The Ocean & Waters Ambassadors contest has come to an exciting conclusion, and we are delighted to announce the winners!

With an impressive 2,800 votes cast, your engagement and support have had a significant impact, bringing these inspiring initiatives into the spotlight.

The contest provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase the efforts of students and schools dedicated to safeguarding our ocean and waters. Their creativity, innovation and dedication are truly inspiring, and demonstrate that we can all play a part in protecting our blue planet.

After two weeks of voting, we are thrilled to announce the three projects that have received the most votes:

Blue Heritage, Blue Future – Fatih Sultan Mehmet Primary School – Türkiye

This project aimed to raise awareness about water and ocean conservation through more than 50 educational activities. It involved 1,250 students and 45 teachers, with an inclusive approach that ensured active participation of migrant students. Learning was hands-on and enriched with interactive digital tools and artistic projects (e.g., mosaic world map, paper-mâché starfish, shell-decorated mirrors). The initiative also highlighted endangered species and promoted eco-friendly transport like cycling and rollerblading.

From Rain to Ocean: Sustainable Water Management and Microplastic Reduction – İzmir Karşıyaka Zeki Şairoğlu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School – Türkiye

This project supports the reduction of microplastics and the protection of ocean ecosystems through sustainable water management, including storing rainwater in schools. It includes 14 school vegetable beds and a rainwater harvesting system with eco-friendly drip irrigation. Students were actively involved in composting, waste management, and setting up the water system, gaining practical experience in sustainability. Educational and social responsibility activities promoted ocean literacy and environmental awareness. The initiative helps conserve biodiversity and water resources while fostering long-term environmental consciousness.

Water Ambassadors for a Vibrant Environment-Shaping Future Leaders in Sustainable Water Practices – Karahantepe Primary School – Türkiye

This project set out to transform a landlocked province in Türkiye into a hub for water literacy and sustainability. Over 17,000 students, including many Syrian refugees, participated across 20+ schools and 13 districts, becoming Blue Wave Ambassadors. The region’s first ocean-themed VR lab was created, allowing students to explore marine ecosystems and climate change interactively. A Mobile Ocean Lab brought these experiences to remote schools, offering workshops on water filtration, coding, sustainable agriculture, and more. The project also produced a multilingual water-themed storybook, a youth-led radio and podcast series dedicated to ocean, nature and sustainability, as well as a CD with 12 songs in 12 languages.