7. 03. 2025 Amelia Perkins

Ethical adventures – Why choose eco-tourism?

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There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. It’s only natural that more people, like myself, want to go and experience everything our planet has to offer.

Whilst some may see tourists flocking to an area as a positive for the local economy, the impact on local wildlife is often forgotten.

When I travelled across Australia and New Zealand, I was excited to immerse myself in the wonderful array of wildlife they have to offer. I wanted to be able to experience these places without harming the environment or exploiting wildlife. Choosing ethical tours was important to me, supporting conservation, local communities, and the delicate ecosystems that make these places special.

In this article, I’ll be sharing insights about how eco-tourism can have a positive impact on marine life and offering helpful hints to help you make informed choices on your next trip of a lifetime.

What is eco-tourism?

Eco-tourism is all about traveling in a way that respects and benefits both the natural environment and local communities. It’s about making meaningful connections with the world around us while ensuring we leave a positive impact.

Whether it’s visiting conservation areas, participating in wildlife tours like snorkeling trips, or choosing eco-friendly accommodation, eco-tourism opens up opportunities to experience the planet in a sustainable and enriching way.

Eco-tourism is also a fantastic way to spread awareness of conservation issues. People tend to care more about issues they witness first hand. Educating travelers while they’re immersed in the environment helps break down barriers and inspires them to actively support conservation efforts.

One of my most memorable experiences was going snorkelling with manta rays in Ningaloo reef – an experience I will never forget. Swimming with such majestic creatures in their natural habitat was a true privilege, made even more meaningful by being guided by locals who prioritised the safety and well-being of all the wildlife we were lucky enough to encounter.

The locals ensured we followed respectful practices, like maintaining a safe distance from the mantas and avoiding swimming directly over them to prevent undue stress.

The local guides shared their knowledge of wildlife and conservation efforts in the area, something that has inspired my own journey into the world of marine conservation. Since my travels, I have volunteered with various charities, from boat surveys collecting vital data to running educational talks helping spread awareness and inspire others.

Why does choosing ethical tourism matter?

Supporting ethical tourism isn’t about doing things perfectly – it’s about making mindful decisions. Many local tour operators work tirelessly to preserve wildlife and protect the planet. By choosing them you can contribute to conservation and sustainable livelihoods all while having unforgettable experiences in nature.

Why supporting ethical tourism matters. Posted by Ocean Generation.

What I learned about mindful travel: Tips to travel with purpose

There’s no one-size fits all approach to eco-tourism, but here are a few tips that have helped me:

1.Researching local operators – Looking for local tour operators was a great place to start when I was searching for eco-friendly trips. Choosing local companies gave me the confidence that they truly valued and cared about the local community and environment often with a key emphasis on conservation. Checking reviews, certifications, and the company’s values was a helpful way to decide their practices align my own.

2. Trust your instincts – Nobody is perfect, despite your best efforts. I experienced this when I visited a wildlife park, that wasn’t what I expected. If something feels off, whether it’s overcrowding, unethical practices, or harm to wildlife, don’t feel embarrassed to walk away. You won’t always get it right, and that’s okay. The key is to learn from experience.

3. Support local business – I found choosing locally owned accommodation, restaurants, and tour operators a great choice. You get the best locally sourced food and the best travel tips. They are the people who care deeply about the area, and this allows you to support them directly. If you’re lucky, they often offer deals on local excursions, which is invaluable when traveling on a budget, like I was.

Every small step we take adds up. A Wavemaker Story, posted by Ocean Generation.

Leaving a positive footprint

Every small step we take to travel more sustainably adds up. While social media is a great tool for discovering inspiration and opportunity, it’s equally important to do your own research. Learning about wildlife and ecosystems through documentaries, books, or reputable online sources helps you understand what feels right and what to watch out for.

By making informed choices, we can ensure that the places we visit remain beautiful and thriving for generations to come.

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Amelia!

Connect with Amelia on LinkedIn, follow her on Instagram or learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.
Cover image by Will Nolan.

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Amelia Perkins

Amelia is a veterinary science graduate and aspiring marine mammal scientist, hoping to inspire and educate the next generation in conservation.

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10. 01. 2025 Gemma Connell

We asked artists to showcase imperfect environmentalism

Peaceful man in the forest, surrounded by trees. Image via Ocean Generation in an article about imperfect environmentalism.

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What does imperfect environmentalism look like to you?

At Ocean Generation, we recognise that the world doesn’t need a handful of perfect environmentalists. Our Ocean – our planet – needs millions of imperfect people, taking daily action, learning as they go and always striving to do better.

Hands holding up the planet carefully shared by Ocean Generation: an Ocean conservation charity in the UK.

We set a creative challenge for university students: Create something that embodies imperfect environmentalism.

It was April 2024 and our Youth Engagement Lead, Gemma, was in Bournemouth, UK to launch an exciting project with the AUB Futures Team at the Arts University Bournemouth.

First, she delivered a bespoke Wavemaker workshop to the students.

“Building an Ocean Intelligent Creative Business or Practice” was specifically aimed at the array of emerging artists studying at AUB. Focusing on case studies of visual and performing artists who have responded to the threats facing our Ocean through creativity, we then set the students a challenge.

The brief: Create artwork that highlights what “imperfect environmentalism” means to you.

We had submissions from a wide variety of artists. Painters, photographers and others working with textiles and illustration.

A panel of judges from Ocean Generation and AUB decided on an overall winner – the artist who responded to the brief most effectively. But we were so impressed with the submissions that we wanted to offer some of them other opportunities as well.

Woman presenting an Ocean education workshop to classroom of students. Image by Ocean Generation. Image by Olivia Herring — *Wavemaker workshop being delivered. Image by Olivia Herring*

Here’s the winning art, and the artists behind it:

From fashion to an entire illustrated storybook and thought-provoking posters, here’s a look at some of the submissions we received.

1. A costume made entirely of discarded plastic.

Our overall winner was Beverley Baker, who created a beautiful costume to raise awareness about pollution in our Ocean. We had a little chat with Beverley about her work and how she was inspired to create this design of the AUB Green Futures Live Brief.

Fashion student created
a mermaid creature
costume from
trash to raise
awareness
about pollution
in our Ocean. Shared by Ocean Generation charity.

Beverley, who are you and what are you studying?

Beverley: I’m a multi-disciplined artist creating between Somerset and Arts University Bournemouth where I’ve just completed my second year studying Performance Design and Film Costume.

I am exploring costume and set design for film and theatre and I also keep up my fine art practice alongside my studies, enjoying primarily self-portraiture as well as traditional painting and drawing in a mixed media style. I’m passionate about details and colour, utilising colour theory to tell stories.

Do you remember the first time you saw the Ocean?

Beverly: I don’t remember the first time, probably because in Somerset, UK where I grew up I was relatively close to the coast so lucky enough to see the Ocean often.

