2024 Youth Innovation Challenge Awardees

Graphic that says "2024 Youth Innovation Challenge Winners & Finalists" with headshots of winners in bubbles, and a blue-green wave theme.

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): Advancing Marine Conservation. Three young innovators from Mexico, Indonesia, and Mauritius are this year’s winners, with each receiving a $1,000 USD award. 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. We received 152 submissions from 42 countries during this year’s challenge. Learn more about the winners and finalist below!

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Winners

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Winner
Axell Sutton

The "Global Maritime Decarbonization Toolkit" is an innovative project aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the maritime industry and protecting ocean health and marine biodiversity.
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Winner
Brigitta Maria Andrea Gunawan & Gabriella Reyna Ardisa Gunawan

This project aims to enhance ocean literacy through immersive experiences such as virtual dives, workshops, and facilitator training.
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Winner
Krishna Pentayah & Team

Team Sov Lanatir's mangrove reforestation project in Mauritius aims to restore mangrove forests damaged by the 2020 MV Wakashio oil spill. This project addresses biodiversity loss and promotes environmental stewardship through community engagement and education.

Finalists

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Arnav Raval

EcoFishNet is a public network designed to combat overfishing by providing fisheries with real-time, data-driven recommendations that optimize fishing practices and enhance marine sustainability.
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Bing Lin

This project examines the dual impact of reef tourism on coral ecosystems and local communities in the Philippines and Indonesia. While reef tourism is a vital economic resource for coastal economies, it also poses significant environmental and social challenges.
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Clara Park

The TidalTextiles Education Initiative aims to address the environmental impact of the fashion and textile industry by promoting sustainable practices and raising public awareness.
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Michelle Guevara Verjel

This project addresses the urgent need for sustainable marine resource management through Marine Spatial Planning (MSP).
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Mohammad Siddick M. Montila & Team

Project NAWA is a community-based restoration initiative focused on preserving Lake Lanao and the Agus River in Mindanao, Philippines. By reintroducing the native Isoetes philippinensis (Quillwort) along the riverbanks, the project aims to improve water quality and support aquaculture recovery.
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Ngnah Karel Cyndi & Ashunganya Nchafac Nkemlemo Precious

Batkoke, Cameroon, has seen significant declines in it's sea turtle populations as a result of poaching and plastic pollution.
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Paloma Lenz

MycoKnot is an innovative project that turns Japanese knotweed and mycelium into a sustainable material aimed at addressing maritime debris, noise pollution, and plastic waste.
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Phoebe Chuang & Team

Seample offers a unique coral restoration program that integrates classroom education with hands-on marine conservation.
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Rob Laurence Calinga-on & Princess Zoleta

This project in the Philippines addresses a lack of educational resources on marine biodiversity and the underutilization of the artistic talents of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
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Sherina Mauhay & Team

This project harnesses the power of short films to raise awareness and drive action on marine conservation, focusing on the Verde Island Passage.
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Tandrali Baruah

This project aims to enhance ocean literacy among teachers in coastal Tamil Nadu and Kerala by providing them with comprehensive knowledge about the Indian Ocean's biodiversity, fisheries, and pollution threats.
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Tojoniaina Alain Randrianaritiana

This project aims to tackle marine plastic pollution in Toliara, Madagascar, by establishing community managed hubs that will serve as centers for environmental education and will regularly host beach clean-ups and habitat restoration projects.