich: der Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, die Zurich Gruppe Deutschland, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd und Schütz. Diese Partner stehen hinter dem Team Malizia, um dessen Kampagne zu unterstützen. Jeder von ihnen arbeitet an Projekten in seinem Bereich, um innovative Lösungen für die Klimakrise zu finden.

 Skipper und OLYMP geben ihre erste Kapselkollektion "All Nature", die ausschließlich aus natürlichen Materialien besteht, bekannt © OLYMP

Boris Herrmann and OLYMP launched their "All Nature" capsule collection made exclusively with natural materials from renewable raw materials

 Boris Herrmann x OLYMP: Launch der ersten gemeinsamen Kollektion aus 100% nachhaltigen Materialien

Team Malizia’s skipper Boris Herrmann and the German fashion brand have launched their “All Nature” collection. They worked together to create a collection relying exclusively on natural materials made from renewable raw materials. This first collection consists of seven pieces, with more capsule collections planned in the future. 

, the successful family business from Germany, are announcing the launch of their 

. “The partnership with OLYMP began through our shared passion for sustainability”, explains 

. “From that, the idea arose to develop a fashion collection that consists exclusively of natural materials from fabric to button and also matches my style.”

 is a seven-piece collection made with 100% organic cotton or organic linen. The corozo buttons are made of vegetable ivory, and yarns of cotton and cellulose fibre. OLYMP is using the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for the first time. “All Nature” is also incorporated in all the products’ details and components. Consistently using single-origin natural materials for the fabric, sewing threads, buttons, and all the other product components increases product recyclability. 

“We wanted to show that it is possible to use natural materials, produce in a sustainable way, and still have high-quality and performing products”, says the 

 race yacht, we chose to use natural fibres like flax fibres for certain parts of the boat, such as the hatch and engine covers, floor panels, and other parts. This might be only a small portion but you have to start with small steps, just like in fashion. There are also many stages in the production chain where sustainability could be improved. But if everyone takes small steps, the change will be significant.”

“When it comes to sustainability, we’ve been steering a very consistent course in recent years and have already made a great deal of progress,” explains 

. “With our first collection, we’re not only emphasising the responsible design of our range, but also creating another beacon for sustainability,” continues Mark Bezner. 

The new Boris Herrmann x OLYMP collection consists of three shirts, two T-shirts, a polo shirt and a sweatshirt, with classic colours and a timeless design. The items can be flexibly combined with each other and provide a basic configuration for a more sustainable wardrobe. With just a few pieces, that wardrobe can be used for as long as possible and can always be further augmented with garments from subsequent collections.

Several capsule collections are planned, each dedicated to a central challenge in product design and presenting innovative sustainability and design ideas. “All Nature” kicks off with a collection centred around natural materials made from certified renewable raw materials. The collections are part of the “Green Choice” sustainability label that was launched back in autumn 2021, which OLYMP uses to identify products that particularly stand for environmental sustainability. 

The launch of the first capsule collection is taking place with the High Summer Collection in April 2024, a few weeks before Boris Herrmann sets sail in the Transat CIC solo race across the Atlantic. The Team Malizia skipper will once again collect valuable Ocean data and deploy scientific instruments to help further Ocean and climate research, a part of the team’s sustainability mission 

A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now!”

Team Malizia's skipper Boris Herrmann and OLYMP launched their "All Nature" capsule collection made exclusively with natural materials from renewable raw materials ©️ OLYMP

The ambitious strategy behind Green Choice is based on three pillars, namely the use of more sustainable materials, a more environment-friendly production and more sustainable product packaging. Independent seals such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN and TENCELTM are a testament to the broad entrepreneurial commitment. The aim is to have converted the whole OLYMP range to Green Choice by 2025. Over 80 percent of the brand’s range already meet these criteria.

About Team Malizia's "A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now!" mission

Team Malizia’s A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! mission is only possible due to the strong and long-lasting commitment from its seven main partners: the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, and Schütz. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions.

 skipper and the German fashion brand launched their "All Nature" capsule collection made exclusively with natural materials from renewable raw materials ©️ OLYMP

Boris Herrmann and OLYMP Launch First Joint Collection Made 100% of Sustainable Materials

Spring has made its way to Lorient. The first flowers are blooming and the IMOCA racing boats are, just like the blossoms, gradually appearing, emerging one by one from their sheds after three months of winter refit. Yesterday, Team Malizia launched their Malizia - Seaexplorer and now she is back in her usual spot at La Base harbour. With a few adjustments and a new pair of foils, both the boat and team are ready to start the first training sessions and solo races of the year.

