The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has announced the launch of its “Campaign for Our Ocean Planet,” with a very ambitious goal of raising US$500 million/~€431 million by 2027.
The campaign would make it the largest ever undertaken in ocean science. Due to changes in government funding, WHOI recognizes that now is the time for philanthropists, members of the public and other stakeholders to act to ensure the institution’s continued contribution to conservation, ocean health and the nation’s national security.
WHOI’s Vice President of Advancement Samuel Harp commented on the launch of the new initiative, saying:
“WHOI is a national treasure and a global leader in rigorous, solutions-focused ocean research. Visionary gifts are already fueling projects that leverage WHOI’s breadth of ocean science expertise, engineering innovation, and marine operations to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time — from restoring coral reefs and protecting endangered species to reducing microplastic pollution and exploring marine-based carbon dioxide removal strategies.”
While WHOI President and Director Peter de Menocal stated:
“The future of the ocean is the future of our planet. Reduced federal research funding and the accelerating pace of ocean change mean we must be more adaptable and more courageous than ever. Bold investments today allow us to advance the science and technology to protect ocean ecosystems, pioneer real solutions, and ensure generational continuity of future explorers and innovators. Private philanthropy has always been a critical complement to federal funding, helping to drive high-risk, high-reward and rapid response research that federal agencies typically don’t fund. With the support of our philanthropic partners, WHOI is unlocking the ocean’s potential to secure a thriving future for our ocean planet for the next 100 years and beyond.”
