Code of Ethics of The SeaCleaners Swiss concerning Patronage, Philanthropy, and Partnerships

Preamble

The SeaCleaners Swiss aims to combat aquatic pollution and fulfill its missions of waste collection, awareness-raising, scientific research, and international advocacy, as defined in its organizational status.

The search for resources from companies, foundations, and individuals is fundamental to the operation of The SeaCleaners Swiss in order to:

• Diversify resources to develop new projects;
• Raise awareness among new audiences, particularly employees of partner companies through dedicated communication, workshops, and operations;
• Build relationships with donors, patrons and partners to closely associate them with the missions of The SeaCleaners Swiss.

Partnerships with businesses and contributions from individual donors enhance the organization’s ability to take action, fostering a connection between the economic, associative, and civic sectors for the common good.

The SeaCleaners Swiss upholds, among others, values of innovation, responsibility, transparency, and efficiency. The organization collaborates with businesses and foundations from all sectors. As an organization dedicated to protecting aquatic environments, The SeaCleaners Swiss advocates for the reduction of single-use plastic notably. In doing so, it contributes to creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society committed to the protection of aquatic ecosystems.

This charter aims to define the ethical criteria governing The SeaCleaners Swiss’ relationships with its patrons, partners, and individual donors, whether in the form of financial support, in-kind contributions, or skills-based patronage.

Article 1 – Preservation of The SeaCleaners Swiss’ Integrity and Prevention of Conflicts of Interest in Patronage, Partnership and Public Philanthropy

Avant de conclure un mécénat, un partenariat ou d’accepter une donation, The SeaCleaners Swiss recherche toute information susceptible de l’éclairer quant à la nature précise des activités d’un partenaire potentiel et quant à la manière dont ce dernier est perçu dans le milieu où il exerce habituellement ses activités. The SeaCleaners Swiss refuse tout accord avec des partenaires dont l’honorabilité serait légitimement douteuse et auxquels il lui serait préjudiciable d’associer son image.

The SeaCleaners Swiss reserves the right to refuse a patronage, a partnership or a donation, if such agreements create doubts, even in appearance, regarding its integrity or independence. No sponsorship, partnership, or donation will be accepted if it violates any applicable laws.

Before concluding a sponsorship, partnership, or accepting a donation, The SeaCleaners Swiss conducts thorough research to gather information about the specific nature of a potential partner’s activities and how they are perceived in their usual field of operation. The SeaCleaners Swiss rejects any agreement with patrons, partners or individual donors whose integrity is legitimately in doubt and with whom it would be harmful to associate its image.

Article 2 – Non-Solicited Sectors and Businesses

The SeaCleaners Swiss promotes open-mindedness and synergy with most economic sectors to encourage contributions from all stakeholders and to inspire long-term behavioral changes.

When collaborating with the private sector, The SeaCleaners Swiss establishes bilateral patronage agreements that respect:

• The principles of corporate patronage as defined by legislation;
• The associative charter as defined in its statutes.

However, The SeaCleaners Swiss refuses partnerships with companies whose core activities are incompatible with its values or contrary to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These activities include:

• the production or trade of ammunition, anti-personnel mines, or cluster bombs;
• the production or trade of tobacco, hydrocarbon companies without an established and applied strategy for the development of renewable energy and energy transition;

This condition is evaluated based on accessible or provided information. If the commitments toward renewable energy are deemed sufficient, discussions may proceed

• companies affiliated with governments under international economic sanctions for financing terrorism, using chemical weapons, conducting cyberattacks threatening other nations, or committing serious human rights violations.

The SeaCleaners Swiss evaluates the environmental impact of emerging technologies, such as cryptocurrencies, before accepting donations in these forms. The organization ensures that these technologies comply with its values of sustainability and legal requirements, particularly regarding transparency and fund traceability. If a donation in cryptocurrency or via an emerging technology presents risks or conflicts with these principles, The SeaCleaners Swiss reserves the right to refuse it.

Article 3 – Grounds for Termination of Engagement

Before establishing a partnership, The SeaCleaners Swiss evaluates each proposal on a case-by-case basis, analyzing the company’s general information, sector, corporate social and environmental policies, financial health, and reputation. The committee may be consulted before finalizing a new patronage agreement.