My family and I would visit places like Lyme Regis, Kilve, Weston-Super-Mare, Burnham-on-Sea and Brean, all beautiful beaches of the South West of England.

“As a child the Ocean felt magical, it seemed like it went on forever and made me feel I was the only one in the world just for a second – the coast felt made-up, like I’d just walked into a book.“

Mermaid creature
costume from
pollution to raise
awareness
about pollution
in our Ocean. Shared by Ocean Generation charity.

What inspired you to create this piece for the AUB Green Futures Brief with Ocean Generation?

Beverly: Alongside 7 team members for the second project of second year, our group was briefed by SISATA, an outdoor theatre company, to create a ‘Mercreature’ costume each for a touring production of Peter Pan twisted to fit the folklore of Portland, Dorset. 

Inspired by oil spills and the presence of micro-plastics in our seas, my costume loosely takes the shape of the ‘Veasta’, a half fish half seahorse creature that is said to lurk off the coasts of Dorset.

A visit to Portland influenced the textures and techniques I used, incorporating 15 techniques: free machine embroidery, hand embroidery, tie-dye, dip-dye, applique, reverse applique, trapunto, form-fixing, finger knitting, puff binder, foiling, batik, heat gun, eyeleting and hand painting.

What is the number one thing you wish everyone knew about the Ocean?

Beverly: Less than 5% of the world’s Ocean is protected which needs drastic change right now; many human-made problems have impacted the Ocean including coral reef bleaching, oil spills and plastic pollution. I think many people are unaware of the impact of the fishing industry; discarded fishing gear makes up a significant proportion of Ocean pollution.

Find out more about Beverley’s work here.

Watch: How we bring our Ocean education workshops to students, during design challenges like these

2. An illustrated storybook teaching children about the importance of the Ocean.

One of the submissions to the AUB Green Futures Brief really felt like it had a story to tell, and so we asked Dala to work with us on generating a Wavemaker Story about his submission.

Empowered by our Wavemaker Workshop, Dala illustrated a storybook about how our actions can change the world. Dala’s story, written for children, explores the moment when someone comes along and says ‘Hey, this isn’t right. We need to do better.’

Read Dala’s Wavemaker Story and download the book here.

Noah finds a forest in the sea is an illustrated storybook for children about plastic pollution. Shared as A Wavemaker Story by Ocean Generation

3. Two impactful posters, now incorporated into our workshops, will go on to educate hundreds of young people

Finally, we had a very interesting submission that we decided to do something a little different with.

Lucy Coble (they/them) is a non-binary designer and illustrator based in Bournemouth, UK. They are passionate about creating work that leaves a lasting impression, and love to work with like-minded creatives. Lucy’s interests lie in LGBTQIA+ advocacy, advertisement work and illustration aimed at a young adult audience. They have worked with clients such as Scribbler UK, the Plum Agency and many other independent projects.

For this brief, Lucy submitted two illustrations: a pair of hermit crabs using mismatched items as shells – one a soda can and the other a teapot.

Plastic pollution poster created by Lucy Coble for Ocean Generation. A cute crab in a teapot reminds viewers not to throw waste into the Ocean.

Ocean plastic pollution poster created by Lucy Coble for Ocean Generation. A cute crab reminds viewers not to throw trash into the Oceans.

These designs were centred around the idea of taking the initiative in recycling and reusing items we might consider waste – actively taking responsibility for recycling, reusing and re-loving old items is essential for helping the Ocean heal.

Through their work, Lucy asks us to consider charity shops and donation bins. The idea for these images came to them during their own house move last year, where they spent an entire day back and forth on the bus with bags and bags of clothes to donate that simply didn’t fit or that they’d never worn.

“So much of our waste is items that could have been recycled or perfectly good stuff someone else might have loved!”

Lucy’s work will now be used as a case study of how to create a great visual campaign in our visual arts and “How to be an Ocean Storyteller” Wavemaker Workshops.

Find out more about Lucy and their work here.

Book Ocean Generation to deliver a project like this

We offer live briefs in various creative pursuits across the UK, from illustration to theatre and filmmaking to game design.

If you are interested in bringing an experience like this one to your college, university or youth group, please get in touch here.

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Gemma Connell

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19. 12. 2024 Phoebe Allen

The way of the water

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The first time I felt the water wrap around me, I knew I had found something special.

It was a crisp morning when I approached the Ocean, the sun barely peeking over the horizon, casting a golden hue over everything it touched. I had always loved water—its ebb and flow, the way it seemed to have a life of its own—but that day was different.

As I slid into the Ocean, the cool water enveloped my body, instantly washing away the heaviness that clung to me like a second skin. The weight of my disability, the constant ache in my joints, and the ever-present strain of daily life seemed to dissolve, leaving only the sensation of being cradled by the gentle waves.

Phoebe, a Wavemaker shared her inspiring story about how the Ocean became her sanctuary. Posted by Ocean Generation.

Despite my inability to swim, I felt a profound sense of autonomy in the water.

I could maneuver myself, floating with the gentle currents that brushed against me, guiding me wherever they wished. I had often felt confined to my wheelchair, limited in movement and opportunities, but here, I was liberated. I was in control of my own body in a way I hadn’t experienced on land. Each push and pull of the water felt like a dance, a rhythm that allowed me to glide, sway, and spin in a graceful ballet, even if I wasn’t swimming in the traditional sense.

Floating on my back, I gazed up at the sky, the clouds shifting and morphing into fantastical shapes. It felt as if the Ocean was whispering to me, reminding me of a freedom I often forgot existed. Each ripple that passed over me was like a hand brushing away my worries, the pressure in my body gradually releasing with every gentle movement of the water.

It reminded me of the hydrotherapy sessions I’d attended, where the water was meant to heal, yet those moments had always been tinged with the stinging scent of chlorine and the sounds of shouting voices. Here, those distractions were removed. The Ocean was pure and unadulterated, a sanctuary where I could truly appreciate water in the way it had been intended—soft, soothing, and enveloping. There was no urgency, no pressure to perform or meet expectations; just the serene rhythm of nature and my own breathing.

Wavemaker Story by Phoebe about how the Ocean made her feel free. Posted by Ocean Generation.

I took a deep breath and sank beneath the surface, feeling the coolness surround me like a protective cloak.

In the quiet depths, I found a serenity I craved. It was just me and the water, the world above muted and distant. I closed my eyes and listened to the soft thrumming of my heartbeat, the rhythm syncing with the gentle lapping of waves against my skin. In those moments, I was no longer defined by my disability; I was simply a part of the Ocean, a drop in an endless sea.

With each visit, the Ocean became my sanctuary.

I would return time and again, ready to release the pressures of the outside world. The water was more than a refuge; it was a partner in my journey, granting me a sense of autonomy that I struggled to find on land. I could move freely, guided by the water’s embrace, discovering the possibilities that lay within me. It taught me that sometimes, to find solace, I simply needed to surrender to the flow.

