Prince Albert II of Monaco awards the 2018 Prince's Prize for Innovative Philanthropy to Douglas Woodring, founder of Ocean Recovery Alliance

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The Award is a global initiative jointly developed by The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and The Tocqueville Foundation, to highlight projects and initiatives that have triggered innovative activity in the field of philanthropy, seeking out individuals and organizations that inspire others and demonstrate strong impact.

H.S.H. Prince Albert said, "Plastic pollution was probably one of the most urgent issues to address, given its tragic consequences on marine biodiversity and its adverse impact on human health".

Mr. Woodring received the award for his years of dedication, focus and persistence on reducing plastic pollution. It is one of the first NGOs to work with both the UN Environment (UNEP) and the World Bank on reducing plastic pollution.

In 2010, Mr. Woodring announced two programs at the Clinton Global Initiative: the Plastic Disclosure Project (similar to carbon reporting), a breakthrough program which helps stakeholders to calculate the volumes of plastic used and recovered, and how it can be better managed without waste; and Global Alert, an innovative App which engages communities to report plastic trash hotspots before it reaches our waters, or the ocean. These initiatives continue to grow as the urgency increases on this global challenge, as their use around the world helps to engage resources on the problem.  To date, App has been reported from more than 25 countries.

Mr. Woodring said, "We have taken a different, creative, yet realistic approach to solving this issue on a global scale.  Our programs can be used by anyone, in any country, without the need for bans, legislative changes or taxes.  Each brings a focus to the issue of plastic in its 'afterlife', either through company or community engagement."

Mr. Woodring is also the founder of the Plasticity Forum, first launched at the Rio+20 Earth Summit, and since held in eight cities around the world. The event gathers global experts from across the plastic spectrum to share knowledge and opportunities with plastic sustainability and the circular economy. Focusing on design, innovation, materials, recycling and solutions for reduced waste, it is relevant to almost all sectors of the business community.  Read More

SOURCE Ocean Recovery Alliance