Saudi Arabia once again brought together the Extreme E field to open up the season for a second consecutive year. As expected, there was no shortage of action, excitement and adrenaline at NEOM, and after an intense battle, the Rosberg X Racing team took the victory, just as they did at the series’ debut campaign.
ACCIONA-Sainz XE Team battled and showed a great level, which could have taken the victory, if there had not been the red flag due to the accident of Tanner Foust, who was making his debut with Emma Gilmour in McLaren XE, a new chapter in the history of the Woking team.
However, beyond the track action, Extreme E is news for its main objective: to leave a sustainable footprint, raise awareness and put hands to work in efforts that benefit the planet. On this occasion, the 100% electric off-road category teamed up with the BA’A Foundation for the preservation of endangered sea turtles along the Red Sea coast.
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The championship, created by Alejandro Agag, has entered into partnerships with non-profit organizations to do its bit for the green turtle and hawksbill turtle, both of which are at risk of extinction at Ras Bardi, facing a number of man-made threats.
Entanglement with fishing nets, illegal trade of their shells and eggs, plastic debris and other forms of pollution significantly affect the welfare of these animals. In addition, climate change generates higher temperatures on the sand causing a gender disproportion in turtles, as the sex of these animals is affected by this element (the higher the temperature, the higher the possibility of being female).
To contribute to this problem, Extreme E has been helping with a plan involving beach fencing, management-monitoring, development of a visitor center, nest relocation, and above all, creating awareness among people.
“Ensuring the long-term future of Ras Baridi is not only important for the sea turtles. Their presence transfers benefits from the seabed where they feed to the beaches, making them a crucial species within an entire ecosystem. “Our work with the BA’A Foundation is a truly valuable, exciting initiative and we look forward to seeing how much more we can achieve in the future,” said Alejandro Agag.
Written by | Ronald Ortega