Are you a young blue solution provider? Here is a golden opportunity to promote the projects of young people

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) Marine Young Professionals Task Force have partnered with the Blue Solutions project, Mission Blue, #OceanOptimism and TerraMar on a new initiative to highlight and promote the projects of young people working for marine conservation around the world.

The competition partners invite youth and young professionals actively working on innovative and creative marine conservation initiatives from around the world to take part in this competition.

 Are you a young blue solution provider?

Do you have an innovative and creative approach or process that successfully address marine conservation issues that you are implementing with your own organization and you are not older than 35 years? Then become a young professional blue solution provider by submitting this form by 31st May. 

Criteria

Emerging blue solutions need to:

• Come from a young marine conservationist not older than 35 years
• Be innovative and creative, having solved a tricky challenge in a new,  “out-of-the-box” manner
• Respond to challenges to sustainable development and human wellbeing in the marine and coastal realm and contribute to maintaining or improving the status/health of biodiversity and ecosystems
• Be effective and have been implemented with a demonstrated positive impact and,
• Have the potential for replication or upscaling in other geographic, social or sectorial contexts.

All solutions submitted will be reviewed by a judging panel, consisting of experts of all ages from a broad range of organizations and regions active in the sustainable management and conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. This panel will review your solution regarding aspects of innovation, creativity, scalability and impact, and select winners focusing on a balance between age, gender and regional representation.

 What is an emerging blue solution?

Blue solutions are specific, applied examples of successful processes or approaches that address challenges related to the conservation, sustainable use and restoration of marine and coastal biodiversity with a demonstrated impact.

What are the benefits & prizes?

Winners’ solutions will be showcased through high-profile international marine platforms including the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawai’i. Additionally, a series of prizes and benefits are available.

High-profile international exposure – The contestants have the opportunity for their work to be showcased on and promoted through high-profile international marine platforms, social media channels and networks including the “Solutions Explorer” platform, IUCN WCPA Marine, #OceanOptimism, Mission Blue, TerraMar and CoalitionWild.

Showcased at the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress – Winning entries will be showcased on a poster at the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawai’i.

Networking – Submitting your solution into the competition will link you up with a growing network of marine and coastal practitioners and decision-makers who are part of the Blue Solutions network.

Sharing – Bring in your experiences and innovations as a young professional in the field of marine and coastal biodiversity management and conservation, and allow others to learn from, and build on your successes, thus accelerating action towards healthier oceans and coasts.

Self-learning – In the process of documenting your solution, you are able to identify and highlight the innovative aspects of your work.

Prizes – All contestant winners will be presented with a series of prizes. More to be announced at a later date!

How to enter the challenge?

Complete the application form available on IUCNs official MPA Blog or follow the direct link to the application form here and then keep your fingers crossed that your solution will be selected!