 - “The two main projects of this winter refit were the new foils and ergonomics”, explains 

. “Our boat is performing really well downwind, so our aim is to be able to go faster upwind. We launched our 

 yesterday, did a 90° test early this morning, and installed the new foils this afternoon, so we will be able to test them this week already, along with other changes we made which is very exciting.”

Rebecca Sainson, engineer in the Malizia design office

, explains: “We built a new pair of foils designed by Sam Manuard, based on our previous ones to improve performance and hydrodynamics. While Sam also designed the V2 foils, they were not originally intended for our boat. Just before the start of The Ocean Race, we discovered that our V1 foils were damaged, jeopardising our participation in the round-the-world race. So, we had to quickly find new ones. After intense effort and a stroke of luck, we managed to find a pair that could fit our boat, although we had to adjust the foil bearings.” 

As Team Malizia raced around the globe in various races, the V2 foils proved to be quite efficient but were not an ideal fit, partly because they could not be fully retracted. “The shape of the V3 foils has been redesigned to prevent dragging in the water when in the retracted position, and we also refined the profile”, comments 

. “These new foils should make a significant improvement in how the boat performs and we are looking forward to testing them in the coming weeks."

Technical and operational director Pifou Dargnies

 adds: “We also worked on ergonomics. IMOCA boats are known for their very limited comfort, so we try to improve things and provide Boris with optimal sleeping, eating, working, manoeuvring, and other essential functionalities onboard.”

“We created a new rear bunk system”, details

. “The previous one was quite uncomfortable, it was fixed on the carbon and very stiff. So we lowered the bunk, implemented a new suspension system which absorbs the shock of the waves a bit better. There is only one bunk in the aft cabin, on starboard, but it can be tilted sideways in both directions depending on the side the boat is sailing on.” The tech team also made small improvements to the kitchen which is located on the portside. 

 adds: “A big improvement in ergonomics is the cockpit seat. We had installed a cockpit seat after the last summer refit but it was not conclusive. Its position was not optimal, too close to the winches, and a bit in the way of everything. So during this refit, we built a new seat, slightly inspired by the one of 

 but completely readjusted to our boat’s cockpit. The new seat is now placed on the cockpit wall and is tackable to the other wall. It also has suspensions, a bit like shock absorbers on a bike. We shortened the cockpit bunks a little to make room for the seat, and Boris can now sit comfortably and be optimally placed to see all his screens, hold the sheet, use the autopilot, etc.”

During the winter refit, the technical team checked the entire hull, reinforced the structure a little and worked on the energy and power aspects. “It will be crucial to have a reliable power system during the Vendée Globe”, notes 

. “We have solar panels, two hydrogenerators, and we have now installed a wind generator at the back of the boat to achieve even greater efficiency. Testing various energy sources that complement each other is crucial, especially as IMOCA class rules will gradually evolve towards requiring renewable energy sources exclusively.” Pifou Dargnies concludes: “As for sails, we are using our mainsail from The Ocean Race until we get a new one for the Vendée Globe. And for those who are wondering, we repaired the one that ripped seconds after the finish line of the Retour à La Base which is now our spare mainsail.”

 relaunched, the team will start test sails and training sessions in Brittany waters right away. Skipper Boris Herrmann will participate in Pôle Finistère training sessions in April and will be on the start line of the 

 solo race from Lorient to New York, USA, on 28 April. A month later, he will race back across the Atlantic from New York to Les Sables d’Olonne, France, in the 

 race. The boat will then undergo one final refit in the summer before the 

in September and the start of Boris Herrmann's second 

, the iconic, solo, non-stop, round-the-world race which will begin on 10 November 2024.

A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! 

mission is only possible due to the strong and long-lasting commitment from its 

: Schütz, the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, and Hapag-Lloyd. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions.

 out of the shed ©️ Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

 as she was relaunched yesterday after three months of winter refit in Lorient ©️ Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

Craning and installing the mast, boom, and outriggers back on the boat is a delicate operation which requires well-executed coordination by the tech team © Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the team conducted a 90° test to determine the centre of gravity of Malizia - Seaexplorer, a requirement of the IMOCA class ©️ Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

Malizia - Seaexplorer is back in the water with a new set of foils and ready for the 2024 solo racing season

Team Malizia’s IMOCA Race Yacht Is Back In The Water With A New Set Of Foils

Team Malizia’s Boris Herrmann received one of Germany’s most prestigious recognitions today in a ceremony at Hamburg City Hall. The skipper was awarded the Cross of Merit for his achievements in climate action and sports.

