The Vendée Globe is a solo, non-stop, unassisted race. For Alexia, it was 87 days alone on the world’s oceans and seas — alone in the vastness of these ecosystems whose beauty and fragility she came to appreciate equally. In 2020 her boat, the 20-metre-long Pingouin TSE-4myPlanet, was equipped with numerous sensors to transmit valuable data to laboratories and organisations studying marine environments. In 2021 Alexia became the 10th woman in history to complete a solo round-the-world voyage. She returned from this achievement more convinced than ever of our interdependence – convinced that oceans are sanctuaries that need to be better protected and better understood by the public. “We protect what we love,” as the saying goes.

This is the mission of 4myPlanet, the organisation founded by Alexia that focuses on marine conservation and education. It runs projects that combine scientific research and raising environmental awareness, targeting younger generations and encouraging them to become leaders in sustainability. Alexia works tirelessly to bring kids’ dreams to life – kids like the middle school students who boarded the Limosa, the trimaran on which her for crew for the Famous Project are training, during this year’s Voiles de St Tropez event. The children left with their eyes full of dreams, enriched by a rare experience.

Developing new educational programmes: Océan 360°, sensory exploration.

Océan 360° reimagines marine education through a unique immersive experience. The programme, led by Alexia Barrier with Wild Immersion and 4myPlanet, uses virtual reality to transport viewers into the heart of marine ecosystems. Through eight captivating 360° films, participants are immersed in fascinating underwater environments that offer a fresh perspective on the beauty and challenges of the oceans. Beyond visual immersion, Océan 360° provides detailed educational materials and interactive activities, engaging curious minds in a fun way. The programme highlights our oceans’ critical role in maintaining climate balance and their incredible biodiversity, while raising awareness of the threats they face, from plastic pollution to climate change.

Café du Cycliste has decided to support this project. As a signatory to 1% For The Planet, we give 1% of our revenue to environmental projects, and have chosen to direct a portion of these funds to 4myPlanet. To verify its impact on its target audience, we got involved, following its team at the Science Village in Villefranche-sur-Mer. For a week, school classes from the greater Nice area visited this exhibition and experimentation space built as part of 2024 Science Festival. 

We followed the patron of the 2024 edition, the world-record-holding freediver Guillaume Néry, who is well known to us at the Café. The year’s theme, ‘Ocean of Knowledge’, suits him perfectly – and it also aligns with 4myPlanet’s goals. There, at the heart of the exhibition, we witnessed the undoubted success of Océan 360°, with many children eagerly donning virtual reality headsets to immerse themselves in the film. Cries of amazement rang out, followed by questions. By answering kids’ queries, we can shape convictions and spark the desire to protect.

Alexia has many more educational projects in store. For the Famous Project (her ambitious plan to break the round-the-world sailing record with an all-female crew) as well as 4myPlanet, she spares no effort in raising funds and convincing others to support her, in projects that many wouldn’t have the strength or ambition to tackle. 

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