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Sustainable Development

Key measures

An action plan was drawn up by all those signing the Transat Jacques Vabre charter to develop this concept of sustainable development during the race.

1 - Better for the environment

• Reduction in CO2 emissions linked to the organisation of the race
• Forest replanting programme in Bahia to offset the remaining CO2 emissions
• Waste management in the race village in Le Havre
• Skippers committed to limiting pollution

2 - More for Bahia with the Bahia Mission

• Help respect the criteria of sustainable development on coffee plantations
• Sending two students on a mission to Brazilian coffee farms

3 - Publicising sustainable development at the village at the start

• The Transat Jacques Vabre charter
• Recreation of a responsible coffee plantation on the quayside in Le Havre
• Allowing everyone to commit themselves on a daily basis by taking up the Earth Challenge

1 - Better for the environment

Reduction in CO2 emissions linked to the organisation of the race

To reduce energy consumption sunlight and solar heat for heat and lighting will be favoured thanks to transparent tents and the use of energy efficient bulbs.

With the same goal in mind, cycling will be encouraged by extending the existing cycle network right up to the entrance to the village, by putting up "Transat Jacques Vabre" signs on the city centre cycle paths and setting up a cycle park at the harbour entrance.
The application of these measures should enable a cut of 5% in carbon emissions compared to the 2005 Transat Jacques Vabre.

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Forest replanting programme in Bahia to offset the remaining CO2 emissions

To grow, trees absorb and store CO2 that they take out of the atmosphere. The carbon that is thus trapped no longer contributes to global warming. When enough trees are planted to absorb CO² emissions they are said to be an offset.
Thus, the remaining CO² emissions linked to the organisation of the Transat Jacques Vabre will be offset thanks to the support for a forest replanting project within a 15,000 hectare zone, located to the south of Salvador da Bahia. This zone is considered a priority area for replanting the Atlantic Forest* and is one of Unesco's 166 world heritage sites.

*The Atlantic Forest is located on the East Coast of Brazil, in the States of Bahia and Espirito Santo. It is made up of 112,000 hectares of forest and is home to the world's richest bio-diversity.

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Waste management in the race village in Le Havre

Sorting waste will be made easier and encouraged at the Start Village, thanks to special facilities being put in place by the organisers. A campaign to inform visitors will also be set up in the race village at the start.

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Skippers committed to limiting pollution

The skippers are also encouraged to become involved, by committing themselves not to throw any non-biodegradable rubbish in the sea, by making reasonable use of antifouling* to limit pollution within harbour, as well as preferring sources of water that are not for drinking, when cleaning their boats and cleaning and washing products that are environmentally friendly. At sea, they should make known any information leading to the identification of new sources of pollution (hydrocarbons, emptying of fuel tanks, etc…).

* Antifouling (or antifouling paint) is a paint, which is dirt repellent, aimed at stopping marine organisms from becoming attached to the hulls of boats.

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2 - More for Bahia with the Bahia Mission

Helping respect sustainable development criteria in coffee farms

The Transat Jacques Vabre offers an opportunity to strengthen the brand's commitment by encouraging the development of sustainable practices on coffee producing farms. This commitment includes sending an expert in agronomy to help farmers in Bahia obtain Rainforest Alliance certification.

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Sending two students on a mission to Brazilian coffee farms

Jacques Vabre is showing its commitment too by sending two students for ten weeks to the Bahia region. These two students are proof of the brand's commitment on the ground, and of the concrete advantages of Rainforest Alliance certification for biodiversity, the workers and local communities. They will also be using their skills to help on the farms, to work on communication and adding value to products.

You can follow their daily experience by reading their diary

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3 - Publicising sustainable development at the race village at the start

The Village at the start of the 2007 Transat Jacques Vabre, open to all from 27th October to 4th November in Le Havre, will largely be devoted to sustainable development:

The Transat Jacques Vabre charter:

The commitment of everyone (organisers, partners who sign up) for a more responsible race will be represented by a giant tarpaulin showing the Transat Jacques Vabre charter right at the heart of the village in Le Havre. This will show their desire to place sustainable development at the heart of the event by applying concrete measures.

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Recreation of a responsible coffee plantation on the quayside in Le Havre:

Jacques Vabre will be building on the quayside in Le Havre a reconstruction of a coffee plantation applying the principles of sustainable development. Inside the plantation, a trail for the family will show the practical benefits of Rainforest Alliance certification economically, socially and environmentally.

In its two cafés on the quayside in Le Havre, Jacques Vabre will also offer visitors to the village the opportunity to taste Bahia coffee, 30% of the beans of which come from farms applying the principles of sustainable development, certified by Rainforest Alliance. This coffee will be served in cups, which can be completely recycled.

Allowing everyone to show his or her commitment by taking up the Earth Challenge

The Earth Challenge is an initiative from the Nicolas Hulot Foundation for nature and mankind and the ADEME (Environmental and energy conservation agency) in order to encourage as many people as possible to act in favour of environmental protection. Signing up for the Earth Challenge means showing your commitment to reducing your environmental footprint using some simple measures in our everyday life.

The public attending in Le Havre will be able to show their own commitment by signing up to the Earth challenge using the stands present around the Jacques Vabre cafés.

You too can show your commitment by signing up for "the Earth Challenge"

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