Boris Herrmann’s sailing career already had many highlights: the Team Malizia skipper was the first German to ever compete in the Vendée Globe round the world non-stop solo race, he circumnavigated the world five times, sailed Greta Thunberg across the Atlantic in 2019, collected the first full lap of Ocean CO2 data around the world and was recently appointed ambassador of the German committee of the Ocean Decade. But today marks yet another milestone. Boris Herrmann was awarded the 

, one of Germany’s most prestigious recognitions.

 presented the Cross of Merit to Boris Herrmann on behalf of 

Senator for the Interior and Sports Andy Grote

 in a ceremony at Hamburg City Hall this afternoon. The offshore sailor received the Cross of Merit for his 

efforts in protecting the environment and climate

bringing the sport of sailing closer to the general public

. The combination of these two points led to the recognition of Boris Herrmann's achievements with the Cross of Merit, one of the 

highest recognitions awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany

 for services to the common good and outstanding achievements. 

“I am deeply moved by this extraordinary recognition, which I am accepting on behalf of the entire Team Malizia and all supporters of our campaign”, said 

. “I am delighted to receive this Cross of Merit and to be recognised for what lies behind us. But there is also a lot ahead of us and of me right now: This year is all about single-handed sailing. We have two more solo races across the North Atlantic and on 10 November I will be on the start line of the Vendée Globe, where we will be competing as a German team and of course flying the Hamburg flag."

As he competes in the toughest offshore races like the 

 and tries to perform at his best on the water, Team Malizia’s skipper Boris Herrmann promotes and inspires people to take action for climate protection. As part of his team’s 

 mission, he collects ocean data onboard his 

 race yacht to further ocean research, engages with children through the Malizia My Ocean Challenge educational programme used in schools around the world, and works on sustainability projects with each of the team’s main partners to tackle the climate crisis.

 added: “Our sport offers a unique platform for campaigning for more climate and Ocean protection. We are also active in many societal initiatives, as part of the UN Ocean Decade, in the area of promoting sustainable shipping and, of course, particularly in the field of marine science. Team Malizia has built up a comprehensive campaign dedicated to very specific projects. This is why I accept this Cross of Merit on behalf of the entire Team Malizia and supporters who made this all possible.” 

 said ahead of the ceremony: "Beyond his extraordinary sailing adventures and achievements, Boris Herrmann has earned great merit through his commitment to environmental and climate protection. He lets people take part in spectacular regattas and manages to combine a spirit of adventure with a sense of responsibility for the protection of the oceans and our planet in a special way. This makes him an important ambassador for Germany in the world of sport and beyond."

A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now!

mission is only possible due to the strong and long-lasting commitment from its 

 partners: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, and Kuehne+Nagel. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions.

Boris Herrmann ©️ Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

Boris Herrmann was awarded the German Cross of Merit on 14 March 2024 ©️ Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

Boris Herrmann and Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann © Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

 The ceremony took place in Hamburg City Hall's Turmsaal with team members, partners and friends present

Boris Herrmann Awarded German Cross Of Merit

Während einer Zeremonie im Hamburger Rathaus erhielt heute Team Malizias Boris Herrmann eine der renommiertesten Auszeichnungen Deutschlands. Der Skipper wurde für seinen Einsatz im Bereich des Klimaschutzes und des Sports mit dem Verdienstkreuz am Bande ausgezeichnet.

 hatte bereits viele Höhepunkte: Der Team Malizia Skipper war der erste Deutsche, der jemals an der 

 teilnahm, einer Einhand-Regatta um die Welt, nonstop und ohne Hilfe. Er umsegelte die Welt fünfmal, segelte 2019 Greta Thunberg über den Atlantik und wurde kürzlich zum Botschafter des deutschen Komitees des Ozean Dekade ernannt. Aber heute markiert er einen weiteren Meilenstein. Boris Herrmann wurde das 

 verliehen, eine der angesehensten Auszeichnungen Deutschlands.