How the Ocean became Phoebe's sanctuary: A Wavemaker Story, shared by Ocean Generation.

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Phoebe!

Connect with Phoebe on LinkedIn, or learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Phoebe Allen

Phoebe is a disabled poet and cyber security student. She loves writing about the natural as it’s our connection to wider humanity.

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18. 12. 2024 Ajay Sawant

Coconut for the Sea: What an Ancient Tradition Teaches Us About Ocean Conservation

What an ancient tradition teaches us about Ocean conservation. A Wavemaker Story, posted by Ocean Generation.

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“As we offer the sea our prayers and coconuts, we remember our bond with her, for she gives and we take, a balance we strive to keep.”

– Poonam Keni from Koli Community, Ratnagiri, India

My journey with Ocean conservation has been a winding road, and perhaps its most meaningful turn happened not with science or activism, but through tradition. Specifically, by witnessing the age-old festival of Narali Purnima with the Koli fishing community in Mumbai.

This festival, dedicated to Varuna, the god of the Ocean, is a humble, and powerful expression of respect for the sea, its drama, and its bounty.

Growing up, my approach to Ocean conservation was straightforward: remove waste, reduce damage, respect marine life.

But stepping into the celebrations of Narali Purnima added layers of understanding I hadn’t anticipated. Narali Purnima, observed each year as the monsoon season draws to a close, signals the beginning of the Koli’s fishing season.

The festival’s name is derived from “naral,” or coconut, which the community offers to the Ocean in gratitude and as a request for safety. To the people, this is more than a custom, it is a reminder of their dependence on the sea and an annual reaffirmation of their respect for it.

Narali Purnima festival in India is dedicated to the god of the Ocean. A Wavemaker Story, posted by Ocean Generation.

The scene is one of breathtaking beauty. Women wear vibrant saris and adorn boats with garlands of marigolds and coconuts. There is an aarti (prayer) ceremony for Lord Varuna, asking for his blessings over the waters. The coconut here represents both the past season and the promise of a new one, while it gently floats off the sea’s surface.

The atmosphere hums with reverence as the community gathers, each person carrying an awareness that they are not just taking from the sea, but exchanging, returning, and showing their respect for the Ocean’s endless generosity.

But it’s not just about the visual splendour, Narali Purnima is timed to respect the sea’s cycles.

For centuries, the Koli people have refrained from fishing during the monsoons, allowing the fish populations to replenish undisturbed. It’s an act of sustainability practiced long before modern conservation came into existence.

As I observed this, it struck me: the festival is more than ritual. It’s a reflection of the community’s ancient understanding of balance, a balance that the rest of the world is only beginning to fully recognise.

At its core, Narali Purnima is about living harmoniously with the Ocean. Watching this tradition, I felt that conservation is not just about imposing limits and strategies but also about adopting an attitude of mutual respect. The Kolis don’t see themselves as separate from the Ocean; rather, they see their lives intertwined into its cycles.

Narali Purnima festival is about living harmoniously with the Ocean. A Wavemaker Story, posted by Ocean Generation.

It was in this moment that I truly understood conservation is a matter of listening, of respecting the wisdom that traditions carry and remembering that communities like the Koli have honoured these principles for generations.

As I continue my work in Ocean conservation, I now carry the spirit of Narali Purnima with me.

It’s a lesson in humility and respect. It’s a reminder that protecting the Ocean is a shared responsibility, and one that must honour both the science and the cultural wisdom surrounding us. The Ocean, after all, sustains not only marine life but also the human lives bound to it through tradition, sustenance, and spirit. And for that, the least we can do is offer a humble coconut in gratitude.

As I reflect on the lessons of Narali Purnima, I am reminded that conservation is more than an act; it’s a lifelong bond of respect and gratitude. The Koli community’s traditions teach us that the Ocean’s well-being is intertwined with our own, urging us to protect its abundance for future generations.

“The sea is our mother—she gives us life, and we must care for her as she cares for us.” – Koli Proverb

In every season and every offering, the Kolis remind us that true conservation is about honouring this relationship, ensuring that the Ocean can sustain and nurture us all.

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Ajay!

Connect with Ajay on Instagram, LinkedIn, or learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Ajay Sawant

Ajay Sawant is an award-winning Ocean-climate communicator and EE 30 Under 30 honoree. He works as the President at ThinkOcean Society and is the High Seas Youth Ambassador for Asia (India). He is also the founder of Generation Artivism.

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24. 10. 2024 Natthanicha Luengvoraphan

Can traditions become Ocean-friendly? The story of Thailand’s Loy Krathong Festival

Ocean Conscious Future with Traditions, Wavemaker Story posted by Ocean Generation

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Our Ocean, rivers, lakes, canals and other bodies of water have provided us with so much for centuries.

They sustain ecosystems, support livelihoods and offer vital resources. It’s no wonder that they are appreciated and celebrated worldwide.

In Thailand, a full moon night in November, during the Loy Krathong Festival, is dedicated to worshiping the goddess of water.

The Loy Krathong Festival involves floating a ‘krathong’ (a small floating lantern). This is an act of paying gratitude to the goddess that personifies all bodies of water and apologising to her for polluting the waterways.

Each year, I celebrate Loy Krathong dressed in my traditional Thai dress, making the krathongs and sometimes teaching younger students to do the same. I’ve floated them in a river, swimming pool, pond and even virtually with my school class through a website.

Thaliand's Loy Krathong Festival involves floating a krathong — *Photo credit: Natthanicha Luengvoraphan*

This tradition has been ongoing since the 14th century and with a growing population, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported collecting 640,000 krathongs in 2023. With this vast amount, the environmental damage to the waterways cannot be overlooked.

The materials krathongs are made of make a huge difference.

Traditionally krathongs are made using a banana tree trunk, banana leaves, flowers, and candles. In the past, plastic and styrofoam were popular materials but since have reduced in numbers due to awareness of their adverse environmental impacts.

Materials that do not decompose have numerous impacts on wildlife, human health and economic costs. Aquatic animals can mistakenly ingest these materials or become entangled in them, leading to injuries. Microplastics and chemical leaching can lead to health issues from making their way up to the food chain.

The economic repercussions include the expense of clean-up efforts and the impact on tourism. Polluted waterways could reduce the appeal of natural sites, potentially deterring and disappointing tourists.

Recently, bread krathongs appeared with the idea that they would leave no waste, as fish would consume them. However, when excessive amounts of bread krathongs were floated, they ended up rotting as not all the bread was consumed. Since then, there has been an increase in the range of feasible creative alternatives.

Traditional krathongs are made using a banana tree trunk, banana leaves, flowers, and candles. Wavemaker Story, posted by Ocean Generation — Photo credit: Natthanicha Luengvoraphan, Wavemaker

How is the tradition of the Loy Krathong Festival becoming more sustainable?

