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Applications are open for the Commonwealth Youth Ocean Hackathon 2024. This hackathon is an exciting initiative of the Commonwealth Blue Charter Ocean Youth Working Group. Leading up to the Ocean Symposium, this challenge aims to harness the creativity and innovation of youth across Commonwealth countries in addressing critical ocean-related challenges.
The Ocean Hackathon under the theme "Catalyzing Youth Solutions for our Ocean and Climate", invites young people from Commonwealth nations to submit their innovative ideas to solve pressing ocean issues. Participants can work individually or in teams to propose solutions in one or more of the following Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups:
- Plastic Pollution Reduction: Track, collect, recycle, or reduce plastic waste in oceans and coastal areas.
- Marine Conservation/Protected Areas: Monitor and protect marine habitats, endangered species, and biodiversity.
- Ocean Observation and Acidification Monitoring: Promote ocean observation and mitigate the effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems.
- Sustainable Coastal Fisheries: Promote sustainable fishing, reduce bycatch, and minimize impacts on marine ecosystems.
- Ocean and Climate Change Resilience: Mitigate the impacts of climate change on oceans and coastal communities.
- Ocean Education and Outreach: Develop educational tools to raise awareness about ocean conservation.
- Blue Economy Solutions: Create business models that promote economic growth while conserving ocean resources.
- Coral Reef Protection and Restoration: Monitor, protect and restore coral reefs in marine ecosystems.
- Mangrove Ecosystems and Livelihoods: Develop mechanisms to protect mangroves and livelihoods.
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Promote sustainable aquaculture systems that promote economic growth while promoting the environment.
Timeline:
- Opening Date for Entries: 12th August, 2024
- Closing Date for Entries: 31st August, 2024
- Assessment and Final Pitch: 1st - 22nd September, 2024
The top three innovative ideas will receive recognition and potential prizes, including mentorship, training sessions, and certification courses. They will also have the opportunity to share their ideas at the breakout room of the Ocean Symposium where the winners will be announced and will also earn the title "Commonwealth Ocean Champions for the Year of Youth."
The hackathon is open to all youth in Commonwealth countries, with definitions of youth aligned to those adopted by the Commonwealth and CYCN (15 - 29 years).
Submission and Evaluation
Participants must submit either a video or a document detailing their chosen issue's relevance, current actions taken in their country, their proposed solution, implementation challenges, and needed resources. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges, including experts from ocean and climate change fields.
Important Notes:
- Participants can choose to form teams or submit their entries individually.
- Successful entries will be promoted across Commonwealth media and contribute to a policy recommendation document for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and gain recognition at COP29 in Azerbaijan .
Join us in this unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on ocean conservation and sustainability. Show your creativity, innovation, and passion for the ocean, and be part of the change!
For any questions, please contact: [email protected]
Apply for Commonwealth Youth Ocean Hackathon