Press release: The 2024 Youth Innovation Challenge Is Now Open for Submissions—Chance to Win $1,000 and Travel to Taiwan!

Press contact: 

Long-Jing Wu, Deputy Director-General, Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA)
Phone: 0919-613-467
 

The 2024 Youth Innovation Challenge Is Now Open for Submissions—Chance to Win $1,000 and Travel to Taiwan! 

Taipei, Taiwan, May 1, 2024 —The Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) of Taiwan collaborates with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) through the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) to launch the 2024 Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC). “Youth Innovation Challenge: Advancing Marine Conservation” welcomes youth aged 15 to 30 worldwide to participate. The challenge aims to select three winners who will receive a prize of $1,000 each and be invited to Taiwan in September 2024 to attend the award ceremony and an international conference hosted by OCA.

Submissions will be accepted from May 1st to June 12th, focusing on short video pitches that address the themes of "Marine Debris," "Marine Biodiversity and Conservation," and "Public-Private Collaboration." Youth interested in or willing to contribute to marine conservation are encouraged to submit their entries. More information can be found on the official program website  (http://bit.ly/YouthInnovationChallenge). NAAEE will also hold an Applicant Webinar on May 22nd at 10:00 PM Taiwan time to share proposal tips and answer questions from prospective participants.

Taiwan OCA encourages youth worldwide to use their innovative thinking to tackle marine environmental challenges and take real steps towards protecting our oceans. By participating in this event, young innovators can contribute to the vision of a clean ocean and make a positive impact.

The YIC is a program of the GEEP, a vibrant and inclusive learning network designed to champion environmental education (EE) around the world, in partnership with OCA. GEEP is a partnership between the U.S. EPA, the Ministry of Environment in Taiwan, and NAAEE, which serves as the secretariat.

Further information:

About YIC:
The GEEP Youth Innovation Challenge invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose a solution to address marine issues, including loss of biodiversity, marine debris, lack of awareness, and other related issues, and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards to support marine environments. Solutions can incorporate a variety of approaches but must include environmental education. Solutions must be innovative, feasible, and informed by research.

About Taiwan OCA:
The Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) is the competent authority for implementing the Marine Pollution Control Act and the category of marine wildlife specified in the Wildlife Conservation Act. The OCA is also in charge of the businesses relating to marine nature landscapes and nature monuments as specified in the Culture Heritage Preservation Act.

About NAAEE:
For more than five decades, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) has served as the professional association, champion, and backbone organization for the field of environmental education (EE), working with EE professionals across United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as globally, to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement to create a more equitable and sustainable future.