The 4th cohort of Our Ocean Bootcamp 2024 has just wrapped up, leaving an indelible mark on the 50 young Tanzanians who participated. Held from September 23rd to 29th, this transformative week of training and action empowered the next generation of ocean and climate activists, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and passion to champion the health of our oceans.
The event featured a blend of virtual and in-person sessions, culminating in a powerful Ocean Action Day on September 29th, where participants planted 2,000 mangroves along the Bagamoyo coastline, helping to restore one of Tanzania’s most vital ecosystems.
Learning, Campaigns, and Action: The Bootcamp, which focused on empowering youth to address pressing ocean conservation and climate issues, delved into campaigns such as Defend the Deep, advocating against deep-sea mining, the High Seas Alliance Treaty ratification, and the Climate Justice movement. Fellows also explored the State of African Report 2024 by the African Europe Foundation, reflecting on the role of youth in shaping future climate and ocean policies across Africa and Europe. Throughout the Bootcamp, fellows delved into critical issues facing the world’s oceans, gaining insights into ocean and climate activism, and sharpening their understanding of key global campaigns. Sessions covered pivotal topics such as the Defend the Deep campaign, which advocates against deep-seabed mining, and the High Seas Alliance’s push for the ratification of the high seas treaty—both of which are essential for the protection of international waters and biodiversity.
One of the highlights of the week was the in-depth reflection and discussion on the State of African Report 2024 by the African Europe Foundation. Fellows provided valuable input on the report, particularly highlighting the role of youth in driving change across Africa and Europe. Their reflections underscored the need for greater youth representation in decision-making spaces concerning climate and ocean policies.
Words from the Fellows and Speakers: During the call for our ocean bootcamp 245 applications were received and out of this competitive poll of application only 50 youth were selected to join our ocean bootcamp 2024, during the bootcamp we had an incredible line up of speakers from our partners and supporters, learn more about our speakers HERE
Erica Cornel “Learning about climate justice and its impacts has opened my eyes. It’s not just about fighting for the ocean—it’s about standing up for communities whose lives depend on these ecosystems.”
Neema Theonest “The Bootcamp gave me the confidence to be vocal about climate change issues in my community. I now know that our small actions can build a larger movement for justice.”
Othman Juma “Understanding the global campaigns like Defend the Deep gave me a new perspective. I am ready to advocate against deep-sea mining and its catastrophic effects on our oceans.”
Divan Joseph “The Bootcamp was an amazing experience. We didn’t just learn about problems; we were equipped with the tools to lead change in our own communities. The planting of mangroves on Ocean Action Day was the start of my journey.”
Speaker Insights The Bootcamp’s distinguished speakers brought valuable insights to the sessions.
Elifadhili, representing CAN Tanzania, emphasized the importance of local leadership: “Youth have the power to reshape the future of climate justice and ocean conservation. I saw incredible passion in the room, and I’m excited to see these leaders take action.”
Hellen Kuria from the High Seas Alliance highlighted the urgency of protecting international waters: “You already have so much to offer, you are already young people who are motivated to do a lot–sometimes when we as conservationist we are told stop that do this but because we are young people i also challenge you to wear a hat of can i know more about it.”
Sisay Lukas from SOA Ethiopia inspired the fellows with his words: “Africa’s youth are rising to face environmental challenges head-on. It’s amazing to witness how young leaders from Tanzania are already stepping up and driving change for the future of our oceans.”
Partnerships that Made It Happen The success of Ocean Bootcamp 2024 would not have been possible without the strong support of key partners, including The Urban Movement Innovation Fund (UMI Fund), The African Europe Foundation and The Social Change Nest (SCN). These organizations provided essential funding and resources, ensuring that the Bootcamp reached its full potential in training the next generation of ocean advocates. Other Ocean Bootcamp 2024 includes; SOA Global, Bagamoyo District, TFS Bagamoyo, BMU Bagamoyo, CAN Tanzania, VSO Tanzania, 10 Billion Strong, DOTank Plus and Mojafam organization.
Ocean Action Day: Planting 2,000 Mangroves On the final day of the Bootcamp, the fellows came together for Ocean Action Day in Bagamoyo. Armed with determination and a deep sense of purpose, they planted 2,000 mangroves, contributing to the ongoing efforts by SOA Tanzania to restore adopted 3000hectares of mangroves in Bagamoyo. This hands-on conservation effort was a powerful conclusion to a week that focused not just on learning, but on taking action.
The Bootcamp was not only a platform for learning but a call to action, igniting a spark within every participant to go back to their communities and lead the charge in ocean and climate conservation. These newly trained ocean champions are now ready to advocate for the sustainable future of our oceans, defend against threats like deep-sea mining, push for global treaties, and champion climate justice.
As we look forward to the positive ripple effects of their work, it’s clear that the youth of Tanzania are stepping up, armed with knowledge, passion, and a commitment to creating a healthier planet for future generations.
Together, we are turning the tide for ocean health!
Other related links:
- Announcing the Inspiring Speakers of Our Ocean Bootcamp 2024 – Soa Tanzania
- SOA Tanzania Wins Prestigious Grant from Africa Europe Foundation to Empower Youth Through Ocean Bootcamp 2024 – Soa Tanzania
- 🌊 Call for Applications: Join our Ocean Bootcamp 2024 and Become an activist! 🌊 – Soa Tanzania
Call to Action.!
- Support our work: Get involved – Soa Tanzania
- Join SOA Tanzania if you are aged 18-35 years old: ONBOARDING FORM TO SOA TANZANIA (google.com)
- Do you want to learn more? contact us now: Contact – Soa Tanzania
- Subscribe to our Tanzania Youth Ocean Newsletter: Home – Soa Tanzania