 überreichte heute Boris Herrmann im Namen des 

Senators für Inneres und Sport, Andy Grote

, das Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande bei einer Zeremonie im Hamburger Rathaus. Der Hochseesegler erhielt den Bundesverdienstorden für seine 

Bemühungen hinsichtlich des Umwelt- und Klimaschutzes

Segelsport der breiten Öffentlichkeit näher gebracht zu haben

. Die Kombination dieser beiden Punkte führte zur Anerkennung von Boris Herrmanns Leistungen mit dem Verdienstkreuz, einer der höchsten Auszeichnungen, die von der Bundesrepublik Deutschland für herausragende Leistungen zum Gemeinwohl verliehen werden.

„Ich bin zutiefst gerührt von dieser außergewöhnlichen Auszeichnung, die ich ja nur stellvertretend für das gesamte Team Malizia sowie alle Unterstützerinnen und Unterstützer unserer Kampagne entgegennehme”, sagte 

. „Ich freue mich sehr, dieses Bundesverdienstkreuz heute entgegenzunehmen und damit die Anerkennung für das, was hinter uns liegt. Aber es liegt auch gerade jetzt wieder sehr viel vor uns und mir: Dieses Jahr steht ganz im Lichte des Einhandsegelns. Zweimal geht es noch alleine über den Nordatlantik und am 10. November fällt der Startschuss für die Vendée Globe, bei der wir als deutsches Team antreten und natürlich auch die Hamburger Flagge hissen werden.”

Während er in den härtesten Hochsee-Rennen wie der Vendée Globe und The Ocean Race kämpft und sein Bestes auf dem Wasser gibt, fördern und inspirieren Boris Herrmann und sein Team Malizia Menschen, sich für den Klimaschutz einzusetzen. Im Rahmen der Mission von Team Malizia 

sammelt er Daten über den Ozean an Bord seiner Rennyacht 

, um die Ozeanforschung weiter voranzutreiben, engagiert sich mit Kindern durch das Bildungsprogramm 

, das an Schulen auf der ganzen Welt eingesetzt wird, und arbeitet mit jedem der Hauptpartner des Teams an Nachhaltigkeitsprojekten, um die Klimakrise anzugehen.

 fügte hinzu: "Unser Sport bietet eine einzigartige Plattform für das Werben für mehr Klima- und Ozeanschutz. Wir sind auch in vielen gesellschaftlichen Initiativen aktiv, im Rahmen des UN-Ozean-Jahrzehnts im Bereich der Förderung des nachhaltigen Schiffsverkehrs und natürlich besonders im Bereich der Meeresforschung. Team Malizia hat eine umfassende Kampagne aufgebaut, die sich ganz konkreten Projekten widmet. Deshalb nehme ich dieses Bundesverdienstkreuz im Namen des gesamten Team Malizia und der Unterstützer, die dies alles möglich gemacht haben an.”

 sagte vor der Zeremonie: „Jenseits seiner außergewöhnlichen seglerischen Abenteuer und Leistungen hat sich Boris Herrmann durch sein Engagement zugunsten des Umwelt- und Klimaschutzes große Verdienste erworben. Er lässt die Menschen an spektakulären Regatten teilhaben und schafft es dabei Abenteuergeist und Verantwortungsbewusstsein für den Schutz der Meere und unseres Planeten in besonderer Weise miteinander zu verknüpfen. Er ist damit ein wichtiger Botschafter Deutschlands in der Welt des Sports und darüber hinaus.“

 ist nur durch das starke und dauerhafte Engagement seiner 

 möglich: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, der Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, die Zurich Gruppe Deutschland und Kuehne+Nagel. Diese Partner stehen hinter dem Team Malizia, um dessen Kampagne zu unterstützen. Jeder von ihnen arbeitet an Projekten in seinem Bereich, um innovative Lösungen für die Klimakrise zu finden.

Die Zeremonie fand im Turmsaal des Hamburger Rathauses im Beisein von Teammitgliedern, Partnern und Freunden statt ©️ Marie Lefloch / Team Malizia

Boris Herrmann erhält Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande

Die Bewerbungsphase für den Planet Hero Award 2024 ist gestartet. Der Wettbewerb von Team Malizia und seinem Partner Zurich Gruppe Deutschland unterstützt jährlich die besten und wirkungsstärksten Projekte und Initiativen zur Verbesserung des Umwelt- und Klimaschutzes.

