Ethical Charter

Approved by the Board of The SeaCleaners Swiss on 17.10.2024

Preamble

The SeaCleaners Swiss aims to fight against the pollution of aquatic environments and to fulfill missions of collection, awareness-raising, scientific research, and international representation, as defined in its associative project.

Seeking resources from companies, foundations, and individuals is fundamental to the operation of The SeaCleaners Swiss as it allows for:

• diversifying resources to develop new projects;
• raising awareness among new audiences, particularly the employees of partner companies through communication actions, workshops, and dedicated operations;
• creating links with donors, sponsors, and partners to involve them closely in the missions carried out by The SeaCleaners Swiss.

Partnerships with companies and contributions from individual donors strengthen its means of action, thus materialising a process of bringing together the economic, associative, and civic worlds in the general interest. The SeaCleaners Swiss promotes values of innovation, responsibility, transparency, and efficiency. The association collaborates with companies and foundations from all sectors.

As an association protecting the oceans and aquatic environments, The SeaCleaners Swiss advocates for the reduction of single-use plastic. It thus contributes to a more sustainable and sober society, committed to the protection of aquatic environments.

The purpose of this charter is to define the ethical criteria regulating the relations of The SeaCleaners Swiss with its sponsors, partners, and individual donors, whether it involves financial sponsorship, in-kind or skills-based sponsorship, or general public philanthropy.

Article 1. Preservation of the integrity of The SeaCleaners Swiss's image and prevention of conflicts of interest

The SeaCleaners Swiss reserves the right to refuse a sponsorship, partnership, or donation if such an agreement is likely to create doubt, even from the sole point of view of appearances, regarding its integrity or independence. No sponsorship, partnership, or donation action may be carried out if it is contrary to current legislation.

Before entering into a sponsorship, partnership, or accepting a donation, The SeaCleaners Swiss seeks any information likely to enlighten it regarding the precise nature of a potential partner's activities and how the latter is perceived in the environment where it usually operates. The SeaCleaners Swiss refuses any agreement with partners whose honorability would be legitimately doubtful and with whom it would be detrimental to associate its image.

Article 2. Unsolicited business sectors and companies

All stakeholders of The SeaCleaners Swiss advocate for broad-mindedness and synergy with most economic sectors to encourage the contribution of all stakeholders and to instill long-term behavioural changes.

As part of its collaborations with the private sector, The SeaCleaners Swiss association establishes bilateral sponsorship agreements while respecting:

• the principles of corporate sponsorship as defined by legislation;
• the association's project as defined in its statutes.

However, it refuses to associate with companies whose main activities are incompatible with its values or contrary to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These activities include:

• the production or trade of munitions, anti-personnel mines, or cluster bombs;
• the production or trade of tobacco;
• companies in the hydrocarbon sector without an established and applied strategy for the development of renewable energies and energy transition. This condition is evaluated by the association based on accessible information or information provided by the company. If the commitments in favour of renewable energies are deemed sufficient, the association may decide to engage in discussions;
• companies with ties of dependency to governments under international economic sanctions for financing terrorism, use of chemical weapons, cyberattacks threatening other countries, or serious human rights violations.

The SeaCleaners Swiss evaluates the environmental impact of emerging technologies, such as cryptocurrencies, before accepting donations in this form. The association ensures that these technologies respect its values of sustainability and comply with current legislation, particularly regarding transparency and traceability of funds. If a donation in cryptocurrency or via an emerging technology presents a risk or is not in accordance with these principles, The SeaCleaners Swiss reserves the right to refuse it.

Article 3. Grounds for termination of engagement

Before concluding a partnership, The SeaCleaners Swiss examines each proposal on a case-by-case basis, analysing the company's general information, its business sectors, its social and environmental responsibility policy, its economic health, and its reputation. The Board may be consulted before endorsing a new sponsoring company.

To the extent of its means, the association carries out a thorough prior verification of companies' declarations (due diligence) and reserves the right to terminate a sponsorship that calls into question its values or its image.

