![MakeEUBlue Awards 2024 Winners](/sites/default/files/2024-05/Call%20for%20action%20on%20the%20Challenge%20of%20the%20year_banner%20%288%29.png)
The EU4Ocean Coalition, supported by the European Commission (EC), has held its annual MakeEUBlue Awards. Celebrating progress in ocean literacy, these awards highlight initiatives fostering awareness about the importance of the ocean and promoting sustainable practices. The winners, selected by public voting and by a high-esteemed Advisory Board of experts, have been announced at the European Maritime Day on 31 May in Svendborg, Denmark.
The leading award is given to the initiative that best responded to the different criteria aligning with the EU4Ocean philosophy. The three EU4Ocean communities – EU4Ocean Platform, Youth4Ocean, and EU Network of Blue Schools – were encouraged to participate in the Awards.
The 3 main winners, chosen as Navy Blue, Classic Blue, and Sky Blue for first, second and third place respectively, are:
Sunset Docks – Navy Blue AwardSunset Docks aims to protect and restore ocean health through innovative research, citizen engagement, and blue investments. By transforming traditional port infrastructures into vibrant, sustainable spaces, the Port of Vigo’s projects—DoorToSea, Living Ports, and Sunset Docks—integrate ecology and engineering to conserve marine ecosystems. |
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Life CONCEPTU MARIS – Classic Blue AwardLife CONCEPTU MARIS focuses on conserving cetaceans and sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea. This five-year project developed a comprehensive e-learning course for seafarers, educating them on the risks of marine traffic to these species and fostering greater awareness and conservation efforts. |
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BlueNIGHTs – Sky BlueBlueNIGHTs strengthens the link between marine researchers and local communities through events and outreach activities. By connecting European citizens, especially youth, with marine science, the project inspires future generations to pursue ocean research and addresses ocean challenges. The project has developed a virtual twin of a real R/V to be explored through VR goggles, a number of educational toolkits, games, and more. |
In addition to these awards, there were four "special mentions" awards:
Best professional organisation initiative: Annual AZTI's Summer School on Marine ResearchSince 2004, this summer school has explored new marine research topics, fostering early career researchers' development. Held at the San Sebastián Aquarium, it bridges science and policy, enhancing marine ecosystem management and promoting sustainable ocean use. |
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Best Individual School Initiative: Plastic SoupThis initiative educates children about human impact on the sea and encourages them to find sustainable solutions to marine plastic pollution. Blue School's program has successfully raised awareness among young students about their role in preserving marine environments. |
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Best education initiative: Small ScientistTargeting early childhood education, this project uses the picture book "Callie og Vannveggen" to teach ocean science to young children in Norway. The book, supported by guides for ocean science experiments and art activities, promotes critical thinking and highlights female scientists as role models. |
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Best Youth Initiative: True Tales for Ocean RebelsLed by Marika Hellmund and Nina Dietz, this project creates illustrated sea anecdotes for children, blending true marine stories with social and climate science. The goal is to nurture a new generation of ocean stewards through captivating tales of real sea creatures. |
The winners were awarded multiple prizes, which were presented at European Maritime Day 2024: an official award certificate, a handmade ocean-themed trophy, and a financial reward.