A monthly update to inspire collaborative youth leadership and advocacy for our blue planet
Monthly Youth Organization Spotlight

Ocean Bridge, a program of Ocean Wise, supports Canadian youth to learn about ocean literacy and health and empowers them to take action for ocean conservation. As part of this mentorship and personal development program for youth and young professionals aged 18-30, each year 160 young people form a national team to participate in an 11-month program co-creating and delivering ocean and waterway service projects for their home communities. There is no cost to participate and includes two expenses-paid immersive learning journeys.

If you or anyone you know might be interested click here for more information. Please note applications for the next round close very soon, Monday 22 March. 
View more spotlighted youth organizations here! 
If you're involved with an organization you would like us to include, contact us.

World Ocean Day 2021– Less than 3 months to go!

Now is a great time to start planning your World Ocean Day event, celebration, or activity! We're hoping for more youth-led and youth-focused events than ever before! Check out the NEW 2021 Event Planning Toolkit for inspiration and resources to help you plan and amplify your event, whether in person or online!
You can help protect 30% of our blue planet for a healthy ocean and climate now!

Organizations:

  • Share the petition link for individuals in your organization and network to sign.

Individuals:
  • Sign now to support 30x30 as an individual!
Connect with Jose Marie!

Meet all Council members
Meet the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council

Jose Marie Eslopor
Jose Marie is a 23-year old lad from Iloilo, Philippines. His passion for the marine environment began when he felt love-at-first-sight with a playful dolphin. This 'emocean' transcended into action as he began volunteering in conservation initiatives in 2013 and eventually decided to study Marine Affairs.
 
When the world stopped moving in 2020, JM took a step back and realized that he can continue rallying for his causes in the virtual world. This led him to join Asia-Pacific Climate Project and launched several webinars which widened his scope in raising awareness on environmental conservation. Currently, he is doing several projects with Save Philippine Seas, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, and Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Alumni Philippines which aims to raise awareness among Filipino youth on the ill-effects of plastic pollution to our seas. 

JM's story is to remind everyone out there that we are Never Too Young To Lead, and “volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the HEART”. (Elizabeth Andrew)
Rise Up! Webinar
We couldn't be more excited to announce this month's Rise Up webinar theme, "Ecotourism - a Sign of Hope for Ocean Conservation in Mexico and Beyond."  

Learn more about ecotourism in Mexico and its affects on ocean conservation from Andrea Quintero, a World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council Member and naturalist guide, and Dr. James Ketchum, a shark conservationist working to protect their home through marine protected areas.
Youth-a-thon 2021

Save the date! Youthathon 2021 coming June 5 and 6 for World Ocean Day month!

Stay tuned for more...and in the meantime, click below to watch any or all (if you dare) of last year's 24 hours!
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Here are just a few ways you can get more informed and involved:

  • Tideturners hosting panel event 'Local Action Around the Globe' on 27 March. Those interested can register here.
  • IUCN Global Youth Summit launching 5 April.
  • Youthathon 2021 (24 hours, June 5-6) - see highlights from Youthathon 2020).
  • Climate Solutions 101, by Project Drawdown, is the world’s first major educational effort focused solely on solutions and streaming now, for free.

Contact us if you'd like us to promote your upcoming event or opportunity!

This monthly update aims to enhance and uplift the efforts of youth-focused organizations + youth leaders by connecting them to opportunities for action and each other, and growing a powerful global network for positive change. This newsletter directly reaches 6,300 changemakers in 140 countries.

This effort is powered by the collective action of all and is committed to inclusivity and radical collaboration in partnership with youth-led and youth-focused organizations. Together, we can grow a movement for a more equitable and sustainable society and a healthy blue planet!