Mission Ocean and Waters November New Updates

• December 4, 2024

Mission Ocean and Waters provide different opportunities for actors and citizens to support and implement ideas related to ocean and waters ecosystem restoration, the prevention and elimination of pollution, and making the sustainable blue economy circular and carbon-neutral.

You can find their service site here: LINK

Creating Connections for Youth and Waterways: An Innovative Approach to Engagement and Action

The intricate relationship between youth and water systems—both seas and inland waterways—took center stage in an enlightening conversation this week. Spearheaded by innovative research, this project explored pioneering social innovations aimed at equipping younger generations with tools to actively engage in water-focused activities. Here’s a detailed look into the project’s findings and the collaborative insights shared during the session.

Youth Engagement Models

Through a series of interviews and focus groups, researchers investigated how groups and institutions are bridging the gap between youth and water stewardship. These efforts included educational programs, experiential activities, and other interactive approaches to foster a deeper connection with aquatic ecosystems.

The study also considered the “media ecology” youth are immersed in, exploring platforms and content that influence their environmental attitudes. Input from a Youth Advisory Board guided the team in understanding the nuances of youth media consumption, including their preferences for platforms like Netflix and video games.

The Social Interaction Blueprint

The overarching goal of the project was to integrate these findings into a comprehensive “Social Interaction Blueprint”—a framework for empowering youth to develop their own water-based initiatives. Whether aimed at restoration, protection, or broader mission-focused activities, the blueprint sought to answer key questions:

1. What do young people need to feel empowered in water stewardship?
2. How do they wish to interact with organizations such as governments, NGOs, or businesses?
3. What resources or partnerships would support their initiatives?

Redefining Stewardship: YWCAs

Initially described as “stewardship assemblages,” the concept evolved into “Youth Empowering Human-Water Mutual Care Assemblages” (YWCA). This rebranding reflects a mutual exchange between humans and waterways, emphasizing reciprocal care and connection. Beyond ecological benefits, these assemblages contribute to mental health, cultural enrichment, and community building.

Six Assemblage Types Identified

The research categorized initiatives into six distinct assemblage types, each with its own blueprint:

1. Water-Carrying Economy: Economic models supporting sustainable water use.
2. Water-Appreciating Cultural Practices: Cultural frameworks that value and celebrate water.
3. Multispecies Institutional Legal Frameworks: Collaborative governance models, including non-human considerations.
4. Cross-Boundary Water Alliances: Partnerships transcending geographical and political boundaries.
5. Collective Water Action Networks: Community-driven initiatives for collective action.
6. Experiential Mutual Learning Arenas: Hands-on, interactive educational spaces.

Each blueprint outlines typical actors, resources, goals, and motivations, with templates and examples provided in the project deliverables. An interactive online version is in development to help communities create tailored assemblages for local contexts.

Co-Creation and Community Engagement

During the project’s final event, small groups designed specific initiatives based on the assemblages. Feedback highlighted which projects inspired action, serving as templates for future efforts. These models will be instrumental in guiding communities, especially youth, in crafting meaningful water-based activities.

Additional Highlights from the Session

Updates on Mission Ocean Projects

• The MiP also highlighted the importance of the Trello board, a centralized resource for project updates and social media details. They reminded attendees to submit their project’s information to ensure comprehensive collaboration.
• Upcoming initiatives include a call for artists to create installations at four lighthouses, with 20 grants of €15,000 available.

Mission Secretariat’s Flag Campaign

• A campaign encourages Mission Ocean projects to request flags by December 9 to create promotional videos. These materials will be showcased on social media and a forthcoming community platform.
• The initiative aims to amplify visibility and engagement, with charter signatories actively participating.

Interactive Books for Schools

• A forthcoming interactive book will allow students to engage in drag-and-drop activities, complementing their learning about waterways. Scheduled for release in March, the multilingual resource will initially be available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, Arabic, Turkish, Greek, and Catalan.

Open Calls and Opportunities

Participants were urged to explore ongoing calls from regional projects:

1. BioProtect Project: Grants of up to €100,000 for area-based management tools (deadline: January 1, 2025).
2. Algae Accelerator: Mentorship program for startups in the algae industry (deadline: December 11, 2024).
3. Baltic Muppets Project: Funding for sustainable farming initiatives (€50,000, deadline: January 14, 2025).