EU4Ocean 2024 Challenge: Be a Blue Citizen for Ocean, Citizenship, and Democracy
The EU4Ocean coalition is excited to announce its Challenge of the Year for 2024: “Be a Blue Citizen: Ocean, Citizenship, and Democracy”. This initiative calls upon individuals and organizations to contribute to the integration of ocean literacy with citizens’ roles in democracy and policymaking.
The annual Challenge of the Year aims to promote Ocean Literacy within the European Union by fostering collective action. Selected proposals meeting specific criteria will receive financial support to bring their impactful contributions to life.
About the Challenge
The 2024 Challenge of the Year focuses on connecting the responsibility and action-oriented aspect of ocean literacy with citizens’ roles and responsibilities in the democratic process. This intersection aims to create a robust policy and regulatory framework necessary for a healthy, resilient, and sustainable ocean.
Aligned with the broader #MakeEUBlue slogan of the EU4Ocean coalition, this year’s challenge emphasizes the importance of citizenship and democracy in mobilizing and empowering individuals towards a sustainable future for our oceans.
Timely amidst upcoming elections and discussions in the UN Ocean Conference, the challenge particularly targets young citizens and professionals, fostering inclusivity and civic empowerment across various domains to enhance ocean health and sustainability.
Financial Support
The EU4Ocean coalition offers a maximum of €40,000 in financial support for selected projects. It is expected that three high-quality and impactful projects will be funded each year.
Eligibility and Submission
The Call for Collective Actions is open to all members of the EU4Ocean communities, including individuals and organizations. Proposals must focus on the yearly challenge with a European perspective and tangible impacts. They should be executed within a maximum 12-month period and submitted in English, including all required documents.
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on their relevance to the 2024 challenge and alignment with EU4Ocean principles. These principles include promoting social learning and critical thinking for sustainable marine ecosystem management, ensuring high sustainability and potential for replication across Europe, addressing EU marine challenges, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, demonstrating innovation in enhancing ocean literacy and citizenship, and maintaining scientific quality and coherence through interaction with relevant stakeholders.
Apply Now
Interested parties can apply by filling out the application form and submitting the necessary documents highlighting how their proposal responds to the 2024 Challenge of the Year and addresses the main principles outlined above.
Previous Winners
Winners of the Call for Action on the Challenge of the Year 2023 have already begun implementing their projects with the support of the EU4Ocean Coalition, including initiatives such as the “Mers & Oceans” exhibition organized by the cultural hub in Brussels, Talk C.E.C, and the youth-led expedition “Save the Baltic Sea”.
Deadline for Submissions: 15th June 2024
Learn more and apply HERE!