BMA reports that 96.75% of the krathongs were made with environmentally friendly materials in 2023, a 1.05% increase from the previous year. In recent years, there has been a huge experimentation of materials people have brought to celebrate with. Some examples include ice, coconut shell, and cassava which take a short time to disintegrate.

Technology and innovation can be used to our advantage in allowing people to participate in events like Loy Krathong Festival without physically floating krathongs to reduce environmental impact.

In 2023, a technology known as projection mapping allowed visitors to doodle their krathong design on paper. These were then projected onto a river in Bangkok where 3,000 digital krathongs were floated. There are also multiple online platforms where people can write out their wishes and watch an animated krathong float across the screen within the comfort of their own homes.

Seeing how tradition and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand
is encouraging to witness. — *Photo credit: REUTERS/Thomas Suen/ File photo*

For those who still want to continue the tradition in its original form, people are embracing the practice of floating one krathong per family or group of friends to reduce the number of krathongs that need to be collected.

Experimentation and exchange of ideas can create a ripple effect, leading to more impactful solutions that enable more people to help continue tradition responsibly while enjoying it in new and innovative ways.

Seeing how tradition and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand is encouraging to witness. It’s inspiring to see how people are becoming aware of their environmental impact, striving for greater sustainability through creativity and innovation.

This is just one example of a tradition that demonstrates how cultural practices can adapt to modern environmental challenges. As we continue to innovate and integrate sustainability into various customs, it is clear that we hold power and capability in honoring both heritage and the health of our Ocean.

Loy Krathong Festival is a tradition that demonstrates how cultural practices can adapt to modern environmental challenges — *Photo credit: Natthanicha Luengvoraphan*

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Ferra!

Connect with Ferra via LinkedIn. Learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Natthanicha Luengvoraphan

Ferra, from Thailand, is a certified island girl with a deep love for the beach. She believes in everyone's power to care for our planet and hopes to inspire action through her story.

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13. 09. 2024 Gemma Connell

We asked 45 students to design clothing inspired by the Ocean

Woman on the beach, with an Ocean-friendly beach bag sold by Ocean Generation. Whale beach bag. Ocean Generation's clothing products are all sustainable, using organic cotton and 100% renewable energy to manufacture the items.

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Behind our Ocean-themed design challenge for illustration students

It was March 2024. Our Youth Engagement Lead, Gemma, was standing in front of 45 MA Illustration students at the University of Edinburgh – and she had a challenge for them.

The challenge? Soak up the Ocean science she’d be delivering in our Wavemaker workshop and then, bring it to life through new designs for our su stainable apparel store, inspired by the Ocean.

View the Wavemakers collection.

Organic cotton whale tote bag, perfect for Ocean lovers. Man carrying a tote bag with a whale design on it. Ocean-friendly clothing is sold by Ocean Generation. — *Mother and calf whale fall tote bag by Jingyuan Liu. Get yours here.*

Live design brief meets Ocean conservation

The Live Design Brief – created in consultation with the Illustration Programme Director, Amy – asked the students to ‘re-introduce the Ocean’ to the Ocean Generation community.

The challenge provided the students tangible substance of what it means to be strategically creative, meet the requirements of a live client brief and deliver a project that’d be used in the real world.

What started as an educational Wavemaker workshop resulted in a collection of sustainable clothing inspired by the Ocean – designed by students.

The students had the opportunity to engage with Ocean Generation at multiple points along their design journey; reflecting the client relationship they’d have when working in the industry.

How the Wavemaker collection came to life

BTS of the design process for Ocean lover clothing, designed by students at the University of Edinburgh as part of Ocean Generation's Design Challenge. — *Behind the scenes: Ideation session with the students.*

STEP 1: Students participated in our Wavemaker Workshop and learned more about the Ocean.

STEP 2: Gemma and Amy (MA Illustration Programme Director) led an ideation session to get creativity flowing.

STEP 3: Students pitched initial ideas to Gemma and Amy.

STEP 4: Students submitted their first drafts for feedback from the Ocean Generation Team. This allowed for client feedback, concept iteration, and facilitated project management skill-building.

We were so impressed with their initial sketches. Many of the students had done extra research around the Ocean, to inform their work.

STEP 5: Students submitted final designs to be used on sustainable clothing inspired by the Ocean.

STEP 6: The most difficult job yet – choosing the winners!

Woman on the beach, with an Ocean-friendly beach bag sold by Ocean Generation. Beach bag perfect for Ocean lovers. Ocean Generation's clothing products are all sustainable, using organic cotton and 100% renewable energy to manufacture the items. — *Ocean Girl tote bag by Donger Liu. Get yours here.*

What did the students learn before designing the collection?

Why is the Ocean important?

Students learnt about the importance of our Ocean: How it provides us with every second breath we take, covers 70% of our blue planet and gives us the fundamental resources we need to survive.

We discussed 5 Ocean Threats caused by human action. Think climate change, pollution, coastal infrastructure development, resource extraction and daily Ocean use. And zoomed in on the problem of plastic pollution. We explored incredible Ocean solutions that brilliant Wavemakers across the world have come up with, to help tackle pollution.

We also talked about some of the amazing creatures in our Ocean and what they provide our world with. For example, whale falls.

Sustainable clothing items for Ocean lovers: Cute seal clothing. Ocean Generation's clothing products are all sustainable, using organic cotton and 100% renewable energy to manufacture the items. — Artist: Donger Liu

What is a whale fall?

A whale-fall is another name for the death of a whale. Soon after a whale dies, it sinks to the Ocean floor. It provides an essential marine ecosystem as other animals feed on the remains.

Over 21 marine animals rely on whale-falls to survive. The incredible contribution of whales served as inspiration for two of the final designs are now featured in our Ocean-themed clothing store.

What stories inspired the sustainable collection?

Gemma had some interesting discussions with students as they developed their designs.

One of our whale-fall designers, Jingyuan Liu, told us how her design was inspired by the news of a whale mother passing away and her calf using its body to hold up its mother and prevent her from sinking.

This really highlighted the connection between humans and Ocean creatures – each caring for each other, and experiencing grief for our loved ones.

*Mother and calf whale fall design by Jingyuan Liu.*

Sarah Stegall‘s seal design was inspired by a visit to the beach in La Jolla, California and the group of seals she saw basking in the sunshine.

The experience reminded her that it was the little things in life, like enjoying the sun or observing seals enjoying the sun that can have a lasting impact on us. If we don’t take care of the natural world around us, we’ll begin to lose those little moments in life.

Clothing inspired by the Ocean, for Ocean lovers

We’re so excited to share the Designed by You: Wavemakers edition. The collection features 5 designs by 4 graduates of the MA Illustration programme at the University of Edinburgh. You can now purchase these designs, which will support our Ocean education charity.

