The state of our oceans and freshwater systems is in peril as overfishing, pollution, and unsustainable practices are endangering livelihoods and food security – 500 million people depend on the fishing industry for their livelihoods, and over 2 billion people depend on seafood as their main or only source of protein.
Currently, almost 30% of fisheries worldwide are depleted/over-exploited and 60% are already exploited to capacity.
We are counting on young people everywhere to change these trends. This is especially important for the Kingdom of Morocco, which is the largest fishing market in Africa.
For that reason, the Millennium Oceans Prize is looking for campaign ideas that are concrete and can rally your peers to mobilize in this sector.
The Millennium Oceans Prize targets Sustainable Development Goal 14 by celebrating youth activists who are focused on enriching their communities through advancing marine and freshwater conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
Initiatives that champion sustainable fisheries will receive special consideration.
The Prize and Campaign it enables is supported by Millennium Campus Network (MCN) and the Remmer Family Foundation.
Campaigns must address the following question:
- How can you engage youth leaders on other campuses and in communities across the globe to fight for and champion advocacy and leadership for the oceans, freshwater systems, sustainable fishing, and marine conservation? Your campaign could take shape through activism, social entrepreneurship, or research.
- How will you mobilize your community and inspire youth leaders worldwide to take part in the fight for sustainable practices that protect our oceans and freshwater systems?
Benefits
Below are the benefits if you win the prize:
- Receive up to $5,000 to implement your winning campaign
- Mentorship and support from MCN
- Co-curate campaign action groups, mobilizing and coordinating with peers who are passionate about SDG 14
- Write for the Millennium Oceans Prize media partners about your campaign
- Co-curate global webinars with the MCN and the Remmer Family Foundation during the academic year to keep peers engaged and involved.
Submissions should demonstrate the ability to galvanize peers and sustain active engagement for a full academic year. Although the campaigns will be time-bound, their impact should pave the way for the next series of student movements to transpire.
If you wish to submit a project idea, please answer the following questions. Note that only undergraduate students are eligible to apply.
Timeline of activities
- March 1, 2022: 7th Annual Millennium Ocean Prize Opens
- April 15 – 11:59 pm EST: Priority Deadline – Early applications strongly encouraged.
- May 15 – 11:59 pm EST: Application Deadline
- August 2022: 8th Annual Millennium Oceans Prize winner announced
- August-May 2021: The campaign is in action
- Summer/Fall 2023: Campaign results shared
The application deadline is April 15, 2022. Interested? Apply here.