The philanthropist Wendy Schmidt, the first woman and first American to win the Barcolana 54, the largest sailing regatta in the world, announced that she will support the educational and conservation activities of the Marine Biodiversity (BioMa), in the Marine Protected Area of Miramare managed by WWF Italy, with a donation of 100 thousand dollars. "I don't sail just to win a trophy," said Schmidt, who also received the Generali "Women in Sailing" trophy. "I compete to use our moment in the spotlight to encourage all those who love sailing to join us in safeguarding the oceans." Schmidt is co-founder of several philanthropic organizations dealing with ocean health. These include 11th Hour Racing, based in Newport, Rhode Island, USA, which works specifically with the sailing and maritime industry and coastal communities to promote sustainable solutions and practices. "All my life I have seen the ocean under attack, with overfishing, industrial pollution, plastic and waste. We can do better, "said Schmidt, who is also president and co-founder of the Schmidt Family Foundation along with her husband Eric. "We hope everyone will join the work we do with 11th Hour Racing to support the world's most essential resource." The Schmidt Family Foundation will award a grant to support the activities of the Marine Biodiversity Research Center (BioMa), which offers visitors an immersive experience in the Gulf of Trieste and the Marine Protected Area of Miramare, which extends over 30 hectares. The grant will support BioMa's educational work on the importance of protecting the region's marine biodiversity.
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