Have your say on how we look after our ocean for the future!

WWF-New Zealand and Save the Children New Zealand are calling young Kiwis aged 16-30 to share their views on how to better protect our ocean and have their voices heard on the world stage.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have a deep connection with the ocean and a long and rich history with the sea. Many of us live by the coast and Kiwis love to fish, boat, swim, dive or just spend time at the beach. The ocean holds deep cultural significance to Māori, who have a long history as kaitiaki (guardians) of te moana.

While our marine environment is an important part of our lives and national and cultural identities, it is facing many threats, with unsustainable fishing, plastic pollution and climate change pushing our marine species and habitats to the brink of extinction.

We are calling on young ocean advocates to be part of a global conversation on how we tackle these threats.

Apply here!

You’ll participate in four online workshops where you’ll meet other young ocean champions, build your networks in Aotearoa, and contribute ideas and solutions on the protection of our ocean.

Participants from the Oceania region may be selected to attend the global Ocean Citizen Summit, hosted at Nausicaá in Boulogne sur Mer, France in March 2025, where you will help to inspire, amplify, and accelerate youth action to protect our ocean.

Play Video: Citizen of the Ocean - A Youth-led World Forum (Teaser)
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/yfWBq6cEaa8

What's Involved

Young Kiwis who are interested or involved in ocean issues will take part in four online workshops run by WWF-New Zealand and Save the Children New Zealand from October to December 2024.

Each workshop will be 90 minutes long and will cover the following topics:

  • 7pm, 15 October 2024: Exploring humanity's relationship with the ocean, our connections to it, and the challenges it faces.
  • 7pm, 5 November 2024: How we can protect and restore marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • 7pm, 19 November 2024: Unlocking ocean-based solutions to climate change and tackling marine pollution from source to sea.
  • 7pm, 10 December 2024: Developing a sustainable and equitable ocean economy that supports future generations.

Register now!

If you’re interested in expanding your leadership skills, you’ll also have an opportunity to be involved in facilitating these workshops.

Participants from the Oceania region may also be selected to be among the 60 young people from around the globe attending the Ocean Citizen Summit, hosted at Nausicaá in Boulogne sur Mer, France in March 2025*.

At this summit you’ll have the chance to share the insights and solutions from the Pacific and have a role in the creation of a global Ocean Citizen Charter, which sets out youth-led solutions to the challenges facing our ocean. You’ll also be involved in the development of a digital app to engage people in ocean conservation and receive training in ocean advocacy and communications.

There are limited spaces, so don't miss this amazing opportunity to have your voice heard and be part of a global movement!

*Note: Anyone between 16-30 y.o. can participate in the workshops, but only participants 18+ are eligible for the travel opportunities.