Partner Spotlight: Elvira Herrera on Hyundai’s Commitment to Ocean Conservation

At Healthy Seas, we believe that partnerships are about more than just corporate sponsorship—they’re about shared values, real impact, and long-term collaboration. Our Partner Spotlight series highlights the individuals behind these partnerships, showcasing their personal connection to ocean conservation and how their companies are making a difference.

To kick off the series, we interviewed Elvira Herrera, Executive & Internal Communications Expert at Hyundai Motor Europe. For the past four years, Elvira has played a key role in our partnership with Hyundai, helping bring ocean conservation to the forefront of the company’s sustainability efforts.

Q&A with Elvira Herrera

What is your favorite marine animal and why?

My favorite marine animal is the dolphin. Why? Because they are intelligent, social, and super playful, which makes them fascinating to watch. I love how they embody freedom, and I love having the chance to see some of them swimming.

What does the ocean mean to you personally?

The sea has always been a part of my life. Growing up in the south of Spain, by the Mediterranean, the sea was a constant presence—whether it was long walks along the shore, summer swims, or simply watching the waves. It’s a place of peace and inspiration for me.

Earth or Mars? Why?

Earth, without a doubt! We have an incredible planet full of life and things to discover. Also, I am scared of flying, so going to Mars would be a no-go!

Which is your favorite place in the world? Why?

It’s hard to choose only one. I feel happiest in two very different places: somewhere in the mountains in Austria during winter, surrounded by snow and nature, or back home in Andalusia, where I can be with my family and deeply connected to my roots.

What is one small habit everyone can adopt to help reduce ocean pollution?

One small habit that I am still trying to adopt (I do my best!) is to be more conscious of what I consume—especially when it comes to plastic. We don’t realize how many things we buy that we don’t need or that have unnecessary packaging. I try to pay more attention to my grocery shopping, for example.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about marine pollution?

Before our partnership with Healthy Seas, I thought marine pollution was simply garbage in the water. Now I understand the complexity of the topic. When you join beach cleanups, you realize that waste—especially plastics—breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces until it is practically impossible to retrieve. These microplastics not only pollute the waters and damage marine life but also end up in our bodies, with serious consequences. I was not aware of the urgency of these issues before.

What’s the most memorable thing you have experienced with Healthy Seas?

Maybe a small thing, but in one of our cleanups, I was able to help detangle some small crabs from the nets and send them back to the sea. For me, it was a really nice experience, and I felt like I was saving a life.

If you could send one message to the world about ocean conservation, what would it be?

That everything you do, as small as it might seem, is important. Our daily choices have a much bigger impact than we expect. You might feel like there is nothing “big” you can do, but actually, small changes add up and make a difference.

Can you share a moment when you felt truly hopeful about the future of our oceans?

Whenever I see small children getting involved. For example, we had a really nice educational program in London with Tate Museum and school children in 2022. Listening to their ideas, their energy, and their passion for sustainability gives me hope that real change is possible. Maybe future generations will be the ones to drive transformation in society.

What’s the most incredible transformation you’ve seen as a result of ocean cleanup efforts?

Definitely the cleanups in Greece that we have done together with Healthy Seas. Looking at the before/after photos is simply amazing!

How has your work with Healthy Seas changed your perspective on sustainability?

I have learned a lot from working together over the past four years. My perspective is maybe now more critical. Before, I had a more naïve or simplistic view of sustainability. It’s easy to see something from the outside and think it has nothing to do with you or that there is nothing you can do about it. But when you face the problem—whether by working with an NGO or seeing marine pollution firsthand—it really opens your eyes. Sadly, humans have harmed the planet a lot. But we are also the only ones who can save it.

If you could solve one ocean-related issue instantly, what would it be?

It’s difficult to choose one problem to solve. But I think, in general, the death and extinction of the many beautiful animals that live underwater. It is heartbreaking to see images of animals suffering only because we are not responsible enough to take care of our own waste.

How do you see your industry evolving to support ocean sustainability in the next decade?

I think the industry, in general, is shifting toward more sustainable practices. From my field—the automotive industry—I am very positive that we are evolving in a great direction. I can use the example of Hyundai Motor Europe: we are strongly committed to electrification, alternative materials, and circular economy initiatives. I see people in our company—designers, visionaries—actively looking for solutions to reduce waste and minimize our environmental impact.

What’s one thing you’d love to do with Healthy Seas in the future?

We have done amazing things together, and I would love to see our partnership continue this great work. I would also love to see it grow and reach even more people!

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Hyundai x Healthy Seas: A Partnership for Ocean Protection

Since 2021, Hyundai Motor Europe has been an active partner of Healthy Seas, supporting large-scale cleanups, education initiatives, and circular economy projects. Together, we have tackled ghost fishing gear, abandoned fish farms, and plastic pollution, working towards a healthier ocean.

Want to learn more about this collaboration? Read more about our partnership here.

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Join the Movement

At Healthy Seas, we believe that businesses have a key role to play in ocean conservation. Partnerships like the one with Hyundai show how companies can create real impact—not just through funding, but through hands-on engagement, awareness, and innovation.

Would your company like to be part of the solution? Let’s work together! Get in touch to explore partnership opportunities.