OceanEarth Foundation is delighted to formally welcome the award-winning program Ocean Youth as its official youth program, strengthening its commitment to empowering the next generation to safeguard ocean health and drive positive environmental action.
Since 2015, Ocean Youth has empowered young people through a global, youth-informed and science-based initiative focused on education, leadership, advocacy and impact. The program has supported thousands of young people through environmental campaigns, leadership opportunities, events and collaborative conservation initiatives designed to inspire meaningful change for our oceans.
Over the years, Ocean Youth has received national recognition for its innovative approach to youth engagement and ocean advocacy – winning the 2019 Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) 2019 Wave of Change awards for the Oceania Youth Engagement category; and in 2017 the MSC Oceania Ocean Futures Award for its contribution to sustainability and awareness initiatives and education.
As part of OceanEarth Foundation, Ocean Youth will continue expanding opportunities for young people to build their capacity, connect with industry and conservation leaders, and become a driving force for a more sustainable future.
Anissa Lawrence, Managing Director of OceanEarth Foundation, said the partnership reflects a strong alignment of vision and values.
“We are incredibly proud to formally welcome Ocean Youth into the OceanEarth Foundation family,” said Ms Lawrence.
“Ocean Youth has built an exceptional reputation for connecting young people with meaningful opportunities to contribute to ocean conservation and environmental stewardship.
“The program’s collaborative and future-focused approach strongly aligns with OceanEarth Foundation’s commitment to education, community engagement and creating long-term impact for our oceans.”
“We look forward to supporting the continued growth of the program and expanding opportunities for young changemakers to lead meaningful environmental impact.”
Ocean Youth Founder Claudette Rechtorik said joining OceanEarth Foundation marks an exciting new chapter for the initiative.
“We are delighted to officially join OceanEarth Foundation and continue growing Ocean Youth as part of an organisation that shares our deep commitment to ocean health, education and collaboration,” said Ms Rechtorik.
“Ocean Youth was created to empower young people with the tools, support and networks they need to influence positive environmental change, and becoming part of Ocean Earth will allow us to expand that impact even further.”
“Together, we are building a stronger global community of young ocean advocates and future leaders committed to creating a healthier and more sustainable blue future.”
Ocean Youth will continue delivering flagship initiatives, youth leadership programs and collaborative campaigns connecting young people with educators, scientists, industry leadersand conservation organisations around the world.
Through its continued growth within OceanEarth Foundation, the program aims to further strengthen youth participation in ocean advocacy, sustainability and environmental action across local and global communities.