Ief Winckelmans founded the Ocean Impact Alliance, which connects sustainability initiatives and eco-innovation projects internationally. In 2017 he took on the role of Global Growth Adviser to Reef Life, a marine restoration organisation, working with its leadership to develop Safe Mooring Stations designed to protect coral reefs from anchor damage; these were launched at the 'New Era of Blue Enlightenment' ministerial event in Lisbon in July 2017.
He was a panellist at Mare Forum's 4th Mare Forum Yachts 2017 and 5th Mare Forum Yachts 2018.