Where possible, the organization conducts thorough due diligence on corporate statements and reserves the right to terminate a patronage that jeopardizes its values or image. The SeaCleaners Swiss implements regular processes to ensure that its partners uphold their ethical and environmental commitments. In cases of non-compliance, the organization reserves the right to reconsider or terminate the relationship. The SeaCleaners Swiss reserves also the right to immediately terminate partnerships if such activities are later revealed.

Repeated and known criminal convictions for activities such as human rights violations, ecosystem destruction, human trafficking, animal abuse, corruption, or support for terrorism will result in the termination of the relationship. Serious suspicion of such activities may lead to a temporary suspension, followed by an in-depth review by the committee.

Article 4 – Ethical Commitments of Patrons, Partners and individual donors

4.1 Commitments of patrons and partners

By becoming patrons, companies and foundations commit to:

• Adhering to the patronage agreement signed with the organization;
• Reducing the environmental impact of their activities, particularly regarding plastic pollution;
• Raising awareness among their stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers, etc.) to promote more environmentally responsible behavior.

4.2 Commitments of individual donors

Public philanthropy plays a crucial role in supporting The SeaCleaners Swiss’ missions.

In this capacity, individual donors commit to:

• Supporting the association’s objectives and values;
• Making donations transparently and in compliance with donation legislation;
• Encouraging their networks to raise awareness about plastic pollution and The SeaCleaners Swiss’ initiatives.

Article 5 – Ethical Commitments of The SeaCleaners Swiss

5.1 Commitments to Transparency, Compliance, and Anti-Corruption

In their relationships with patrons (companies and foundations), and individual donors, The SeaCleaners Swiss and its employees commit to:

• Upholding the values and statutory missions of the association;
• Acting with honesty and respect in relationships with partners and donors;
• Ensuring transparency in its actions and the use of funds;
• Regularly informing patrons and donors about project progress;
• Reducing its ecological footprint and applying the principles it advocates.

The SeaCleaners Swiss and its employees adhere to the principles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and commit to respecting and promoting these rights in all activities and relationships with patrons, donors, and partners. The SeaCleaners Swiss condemns all forms of modern slavery, forced labor, child labor, and discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, or any other personal characteristic.

The SeaCleaners Swiss and its employees also commit to conducting activities in strict compliance with anti-corruption laws and applying due diligence principles before engaging with new partners. The organization commits to refusing contributions from partners involved in unethical practices, ensuring that integrity and honesty remain central to its actions.

The SeaCleaners Swiss’ committee has implemented a zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption, fraud, and other irregularities, affirming its commitment to preventing and penalizing illegal or unethical practices within the organization and its relationships with partners, donors, and patrons.

5.2 Environmental Commitments

The SeaCleaners Swiss commits to respecting and promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization aligns its actions and partnerships with the SDGs, particularly those related to:

• Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Contributing to healthier environments for coastal communities by eliminating plastic waste, which affects both human health and marine wildlife;
• Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): Protecting drinking water sources and reducing plastic contamination in rivers, streams, and oceans, which are essential for many populations’ access to potable water;
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): Working with local authorities to develop sustainable waste management systems, supporting resilient coastal and urban communities;
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Encouraging the reduction of plastic usage, promoting sustainable practices, and raising public awareness about recycling and waste management;
• Climate Action (SDG 13): Integrating environmentally friendly solutions and technologies into its operations, including adopting sustainable transport practices for its vessels;
• Life Below Water (SDG 14): Protecting and preserving marine ecosystems from plastic pollution and supporting the restoration of marine biodiversity.

Article 6 – Relationships with Associative Partners

The SeaCleaners Swiss ensures, to the best of its ability, that the associative and institutional partners it collaborates with adhere to this charter and are not funded by companies or corporate foundations whose activities contradict the principles of this charter.

If evidence suggests that an associative partner is funded by a company that violates the charter, the committee will be consulted for thorough review and decision.

Approved by The SeaCleaners Swiss Committee on 17th October 2024.