 -  Im Rahmen unserer Partnerschaft mit der

 ins Leben gerufen, welcher nun bereits zum vierten Mal für besonders innovative Projekte zur Verbesserung des Umwelt- und Klimaschutzes ausgelobt wird. Die 

 für den Planet Hero Award 2024 ist nun offiziell gestartet.

Ab sofort können sich Schulen, Universitäten und gemeinnützige Organisationen wie Vereine oder Stiftungen in Deutschland für den 

 bewerben. Gesucht werden die besten Ideen und Projekte in den Kategorien 

. Die Gewinner-Projekte erhalten je nach Umfang der Initiative einen Förderbetrag in Höhe von bis zu 100.000 Euro, 60.000 Euro oder von 30.000 Euro, die über einen Zeitraum von drei Jahren zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Die Bewerbungsphase läuft 

Der Planet Hero Award ist eine gemeinsame Initiative von Team Malizia und Zurich und wurde 2021 erstmals unter dem Leitgedanken, Verantwortung für die gemeinsame Zukunft zu übernehmen, verliehen. Unterstützt werden die Projekte nicht nur finanziell, ihre weiteren Entwicklungsschritte werden zudem von einem Paten aus dem Zurich Executive Committee über drei Jahre hinweg begleitet. Die besten Projekte werden am 

, Vorstandsvorsitzender der Zurich Gruppe Deutschland, und 

 (Geschäftsführerin BNW Bundesverband Nachhaltige Wirtschaft) komplettieren seit diesem Jahr auch 

 (Meeresbiologin und Direktorin des Alfred-Wegener-Instituts), 

 (Geowissenschaftlerin am PIK Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung) die 

In den drei Hauptkategorien gewannen 2023 unter den Aspekten Innovationsgrad und Weiterentwicklungspotenzial das Projekt „Carbon Removal Initiative“ der Technischen Universität München in der Kategorie Klimaschutz, „MIYA - Fachverband zur Förderung der Miyawaki-Methode“ in der Kategorie Biodiversität sowie „Die Lahntaucher“ in der Kategorie Ozean- & Gewässerschutz, die zudem auch den Community Preis erhielten, welcher unabhängig von der Juryentscheidung zum Publikumsliebling vergeben wird.

"Der Klimawandel verlangt nach innovativen Lösungen und kreativen Ideen", sagt 

. "Es ist „Crunch-Time“ für den Klimaschutz. Das 1.5 Grad-Ziel rückt in immer weitere Distanz und wir müssen uns beeilen. Die Planet Heroes zeigen, dass die Kombination aus Kreativität, Forschung und Innovation zu echten Ergebnissen führt - die Projekte sind inspirierend und machen Mut. Ich freue mich, dass wir gemeinsam mit Zurich den Award ins Leben gerufen haben und in wenigen Jahren schon so viele tolle Projekte kennengelernt haben."

 möglich: Hapag-Lloyd,  Schütz, der Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, die Zurich Gruppe Deutschland, Kuehne+Nagel und MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. Diese Partner stehen hinter dem Team Malizia, um dessen Kampagne zu unterstützen. Jeder von ihnen arbeitet an Projekten in seinem Bereich, um innovative Lösungen für die Klimakrise zu finden.

Planet Hero Award 2024

Team Malizias Boris Herrmann und die Zurich Gruppe Deutschland suchen Planet Heroes 2024

By teaming up and creating the Malizia Mangrove Park, Team Malizia is actively working to protect mangrove forests and positively impact climate change. This invaluable ecosystem serves as nature’s coastal guardian and carbon capture hero but is also under threat. Today, the Malizia Mangrove Park has reached a significant milestone in its restoration efforts: one million mangroves. 

 in the Philippines where half the mangroves were lost over the past 100 years. In teaming up with the Davao Oriental State University and local community, the goal of the park was to plant 

“Thanks to donations and help from our partners, we are pleased to announce that we have accomplished our goal of one million mangroves”, said 

. “It seemed like such a big yet achievable number when we created the park in 2020. Through years of enduring efforts and donations, the Malizia Mangrove Park makes an important contribution to the restoration of this coastal ecosystem, provides a better income for local residents, and the mangroves bind large quantities of carbon dioxide. We are not finished and efforts still need to be made to fully restore the local ecosystem, so we are now setting the new goal of 

The Team Malizia skipper added: “Numbers aren’t our most important goal though. Our aim is to restore the coastal ecosystem to a point where the mangroves can reproduce themselves and 

. That’s the whole idea of the park: planting mangroves in a sustainable way, with the knowledge of experts from the local University led by 

 in the restoration process. The million mark is to break down what seems like an impossible task into achievable milestones and push us to continue taking further action to protect an invaluable ecosystem.”

