YOLA (Youth Ocean Leadership and Advocacy) is an inspiring international initiative designed to empower young people aged 18–30 to become active leaders in ocean conservation and climate action. Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, the project responds to some of the most urgent threats facing our ocean today — climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and ocean acidification.
Although many young people are aware that the ocean is under threat, far fewer understand how deeply it shapes the health of our planet and our everyday lives. YOLA bridges this gap by equipping youth with ocean literacy, leadership, and advocacy skills, empowering them to engage in policy discussions, promote stronger marine protection, and inspire real change both locally and globally.
Through co-creation workshops in France and Poland, participants will design and test innovative advocacy tools that will later be transformed into multilingual online training modules, allowing the project to reach and inspire an even wider audience. By embracing digital tools and social media, YOLA brings ocean advocacy into modern spaces where young voices can be heard and amplified.
The project strongly supports global efforts to protect the ocean and promote sustainability by preparing young leaders to actively participate in decision-making processes and conservation initiatives. By doing so, YOLA ensures that youth perspectives play a meaningful role in shaping the future of our ocean and our planet.
YOLA is a collaborative effort led by Nausicaá, EurOcean, Ghent University, Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and Today We Have.
Together, we are building a new generation of ocean advocates committed to protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening ocean governance at every level — from local communities to global policy arenas.
Learn more about YOLA activities and milestones:
Launch of the YOLA project at Nausicaá
Development of the Youth Guide for International Conferences
Presentation of the Citizen of the Ocean Youth Manifesto during international ocean policy events
YOLA showcased during the conference of EMSEA
YOLA activities presented during the Sopot Science Picnic
YOLA showcased at the IUCN World Conservation Congress
YOLA Showcases Youth Ocean Leadership at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
