MADRID, June 9, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Former British yachting champion turned
environmental campaigner Ellen MacArthur on Thursday won Spain's prestigious
Princess of Asturias prize for international cooperation for her work to
promote the circular economy.

   MacArthur, who heads a foundation which bears her name, was recognised
"for being an inspirational model in the fight for the better use of natural
resources and for accelerating the transition to what is known as circular
economy," the jury said in a statement.

   A professional yachtswoman, she made history in 2005 by breaking the world
record for sailing solo around the globe, showing she could outlast and
outpace men in one of the most demanding and dangerous of challenges.

   After retiring from professional yachting in 2010, she created the Ellen
MacArthur Foundation, which advocates for a more sustainable model of
production and consumption, focusing on reusing, recycling and extending the
life of existing materials.

   As well as conducting research focused on increasing sustainability in
food and fashion production, the Foundation has also made important advances
in the war on plastic waste.

   "Her ability to promote alliances with governments, companies, scientific
institutions and civil society has contributed to forging the first major
legally-binding international agreement against plastic pollution," the jury
said, referring to a UN decision in March to negotiate a

   global treaty on plastic pollution.

   MacArthur's Foundation played a key role alongside the World Wildlife Fund
in bringing about the move in what has been hailed as a watershed moment for
the planet.

   She has also worked in the fashion industry, collaborating in 2018 with
British designer Stella McCartney to launch the "Make Fashion Circular"
campaign which advocates for greater sustainability and responsibility within
the industry.