The SeaCleaners Swiss implements a regular process to ensure that its partners respect their ethical and environmental commitments. In the event of a breach, the association reserves the right to review or terminate the relationship. The SeaCleaners Swiss also reserves the right to terminate the partnership without delay if such activities are revealed to it at a later date.

Repeated and known criminal convictions for activities such as human rights violations, destruction of ecosystems, human trafficking, animal abuse, corruption, or support for terrorism lead to the termination of the relationship. A serious suspicion of such activities may lead to a temporary suspension of the collaboration, followed by a thorough review by the Board.

Article 4. Ethical commitments of sponsors, partners, and individual donors

4.1 Commitments of sponsors and partners

By becoming sponsors and/or partners of The SeaCleaners Swiss, companies and foundations commit to:

• respecting the sponsorship and/or partnership agreement concluded with the association;
• reducing the environmental impact of their activities, particularly regarding plastic pollution;
• raising awareness among their stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers, and others) to promote more environmentally friendly behaviours.

4.2 Commitments of individual donors

General public philanthropy plays a crucial role in supporting the missions of The SeaCleaners Swiss. As such, individual donors commit to:

• supporting the objectives and values of the association;
• making donations transparently and in compliance with legislation regarding donations;
• encouraging those around them to become aware of the issues of plastic pollution and the initiatives of The SeaCleaners Swiss.

Article 5. Ethical commitments of The SeaCleaners Swiss

5.1 Commitments to transparency, compliance, and the fight against corruption

In their relations with companies, sponsoring foundations, and individual donors, The SeaCleaners Swiss and its employees commit to:

• respecting the statutory values and missions of the association;
• demonstrating sincerity and respect in relations with its partners and donors;
• ensuring the transparency of its actions and the use of funds;
• regularly informing sponsors and donors about the progress of projects;
• reducing its own ecological footprint and applying the principles it advocates.

The SeaCleaners Swiss and its employees adhere to the principles set forth in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and commit to respecting and promoting these rights in all their activities and relations with sponsors, donors, and partners. The SeaCleaners Swiss condemns all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, or child labour, as well as any discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnic origin, or any other personal characteristic.

The SeaCleaners Swiss and its employees also commit to conducting their activities in strict compliance with anti-corruption laws and to applying reasonable due diligence principles before associating with new partners. The association commits to refusing any contribution from partners involved in unethical practices, ensuring that integrity and probity remain at the heart of its actions.

The Board of The SeaCleaners Swiss has implemented a zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption, fraud, and other irregularities, thus affirming its commitment to preventing and punishing any illegal or unethical practice within the association and in its relations with partners, donors, and sponsors.

5.2 Environmental commitments

The SeaCleaners Swiss commits to respecting and promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The association aligns its actions and partnerships with these goals, particularly those relating to:

• Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3), by contributing to a healthier environment for coastal communities by eliminating plastic waste, which affects both human health and marine wildlife;
• Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6), by protecting drinking water sources and reducing plastic contamination of watercourses, rivers, and oceans, which are essential for access to drinking water for many populations;
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11), by working with local authorities to develop sustainable waste management infrastructure and systems, supporting resilient coastal and urban communities;
• Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12), by encouraging the reduction of plastic use, promoting sustainable practices, and raising public awareness of the importance of recycling and waste management;
• Climate Action (Goal 13), by integrating environmentally friendly solutions and technologies into its operations, notably through the adoption of sustainable transport practices for its boats;
• Life Below Water (Goal 14), by protecting and preserving marine ecosystems against plastic pollution and supporting the restoration of marine biodiversity.

Article 6. Relations with associative partners

The SeaCleaners Swiss ensures, to the extent of its means, that the associative and institutional partners with which it collaborates respect this charter and are not funded by companies or corporate foundations whose activities are contrary to this charter.

If there are indications that an associative partner is funded by a company contrary to the charter, the Board will be called upon for a thorough review and decision.

Approved by the Board of The SeaCleaners Swiss, on 17.10.2024.