The Youth4Ocean Forum is calling all young people in the Atlantic and North Sea area!

Supported by the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission, the Youth4Ocean and the EU4Ocean Coalition are organising the first Ocean Literacy Festival that will showcase initiatives and activities from all European countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It will take place on 22nd May 2021, right after the annual European Maritime Day conference, taking place this year in Den Helder.

The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of the ocean, marine resources, and ocean science for the blue economy in the region. It is a hybrid event, with a mix of activities taking place online and activities happening in different locations and being broadcast online. The Festival and activities will be promoted in the official European Maritime Day programme and event.

And this is your chance to help us make this first festival unique and different!

What we are looking for

The Youth4Ocean Forum is looking for engaging activities, from street surveys, art shows, or workshops to public debates and awareness-raising events for young Europeans or other audiences.

Some examples to get you started:

• Street surveys or online quizzes;
• Information, education, or awareness-raising events for young people or other audiences;
• Guided walks, underwater or boat tours to raise awareness of local biodiversity and challenges;
• Photo exhibitions;
• Practical marine science experiments or science shows;
• Seminars, conferences, or workshops on specific topics;
• Training and networking events for people in your community or field of activity;
• Arts exhibitions to raise awareness of a specific problem in your area;
• Songs for the ocean;
• DIY crafts about the ocean;
• Short talks about Ocean related ideas worth spreading;

All kinds of activities are welcome and there’s no limit to imagination!

How to apply

We challenge you to come up with a fun and engaging activity and to submit it to us by 25th April 2021.

If your project submission is successful, you will be accredited as Young Ocean Advocate and receive support to carry out your event during the Ocean Literacy Festival, as well as a range of other benefits to help you with your future projects for the ocean.

The guidelines here will help you understand what we want to see in your application form and answer any questions you may have.

Click HERE to apply.

Tips to apply

Include the following information in your application:

• Is your activity live or can it be pre-recorded and made available online? If it is live, when would be the best time for it (e.g.: evening?) and how can it be broadcast?
• How long does it last?
• In which language? English is preferred, but any other languages are welcome provided you include English subtitles and description.
• Who’s the target of your activity? Young people, families, researchers, or others?
• If an event onsite is possible, let us know if you could make it to Den Helder.