Shop the Wavemakers collection.

This is just the beginning for projects like this at Ocean Generation. We’re exploring more ways to facilitate live briefs with different organisations and universities.

Book us to deliver a project like this

Shop the Wavemakers collection.

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Gemma Connell

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6. 09. 2024 Sana Lamy

The power of water and the science of passive cooling

The science of passive cooling: A Wavemaker Story posted by Ocean Generation

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When interests collide: My love of water and fascination with ancient architecture.

I have always been fascinated by, and attracted to, water.

My parents would vouch for the fact that I immediately seek out the nearest body of water whenever we have the opportunity to travel… whether that be the warm Caribbean Sea, the stunning beaches of the Hamptons, or the cold glacial lake water in the Adirondacks in Upstate New York. And as a child, they could never get me out of the bathtub!

My natural curiosity and desire to learn has led me to study various subjects of interest in STEM disciplines, and through my university studies I have discovered a genuine passion for ancient architecture and the associated technology and building techniques.

I’m a huge fan of interdisciplinary research (i.e. combining strategies and information from across disciplines), which leads me to introduce an unlikely connection to our Ocean, or more correctly water, that I discovered while researching the “Scirocco rooms” of Sicily, Italy.

Scirocco Room, where the passive cooling force of water was used.

How water was used to cool scirocco rooms hundreds of years ago.

The “scirocco rooms” are not rooms in the commonly understood sense, but rather man-made, underground caves. From the art historical perspective, they are important social gathering spaces.

Scirocco rooms were mainly constructed and used in the city of Palermo and rely on ancient technology to facilitate passive cooling.

During the summer, the dry and sandy Scirocco Winds from the Sahara Desert in Africa blow across to Sicily and send temperatures skyrocketing … to upwards of 40°C! Hence the need for a naturally cooled space, especially before the invention of air conditioning. These “rooms” were lavishly decorated in the 16-19th centuries and used as an escape from the sweltering heat of the summer months.

What is passive cooling anyway?

It is the process of naturally cooling the air flowing through a space without the use of external power or energy. So, the natural cooling properties of convection currents, properties that are hugely amplified in the presence of water, created a comfortably cooled space.

View leading to the scirocco rooms, where passive cooling was used — Views of the tunnel leading to the scirocco room. On the left is the base of the “wind-tower” and on the right is the qanat (Arabic for ‘canal’), covered today.
Image credit: Saeli, Manfredi and Enrico, 2022. “La Camera Dello Scirocco Di Villa Naselli di Gela A
Palermo.” La Camera Dello Scirocco – Periodico di Arte Cultura e Società.

How passive cooling works in a scirocco room:

Water flows from a natural spring across the terrain of Palermo to the scirocco room. Amazingly, the clay terrain naturally filters the water, and when it arrives in homes, farms or scirocco rooms it is sparkling clean!

The natural course of the water (flowing entirely due to gravity) is diverted into scirocco rooms through man-made canals designed after the Ancient Persian structure called qanat (process explained later in diagram).

The flow of convection currents is enhanced by the evaporation of the water in the canals, cooling the air more and at a faster rate. It’s like when you hop out of the pool in cool weather, you are instantly shivering.

The water is also directed to fountains, pools, and artificial waterfalls. This not only created a pleasant atmosphere aesthetically in scirocco rooms but also made it comfortably cooler for guests.

So, we can see that the power of water, found everywhere around us and flowing naturally through all sorts of terrain, can be used as a sustainable cooling mechanism, thanks to the natural principles of physics.

The Ancient Persian technology used to cool scirocco rooms includes qanat (the Arabic word for ‘canal’), to divert water, and “wind-towers”. The “wind-towers” act as the main point of hot air expulsion. These two features are still widespread and regularly used in the Middle East, such as in the city of Yazd in Iran.

Take a look at the diagrams below to see how these “wind-towers” work and how they amplify the convection currents.

How Iran’s ancient windtowers work Download

Here’s what I would like you, dear reader, to take away from my exploration:

By sharing my research through various formats, including now through this Wavemaker Story, I would like to encourage all readers to uncover any and all of the wonderful and exciting connections to our Ocean… however unlikely and niche they may seem… and share this with those around you, because you never know how, or who you may inspire.

I discovered the amazing power of water in a completely un-STEM-related context. I was able to dive deep into the history and science of the use of water in architecture and find that water tied generations of Sicilians together through this architecture.

Our Ocean, and water specifically, hold great potential for ecological and sustainable solutions to current pressing issues as in the case of passive cooling. Our ancestors knew this quite well and I believe there is much to learn from pre-industrial societies.

Passive cooling is cooling the air without external power. A Wavemaker Story posted by Ocean Generation

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Sana!

Learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Sana Lamy

Sana has always loved being in the water, although the Ocean was somewhat daunting. However, once she learned a bit more about deep sea creatures and the mechanisms behind hydraulic energy, the Ocean became a great fascination! She is pursuing master's studies at the University of Cambridge (U.K.) and researching the interconnection between the power of water and it's importance to the visual culture of early-modern (16-18th centuries) Europe.

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6. 09. 2024 Natthanicha Luengvoraphan

Green tourism and Thailand’s unexpected wildlife revival

Green tourism and wildlife revival in Thailand. A Wavemaker Story by Ferra, posted by Ocean Generation

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Being well into summer, tourism in Thailand is at its very peak again.

It may not be obvious but the beaches that you see today have undergone a significant recovery during the pandemic. Many called it a miracle in disguise. It was a turning point that allowed for a more sustainable path forward to emerge.

To understand why, let’s go back in time.

During the pandemic, I took part in a beach clean-up as a high school community service project. When I arrived, I could see that all the beaches were empty, and it was unusual to see them without people as I have always linked the two together.

However, it was peaceful.

There was a lot less litter than I remember from my visit a few years ago, where there was trash every 5 meters along the coast and floating in the sea. I felt relieved for the Ocean and its community – this was probably the first break it had in a long time.

Ferra, a Wavemaker took part in a beach clean in Thailand — *Photo by Ferra, a Wavemaker*

In the south of Thailand, numerous sea creatures such as fish, sharks, turtles and dugongs made unexpected appearances.

There were multiple news reports of locals’ observations of sea life, indicating that there has been a promising recovery of the marine ecosystem. I even saw my first shark in the Ocean at Maya Bay in 2023, a clear and unforgettable sign I witnessed firsthand.

But it wasn’t always like this.

As often happens, many of the following problems occur because of us, and our impact.

Pollution can arise from littering, air emissions, noise, or oil and chemicals. The most prominent is litter, ingested by marine animals or accumulating in Ocean gyres. Microplastics are another significant threat which cause toxic chemicals and disrupt food chains.

In the Mediterranean Sea, marine litter accumulates 4.7 x faster during the high tourist season. This mostly happens due to too much waste, from lack of resources, food waste and unfamiliarity with waste systems.

