Youth Around the Globe Partner with Philippe Cousteau, Jr's EarthEcho International to Advance the Expansion of Marine Protected Areas

Washington, D.C. (November 1, 2021) - The future sustainability of life on earth and the health of our planet is inextricably linked to the health of our ocean. EarthEcho International, a nonprofit dedicated to building a global youth movement to protect and restore our ocean planet, just completed the inaugural OceanEcho 30x30 Fellowship. The initiative equipped 10 youth leaders from eight countries to design and execute campaigns mobilizing communities and governments to support the protection of at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030 through the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 framework (30x30).

The OceanEcho 30x30 Fellowship is made possible with generous support from the 30x30 Ocean Alliance, a project of the Resources Legacy Fund. Instrumental to that support was guidance and mentoring from the partners of the 30x30 Ocean Alliance, particularly The Pew Charitable Trusts, Ocean Unite, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

“An abundant and healthy ocean is essential for a livable planet, our only option to achieve this goal is to take immediate and sustained action,” said EarthEcho International Founder Philippe Cousteau, Jr. “The ingenuity and solutions-focused work of the 2021 OceanEcho Fellows provides us with excellent examples of a new and exciting youth-led approach to ocean conservation.”

The OceanEcho 30x30 Fellowship was a paid, virtual experience uniting youth leaders ages 17-25 from Angola, Argentina, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Mexico to develop impactful initiatives in their community, elevating support for marine protected areas and the 30x30 ocean goal. Fellows received campaign planning guidance and training from EarthEcho International, and mentorship from a diverse coalition of marine conservation organizations through the 30x30 Ocean Alliance.

From developing online courses on marine protected areas and nationwide art competitions to digital petitions and impactful community events, the 2021 Fellows have created timely and innovative projects targeted to their local communities.  

Meet the inaugural class of OceanEcho 30x30 Fellows:

Stay updated on the OceanEcho 30x30 Fellows and their global campaigns by following @EarthEcho on social media!

‍About EarthEcho International

EarthEcho International is a nonprofit dedicated to building a global youth movement to protect and restore our ocean planet, a critical part of creating a sustainable and equitable future for all. Established by explorer and advocate Philippe Cousteau, Jr., in honor of his father, Philippe Cousteau Sr., and grandfather, legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, EarthEcho leverages adventure, storytelling, and STEM education to empower and inspire young people worldwide. Our signature programs equip individuals and groups to identify local needs, develop plans, and take action starting in their own communities.

For more information, visit www.earthecho.org, and follow the conversation with #OceanEcho30x30 on social media:

Facebook:  Facebook.com/EarthEcho

Twitter: @EarthEcho

Instagram: @EarthEcho

‍Media Contacts:

Norma Ardila

Cell: 786-213-5968

norma@sqcommspr.com

‍

Bryan Hughes

Cell: 202-870-1818

bryan@punchpointgroup.com