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For Immediate Release
Press Contact:
OCA Deputy Director-General Siao-Sia Li
Phone: +886-7-3382057#262017或+886-937-498122
The Taiwan OCA and NAAEE Announce Winners for the 2024 Youth Innovation Challenge!
[Taipei, September 11, 2024] The Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) are excited to announce and congratulate the winners and finalists of the 2024 Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) today, September 11. Three young innovators from Indonesia, Mexico, and Mauritius are this year’s winners, with each receiving a $1,000 USD award.
Since 2021, OCA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and NAAEE have collaborated annually to support the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) in hosting the YIC. This event invites youth aged 15 to 30 from around the world to submit innovative solutions for marine environmental issues.
Shiau-Yun Lu, Director-General of OCA, noted that this year’s challenge focused on themes of Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Marine Debris, and Public-Private Partnerships. The broader scope of themes aimed to encourage participants not only to focus on marine environments and biodiversity, but also to consider innovative ideas for supporting collaboration between public and private sectors in preserving marine ecosystems.
Shiau-Yun Lu highlights that we received 152 submissions from 42 countries during this year’s challenge. This is a significant increase from previous years, reflecting growing interest and engagement from so many young people who want to get involved in this important work.
"The YIC provides a unique opportunity to honor young leaders committed to solving marine challenges around the world. We’re excited to see the enthusiasm and inventive approaches that this year's applicants are bringing to their communities," said Judy Braus, executive director of NAAEE.
The three winners for this year have proposed the following innovative challenges:
Axell Sutton | Mexico
Axell aims to protect ocean health and biodiversity through education, innovative methods, and sustainable energy practices. His proposal will offer practical strategies, policy recommendations, and community engagement tools to raise awareness of decarbonization and how community actions can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase community engagement in environmental stewardship.
Watch Axell’s video: https://youtu.be/Unl3Pu7KOlw
Brigitta Maria Andrea Gunawan and Gabriella Reyna Ardisa Gunawan | Indonesia
Brigitta and her team at Diverseas proposed to promote marine science knowledge through virtual diving and in-person workshops. Their initiative will not only enhance understanding of marine environments but also highlight careers in marine science and coral reef restoration. By 2030, they plan to establish a network of 500 marine advocates to help transform valuable marine science knowledge into easily understandable content for youth and educators.
Watch Brigitta & Gabriella’s video: https://youtu.be/i9Zr8qRATxM
Krishna Pentayah and Team | Mauritius
In response to the oil spill from the MV Wakashio in Mauritian waters in 2020, which severely damaged marine ecosystems and mangroves, Krishna and the Sov Lanatir team aim to restore Mauritius' mangroves through innovative community engagement and education. They emphasize the importance of environmental education in equipping youth and local communities with knowledge and skills for mangrove conservation, highlighting the critical role of mangroves in combating climate change.
Watch Krishna & the Sov Lanatir team’s video: https://youtu.be/fqjuUBj0O74
Learn more about the winners and finalists: https://bit.ly/2024-YIC-Winners
Additional 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 conservation, biodiversity, and marine debris. 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, Ocean Affairs Council 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.