Anchoring and other marine activities damage corals and other marine environments such as seagrass beds. Anchors can impact 7.11% of the coral at popular sites every year. This has severe repercussions as corals are one of the slowest growing creatures – massive ones grow merely 0.3 to 2 cm per year.

Green tourism in Thailand is the responsible way of travelling — *Photo by Ferra, a Wavemaker*

How did this crisis turn into opportunity?

With the absence of tourists during the lockdown, conservationists seized the opportunity by repairing 30,000 fragments of coral in Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi Lee; collecting rubbish and cleaning the beach.

Moving forward, there will be rules such as limiting the number of tourists per day at popular tourist sites such as Maya Bay, Similan islands and Koh Tachai. Additionally, closing off the island at certain points of the year and increasing the strictness of regulations to move towards a sustainable future.

Sea creatures such as sharks have made reappearances in Thailand. — *Photo by Ferra, a Wavemaker*

What is green tourism?

Green tourism is a more responsible way of travelling. It means being mindful of the destination’s natural resources and the local community to minimise our environmental impact.

Nowadays, hotels are being more sustainable by eliminating single use amenities and promoting the re-use of products. When travelling, it’s up to us, too, to make a positive impact.

Here are a few tips to be more sustainable when travelling:

Support local businesses & communities
Bring your own refillable water bottle (if there are no refillable stations, I often ask nearby stores/restaurants which may have large containers of water)
Consider traveling during off-peak season
Take public transport, walk or cycle
Stay on path and avoid interacting with wildlife
Avoid collecting seashells and sand
Do your own research on how you can minimise your impact at the destination you plan on visiting

After seeing the Ocean come back to life, I felt hopeful that we can indeed restore its health.

With green tourism, we can reduce our ecological footprint and make sure that the breathtaking destinations will be there for us and future generations to cherish. I believe that the Ocean and people can thrive together, but for that to last, we must appreciate and take care of it.

After seeing the Ocean come back to life in Thailand, Ferra felt hopeful.

Cover photo by Prinn Vajrabhaya

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Ferra!

Connect with Ferra via LinkedIn. Learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Natthanicha Luengvoraphan

Ferra, from Thailand, is a certified island girl with a deep love for the beach. She believes in everyone's power to care for our planet and hopes to inspire action through her story.

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23. 07. 2024 Minh Hieu Nguyen

Individual actions can change the world: Noah finds a forest in the sea

Individual actions can change the world. A Wavemaker Story, posted by Ocean Generation

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Empowered by our Wavemaker workshop, Dala has illustrated a storybook about how our actions can change the world; we can’t wait for you to read it.

We ran a competition around creativity and sustainability at the Arts University Bournemouth, UK. The Green Futures project challenged students to attend our Wavemaker Workshop, learn why the Ocean is so important, and our role in safeguarding it, and submit an artwork in response.

We received 12 artworks – Dala’s book being one of them – answering the question “What changes would you like to see to ensure an Ocean positive future?”

Often, the Ocean is thought to be impossibly deep and limitless.

The Ocean is vast, but it has its limits. For decades, we have used the Ocean as a dumping ground, without considering the impact of our actions.

Dala’s story, written for children, explores the moment when someone comes along and says ‘Hey, this isn’t right. We need to do better.’

These actions can change the world.

They can inspire others to rethink their own choices and make better ones, too.

Dala, a Wavemaker from the Arts University Bournemouth, chose a unique way of delivering a powerful message about imperfect environmentalism.

Imperfect environmentalism is when imperfect actions, multiplied by millions change the world. Posted by Ocean Generation

His book addresses cultural and global issues, aiming to make the world better. 

The illustrated children’s book, ‘Noah finds a forest in the sea’ tells the story of Noah, a small girl, whose dream is to see the Ocean.

But when Noah gets there, she discovers that the beach isn’t quite like as she had imagined.

We won’t spoil the story for you – you’ll have to read Dala’s book, below, to enjoy it – but we’ll remind you: Little actions, multiplied by millions of people, have the power to change the world. In this book, but in real life, too.

The inspiration for this story struck Dala five years ago while he was sitting on the beach, enjoying the beauty of the Ocean.

He observed a little girl collecting empty bottles around her, and her act of kindness stayed with him long after.

Back then, Dala made a promise to himself to create the book someday. He says “I firmly believe that when you make a promise, the universe conspires to help you fulfil it. I could never have imagined that I would end up studying at an art school and illustrating this book.”

Noah finds a forest in the sea Download

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Dala!

Follow Dala’s work on his website or portfolio, or get in touch with him via his Instagram page. Learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Minh Hieu Nguyen

Dala (Minh Hieu Nguyen), a Wavemaker, specialises in narrative and packaging illustrations. Through his illustrations, he addresses cultural and global issues, aiming to make the world better. He was born and raised in a beach town, and his whole childhood was filled with kites, waves, and sand.

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25. 03. 2024 Serag Heiba

Citizen science: Monitoring the turtles of the Red Sea

Sea turtle monitoring at the Red Sea, a Wavemaker Story by Serag Heiba. Posted by Ocean Generation, leaders in Ocean education.

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The Red Sea is a storied body of water that many have heard of, but few are familiar with.

Its history will bring up names like Hatshepsut and Moses, and its present is fraught with tales of piracy and political unrest.

But there’s another side to the Red Sea. As the most northern tropical sea, it boasts an incredible biodiversity that makes it both stunningly beautiful and ecologically vital.

I had the pleasure of spending two weeks with TurtleWatch Egypt 2.0, an organisation dedicated to monitoring the endangered sea turtle populations of Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

They launched as an initiative in 2011, and registered as an NGO in 2022. I was curious to learn more about marine conservation in my home country. To my luck, TurtleWatch was the perfect place to start.

Red Sea coast is a world-renowned spot for diving. — *Photo by Raimond Clavins*

Based in the small town of Marsa Alam, their day-to-day work may be a dream for many thalassophiles.

Mornings are spent diving in bays rich with seagrass and corals, snapping photos of sea turtles and measuring data like shell length and water temperature.

Of course, their work has less idyllic parts too. Never-ending paperwork, grant applications, and database updates are just as important to the organisation’s functioning.

A member of the TurtleWatch team photographing a green sea turtle. The photo will later be used to identify the turtle and update their database. — *Photo by Micol Montagna*

There’s one other thing that makes TurtleWatch especially unique: citizen science.

They were the first initiative in Egypt aimed at involving divers and snorkelers in marine conservation research.

How? By allowing visitors to the Red Sea to upload their own sightings and pictures of sea turtles, TurtleWatch taps into the potential of everyday people to contribute as citizen scientists.

These contributions help TurtleWatch identify important feeding and gathering sites for sea turtles, and better understand their movements and short-term migrations. It also helps them assess the impacts people have on these endangered animals.