Mangrove forests grow mainly in tropical and subtropical regions near the Equator, typically along coastlines or rivers affected by tides. They protect the coasts from big storms and even tsunamis, and they prevent erosion and the destruction of coral reefs by stopping overflowing sand and violent waves. They also absorb nutrients, stabilise reef salinity, filter and trap sediments, which in turn allows the nearby coral reefs to thrive. The mangrove ecosystem is an important habitat for a diverse range of species and rivals rainforests as a highly productive region of diversity. It also increases fish populations and therefore provides fishermen with better income.

Scientists have discovered that mangroves can 

. They are capable of soaking up around five times more CO2 from the atmosphere than the trees in the rainforest, and 70 times more than the trees in European forests. Their crucial function as carbon sinks has also been pointed out in a 

. However, mangrove forests have been reduced to less than 25% of their natural extent, over the last 50 years, huge numbers of mangroves have been logged to make way for holiday resorts and shrimp-farming. 

In Pujada Bay, mangrove seeds from various native species are collected near the Malizia Mangrove Park and experts from the local university decide which seedlings need to be planted and when. Students and forest managers of the Mama Earth Foundation oversee the upbringing of seedlings in the nurseries and the planting operations for which people from the local community are hired, creating local jobs. Over the following months and years, they monitor the growth and strengthening of the mangroves. 

The restoration efforts receive support from 

, with some of Team Malizia's main partners seamlessly integrating donations into their daily operations. For example, 

 includes donations in their new joiners' package, and

 is also supporting with regular donations. Active contributors encompass 

anonymous donors, fans, partners, and friends

, who raises funds through the sale of her paintings. The public can donate 

 on the park’s website or support the park by buying any item in the recently launched 

, as Team Malizia donates a mangrove for each purchase.

"Whether big or small, through one-time or sustained contributions, every mangrove counts. We are incredibly thankful for this collective support, which has enabled us to achieve this tremendous goal," commented 

. "We hope that as we sail around the world our message inspires more people to take action, to create a positive impact on the region, and that together we can soon achieve another milestone in these restoration efforts."

 mission is only possible due to the strong and long-lasting commitment from its 

: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Schütz, the Yacht Club de Monaco, EFG International, Zurich Group Germany, and Kuehne+Nagel. These partners band behind Team Malizia to support its campaign, each of them working towards projects in their own field to innovate around climate solutions. 

Do you want to take action too and donate some mangroves today? Then 

Mangroves grow partially in the air, partially in the water, typically along coastlines in tropical and subtropical regions near the Equator ©️ Uli Kunz / Malizia Mangrove Park

The mangrove ecosystem is an important habitat for a diverse range of species: Birds, reptiles, insects, mollucs, crustaceans, and fish call mangroves their home ©️ Uli Kunz / Malizia Mangrove Park 

Seedlings from native species to the area are grown in a nursery for four to five months before being planted ©️ Uli Kunz / Malizia Mangrove Park 

The local community is involved in the restoration process, creating local jobs. Here a local man hired to plant the mangrove seedlings when the tide is low ©️ Uli Kunz / Malizia Mangrove Park 

Students and forest managers of the Mama Earth Foundation oversee the upbringing of seedlings in the nurseries and the planting operations, and monitor the growth and strengthening of the mangroves.  ©️ Uli Kunz / Malizia Mangrove Park 

The Malizia Mangrove Park has reached a significant milestone in its restoration efforts: one million mangroves

Boris Herrmann's Malizia Mangrove Park Achieves One Million Mangroves in Restoration Milestone

After their successful participation in The Ocean Race and an incredible welcome during the Fly-By in Kiel, Germany, last year, Team Malizia have announced that they will be on the start line of The Ocean Race Europe 2025. The race will start in the sailing city of Kiel, a place that feels like home to skipper Boris Herrmann, and which will no doubt be a highlight again for the international team and their German fans.