Empowering young ocean conservationists

Abstract

Young people play a critical role in addressing the challenges facing marine ecosystems and possess a unique ability to activate their peers and community members to protect the environment. The development of community-based education programs to empower young conservation leaders is essential to equip youth with the skills and support needed to take environmental conservation action. The Youth Ocean Conservation Summit affords young people the opportunity to learn about ocean conservation issues and gain inspiration from their peers and adult role models. Summit participants develop action plans for their own conservation projects working in partnership with adult mentors. They also gain skills to support the launch and implementation of these community-based initiatives. This event, held annually at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL and satellite locations across the country, is planned and led by teams of youth and adults. Youth Ocean Conservation Summit alumni are connected to additional resources and support throughout the year through a virtual network and are given the opportunity to apply for funding to support their conservation efforts. The Summit model, which emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer activation to affect conservation outcomes, has resulted in the launch of diverse, youth-driven conservation programs across the country.