They use this information to not only improve conservation and protection efforts, but to organise training sessions for dive centres and deliver “turtle talks” to young children, students, and tourists.

TurtleWatch delivering a turtle talk at a local kindergarten, as explained in a Wavemaker Story published by Ocean Generation, leaders in Ocean education. — *Photo by Micol Montagna*

Citizen science is not a new concept.

It has been used around the world to classify galaxies and track illegal fishing. But in a place like the Red Sea, which is understudied and where data is insufficient, TurtleWatch has managed to greatly extend their eyes and ears beyond their local vicinity.

Sightings come from all over the coast, and in 2023 they received over 1000 sightings.

It makes perfect sense: Egypt’s Red Sea coast is filled with towns and resorts buzzing with snorkelers and divers, so why not involve them in the effort to protect the very marine life they’ve come here to enjoy?

Snorllekers help safeguarding sea turtles with the help of citizen science.

As with everywhere else, the Red Sea hasn’t escaped the destructive impacts of people on the natural world.

Coastal development and tourism are polluting the marine environment and leaving physical scars, while warming waters and acidification are harming the Red Sea’s ability to withstand changes.

The good news is that corals in the Red Sea are some of the most resilient on the planet and could help us protect other corals reefs in the future.

Coastal development and tourism are polluting marine life in Egypt. Wavemaker Story posted by Ocean Generation.

But before that’s possible, we will need better regulations and more marine protected areas to safeguard the Red Sea.

Organisations like TurtleWatch—with the aid of citizen science—are doing their part to provide much-needed data and help protect this beautiful sea for future generations.

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Serag!

Connect with Serag Heiba via LinkedIn. Learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

Disclaimer: Ocean Generation has no official affiliation with TurtleWatch. Mention of or reference to TurtleWatch is not an endorsement or sponsorship by Ocean Generation. The views, opinions, and activities of TurtleWatch are independent of Ocean Generation.

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Serag Heiba

Serag is an Ocean advocate and storyteller from Alexandria, Egypt. He recently graduated university in Hong Kong where he studied environmental engineering, and is now working on a magazine about the Red Sea. You can find more of his past work on LinkedIn.

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7. 03. 2024 Katie Curtis-Smith

The art of not drifting apart: life lessons from sea otters

Sea otters hold hands to not drift apart, a Wavemaker Story by Katie.

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I took pride in my stubbornness as a young child. My family can attest to this.

For many years I used to make a point of objecting whenever museums or art exhibitions were suggested as “fun” family activities.

Wandering around such places for hours on end did not exactly line up with my vision of crafting mud pies in the garden to serve to my siblings.

My exception to this rule was the Seattle Aquarium. Seattle Waterfront’s Pier 59 is home to habitats with names like Life on the Edge, Crashing Waves, and Window on Washington Waters, showcasing the vast diversity of life in the Ocean.

To this day this aquarium remains an established part of the itinerary whenever I’m in Seattle.

The Seattle Aquarium showcases the vast diversity of life in our Ocean. A Wavemaker Story by Katie, posted by Ocean Generation, leaders in Ocean education.

Two current aquarium inhabitants are particularly special to me. Mishka and Sekiu are sea otters who I could watch for hours as they effortlessly glide through the water and playfully twist and turn and bump into each other.

I have a soft spot for this species because it was a sea otter poster that first persuaded me to break my previously steadfast no “fun” family activities rule and step foot in the aquarium.

“We hold hands in our sleep, so we never drift apart”.

These were the words written on that poster. I learnt that this phrase describes the way some sea otters have been observed to hold each other’s paws while resting in a group (called a ‘raft’).

Since that first aquarium visit, I have gone on to pursue a degree in biology. My days are now filled with learning about the pressing challenges of global biodiversity loss and climate change, alongside uplifting stories of conservation success and awesome cutting-edge research.

Otters hold hands in their sleep so they never drift apart.

One of my friends asked me recently if I had to choose one takeaway from my degree to share with others, what would it be? Given the breadth of the field of biology I took some time to think about it.

“We hold hands in our sleep, so we never drift apart”

I read these words again, this time printed on a Seattle Aquarium magnet, and now have an answer for her.

Our actions, big or small, impact our blue planet.

As a species, humans have picked up a habit of drifting apart from nature.

Societies across the world have grown, developed, and flourished. But societal complexity has historically come at the cost of increased disconnect from the wild.

Take a moment to consider where the food that you consume comes from. The journey the coffee beans took to give you that morning brew. The origin of the materials in the clothes that you wear.

Nature provides these resources that fuel our lives.

Yet for many products, disconnect from nature is a goal. After all, meat encased in neat plastic packaging is more comfortable to consume than the reminder of its origin in nature.

Humans benefit from the natural biological, chemical, and physical processes, such as nutrient cycles and food webs, that occur within ecosystems. Examples of these benefits, known as ‘ecosystem services’, include resource provision, crop pollination, clean water, and climate regulation.

Recognising ecosystem services is crucial because harm inflicted upon nature diminishes its ability to provide these essential services.

It can be easy to forget that humans are a species too. Our scientific name is Homo sapiens. Humans are an inherent part of nature, and yet we often detach ourselves from it. It’s as if when we walk out of that aquarium we are no longer connected to the Ocean.

This could not be further from the truth.

All our actions, big and small, impact the planet. As is characteristic of human nature, we have the potential for good, bad, and everything in between. For instance, while overconsumption puts pressure on ecosystems and the services that they provide, conservation programs act to preserve and protect the environment.

It is up to us – as imperfect human beings – to try our best, maximise our positive impacts and minimise the negatives.

So, how can we avoid drifting apart from nature?

Reconnect with nature by spending more time outside
Be a conscious and mindful consumer
Actively educate yourself about the Ocean and the environment
Engage with conservation initiatives

The connection between people and planet must be acknowledged. We cannot afford to drift apart from the natural world.

As if we walk out of the Aquarium, we're no longer connected to the Ocean.

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Katie!

Connect with Katie Curtis-Smith via LinkedIn or her Instagram page. Learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Katie Curtis-Smith

Katie is in the final year of her integrated master’s degree in Biology at the University of Oxford. Her master’s research explores how the extraction of construction minerals (such as sand, gravel, and limestone) impacts biodiversity globally. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Katie learnt about the importance of effective science communication, and she is a strong advocate for making science more accessible. Katie also completed an internship at Ocean Generation; contributing to our Science Team.

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9. 02. 2024 Katie Birditt

Diving into Kalk Bay: Exploring its past, present, future

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My earliest, enduring memory of the Ocean is a stretch of sea rolling away from a vibrant fishing harbour in Kalk Bay, Cape Town.

The harbour’s position along the False Bay Coast, as well as its rich marine life, played a crucial role in the city’s early development and prosperity. Little did I know this place would also play an important role in my own life.

Kalk Bay: A link to my childhood and the last connection to my grandmother.

