Our highlights from Mission Ocean & Waters Night 2024

The event began with an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Afşın Yusuf Çetinkaya from Yıldız Technical University. He outlined the overall goals of the SHORE and emphasized the importance of collaborative effort to protect marine ecosystems. Prof. Yaşar Ömərov (Azerbaijan) and Prof. Shahmaran Seilov (Kazakhstan) and Prof. Usmanov Batir Shukurillayevich (Uzbekistan), each addressed the global importance of marine conservation from their own national perspectives.

Policy advisors from the European Union also attended the summit. Carolina Dutkiewicz-Garcia and Veronica Manfredi underlined the critical role of international cooperation in solving environmental problems. They highlighted existing EU initiatives to protect seas and coasts. Additionally, Dina Eparkhina and Andreea Strachinescu presented information on maritime innovations and climate science, demonstrating Europe’s commitment to sustainable development. Oliviero Montanaro and Tereza Budnakova shed light on EU environmental policies and Horizon Europe’s climate science initiatives. Their presentations highlighted the global effort to achieve zero pollution and adopt sustainable practices. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of Türkiye’s commitment to environmental management through technological innovation and scientific research by YTU Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Yilmaz and TUBITAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal.

The program began with an interactive session focused on hands-on science demonstrations. Participants got involved in science through games and experiments or opted for a film screening showcasing the unique ecosystems of the Danube Delta and Black Sea. The second session shifted focus to fostering connections between young people and scientists from key organizations involved in Danube Delta research and conservation. This “meet-the-scientist” format encouraged direct interaction and learning, offering insights into the work being done to understand and protect this important region.

“Oceans are the lifeblood of our planet, and through events like Mission Ocean & Waters Night, we unite globally to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems for future generation”

Mare Nostrum engaged approximately 250 enthusiastic teenagers in a series of educational activities. By sharing knowledge, passion, and commitment, the organization empowered these young individuals to make a positive impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Students participated in hands-on experiments focused on water analysis, gaining an understanding of how to assess water quality and factors like pH levels. Another experiment explored planetary phenomena, sparking discussions about climate change and its impact. Additionally, students delved into the world of physics through electric circuits, discovering various related phenomena.

Interactive worksheets featuring questions and games introduced youth to the diverse species inhabiting the Danube Delta and the challenges this ecosystem faces. Participants also learned about Mare Nostrum’s dolphin conservation efforts, including how to take measurements, complete observation sheets, and identify the different dolphin species in the Black Sea, along with the threats they encounter.

Throughout the day, engaging activities at YTU Davutpaşa Campus immersed participants in the wonders of marine ecosystems and environmental responsibility. Interactive workshops covered a range of topics, from marine conservation and recycling to practical, sustainable practices. The active participation of 150 primary and secondary school students and teachers underscored the event’s significant educational impact.

A central attraction was the Marine Debris Exhibit, captivating audiences with informative displays. Visitors learned about the devastating effects of plastic pollution and were inspired by conservation success stories. Interactive stations brought environmental issues to life, fostering a tangible connection to protecting our oceans.

Designed to maximize learning and interaction, the event offered a diverse program of presentations, workshops, and hands-on activities. Highlights included the unique “Ocean Yoga,” where mindfulness met marine education, and the creative “Create Your Ocean” workshop, empowering students to build models of the marine world.

The event took place in Chioggia at the G. Olivi Museum. Through panel discussions, meetings with scientists, poster sessions, and a visit of the museum, participants tried to figure out how to empower the citizens of tomorrow to be stewards of the sea and agents of change! In the morning session, a diverse panel of experts, including scientists, coast guards, activists, and fishermen, gathered to provide insights into the current state of our seas and the reasons behind their conditions.

These experts shared their unique perspectives and expertise, helping us comprehend the complex challenges facing our marine environments. Scientists offered detailed analyses of marine ecosystems and the impacts of pollution and climate change. Coast guards discussed their critical role in monitoring and protecting maritime areas, enforcing regulations, and responding to environmental emergencies. Activists highlighted ongoing campaigns and initiatives aimed at conserving marine biodiversity and advocating for sustainable practices and how communication and social media play a fundamental role to provide the main information about water conditions. A local fisherman provided an account of the changes they have witnessed in terms of new alien species in the sea and how people know so little about the local ones.

Together, they illuminated the multifaceted efforts required to care for our seas and emphasised the importance of collective action. The session highlights that everyone, from policy-makers to ordinary citizens, has a role to play in contributing to the health and sustainability of our oceans.

“We are past the alarm phase. The adults have not been up to the task, maybe future citizens will be.”
A. Gianni, Campaign director of Greenpeace Italia

A free guided tour of the museum gave both older and younger visitors the opportunity to view the large collection of marine organisms that began in the mid-19th century.

The laguna of Venice is a complex ecosystem that need protection. In the second session, local engineers taking care of the water system in the Veneto region, policy-makers and Chioggia city officials, and local editors and committed citizens discussed their view of changes that the Laguna has faced over time, the pressures on it and how citizens can help.  The session facilitated a rich dialogue about the various pressures impacting the lagoon, including climate change, industrial activities, and tourism. A central theme of the discussion was the crucial role of citizens in the protection and stewardship of the lagoon. The speakers encouraged local residents to participate in conservation efforts, whether through community clean-ups, advocacy, or sustainable living practices. They emphasised that everyone has a part to play in ensuring the lagoon’s health and resilience for future generations. In conclusion, the session underscored the importance of an integrated and collaborative approach to safeguarding the Venice lagoon starting with bringing these issues to the attention of students of all ages.

After questions and a light aperitivo, the day finished with a beautiful documentary “Po “ by Andrea Segre, the famous local director of Welcome Venice.

More than 150 seniors, high school students, children (including children under temporary protection) joined this Ocean and Water celebration in Poland under the motto “Three rivers – one sea” as it put in the spotlight three Polish rivers: Biała Przemsza in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Olza in Cieszyn, and Wisła in Kraków.

In Kraków and Cieszyn, high school students participated in interactive workshops on the river banks. They measured water quality and followed a lecture on how the river banks looked like and were used before the industrial revolution. In Dąbrowa Górnicza citizens and local communities joined open lectures related to Biała Przemsza River and other water resources in the region. A special focus was given to seniors citizens while children also got to learn about water quality measurement.

Two exhibitions were also open to the public – one related to Biała Przemsza river and one with ammonites from Zagłebie region.

Did you miss this edition? Don’t worry, Mission Ocean & Waters Night will be back next year!