The colourful fishing boats in the harbour that frame the glorious, shimmering stretch of Ocean in my mind like a postcard, idealised to a point far from reality. Today, with names like Star of the Sea and Lucky Strike, those old wooden boats seem struck in a rapidly receding past.

Change has come in great variety and moved with incredible momentum. All aspects of the scene have been altered – from the oceanography and to the social structures and human dimension surrounding the harbour.

I find it interesting and unsurprising, that when asked to think of a memory about the Ocean, the one I recall is so entangled with the influence of mankind. These two elements – human and Ocean – have been linked for centuries and seem unable to escape one another.

Wavemaker Story by Katie about Kalk Bay, Cape Town's past, present and future.

I feel this tension reflected in the complex and often contradictory nature of our social and ecological aims moving forwards as a society.

Progression too often comes at the high cost of our marine health, a lack of respect for our past and insufficient foresight for our future. All of this points to the difficulty in honouring and preserving our collective pasts whilst building future horizons in sustainable ways.

New strategies for managing the natural environment and its resources should include integrated approaches with new frameworks, stakeholders and communities.

Kalk Bay as we see it today

The Kalk Bay area may be reminiscent of the past, but the issues it faces are very much of the present. The harbour is one of the few still in operation, albeit a far cry from its thriving commercial days. Subsistence fishing (the practice of catching fish for personal consumption and not profit) is carried out with a handful of crayfish boats heading out each day.

With reduced operation has come tourism and commercialisation. You will find restaurants, pop up stalls selling gimmicks, and seals, who emboldened and adjusted to the crowds, sunbathe on the jetty.

Seal sunbathing on the jetty at Kalk Bay, Cape Town.

Just as the Ocean below has been altered by rising sea levels and an increased frequency of extreme temperature events, so too has the harbour. Unsurprisingly, the advancements and demands of modern life have been the indirect driving forces behind this change.

All the usual culprits – overfishing, climate change, overpopulation, and coastal development- are part of this problem. Fish stocks caused by overfishing and the violations of size regulations have impacted marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of local fisherman.

Coastal development have also contributed significantly to these detrimental changes by increasing pollutant runoff and nutrient loading.

This illustrates just how interrelated Ocean and coastal ecosystems are and how integral they are to both human and aquatic life.

Progression at Kalk Bay, Cape Town too often comes at the high cost of our marine health, a lack of respect for our past and insufficient foresight for our future. Article by Ocean Generation, leaders in Ocean education.

Not all hope is lost for Kalk Bay

Thankfully, there’s been a growing awareness of and respect for some of these pressing human-made threats, which has led to the establishment of marine protected areas. Currently, 15 % of South Africa’s total marine areas are protected with 1.7 % of this area fully protected.

Evidently, the South African constitution recognises the need for these conservation efforts and acknowledges the responsibility that the fishing and tourism industries have.

Eco-tourism has emerged as a way of protecting and sustainably using the environment, without negatively impacting economic growth and job security.

A growing awareness in South Africa has led to the establishment of marine protected areas.

We need solutions that engage local communities living in coastal areas. This would encourage the safeguarding of natural resources, improve the quality of people’s lives, and potentially assist in building bridges between sections of South African society that has historically been divided.

Approaches such as these work towards achieving a balance between developmental goals and environmental concerns; it’s of course an ongoing process. Therefore, it’s important to thoroughly research and address the priorities and gaps in this area with input from various stakeholders.

Katie, a Wavemaker tells us: My grandmother’s childhood saw the days when man could still outrun his actions without stopping to catch his breath and consider the implications.

My grandmother’s childhood saw the days when man could still outrun his actions without stopping to catch his breath and consider any of the implications. The harmony between human and Ocean that existed was only ever on a short-term loan, one with dangerously high interest.

The future seemed as it always does to those on the shores of the present: An island far away.

Katie, a Wavemaker shares this quote: My faith in the [...] next generation of changemakers gives me hope for the future of our marine and coastal ecosystems.

The generation of young people to which I belong to understand that preservation isn’t about merely respecting the present but also about securing the future. Therefore, my faith in the collective creativity and problem-solving abilities of the next generation of changemakers gives me hope for the future of our marine and coastal ecosystems.

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Katie!

Connect with Katie Birditt via LinkedIn or her Instagram page. Learn about how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.

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Katie Birditt

Katie is a part-time writer, full-time Ocean enthusiast and aspiring scientist. The Ocean has always been a place of wonder for her, occupying a special place in her imagination. Currently studying at Cambridge University, Katie explores her passion for environmental advocacy and activism as an ambassador for sustainability within science.

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Ethical adventures – Why choose eco-tourism?

There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. It’s only natural that more people, like myself, want to go and experience everything our planet has to offer.

What is eco-tourism?

Why does choosing ethical tourism matter?

What I learned about mindful travel: Tips to travel with purpose

Leaving a positive footprint

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Amelia!

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We asked artists to showcase imperfect environmentalism

What does imperfect environmentalism look like to you?

We set a creative challenge for university students: Create something that embodies imperfect environmentalism.

The brief: Create artwork that highlights what “imperfect environmentalism” means to you.

Here’s the winning art, and the artists behind it:

1. A costume made entirely of discarded plastic.

Watch: How we bring our Ocean education workshops to students, during design challenges like these

2. An illustrated storybook teaching children about the importance of the Ocean.

3. Two impactful posters, now incorporated into our workshops, will go on to educate hundreds of young people

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The way of the water

The first time I felt the water wrap around me, I knew I had found something special.

Despite my inability to swim, I felt a profound sense of autonomy in the water.

I took a deep breath and sank beneath the surface, feeling the coolness surround me like a protective cloak.

With each visit, the Ocean became my sanctuary.

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Phoebe!

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Coconut for the Sea: What an Ancient Tradition Teaches Us About Ocean Conservation

“As we offer the sea our prayers and coconuts, we remember our bond with her, for she gives and we take, a balance we strive to keep.”

Growing up, my approach to Ocean conservation was straightforward: remove waste, reduce damage, respect marine life.

But it’s not just about the visual splendour, Narali Purnima is timed to respect the sea’s cycles.

As I continue my work in Ocean conservation, I now carry the spirit of Narali Purnima with me.

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Ajay!

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Can traditions become Ocean-friendly? The story of Thailand’s Loy Krathong Festival

Our Ocean, rivers, lakes, canals and other bodies of water have provided us with so much for centuries.

In Thailand, a full moon night in November, during the Loy Krathong Festival, is dedicated to worshiping the goddess of water.

The materials krathongs are made of make a huge difference.

How is the tradition of the Loy Krathong Festival becoming more sustainable?

Thank you for raising your voice for the Ocean, Ferra!

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We asked 45 students to design clothing inspired by the Ocean

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His book addresses cultural and global issues, aiming to make the world better. 