Cape Town based NPO, I AM WATER, celebrates 15 years of ocean connection workshops and The Earthshot Prize 2025 nomination
I AM WATER Ocean Conservation Foundation is thrilled to announce its nomination for the prestigious Earthshot Prize 2025, a global award that recognizes innovative and scalable solutions for restoring and preserving the planet.
This nomination is a testament to over a decade of dedicated efforts in reconnecting marginalized youth with the ocean, leading to the establishment of the OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance Global initiative. “We believe that in order to safeguard our oceans, we must first establish a strong connection between people and the marine environment – especially the future generation,” said Hanli Prinsloo, the Founder of I AM WATER. “This nomination reaffirms the critical importance of ocean connection experiences and their ability to inspire change in individuals, communities, and societies.”
The OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance (OFAA), an initiative launched by I AM WATER in 2021, has grown from 4 to 16 international member organizations in the past year. This alliance aims to expand ocean access for underserved youth through in-person training based on I AM WATER’s Ocean Connection Methodology. By empowering grassroots organizations to provide engaging ocean education experiences in their local communities, OFAA promotes knowledge sharing, standardized evaluation, and a shared commitment to ocean conservation.
Aside from the OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance, the I AM WATER Cape Town Hub continues to deliver impactful ocean connection experiences. Since 2019, I AM WATER has reached over 48,900 beneficiaries through immersive ocean-based education.
- The flagship Ocean Guardians Workshops in 2024 welcomed 1,259 children in South Africa to explore the ocean depths, fostering personal connection, awareness, and stewardship for marine ecosystems.
- The School Speaking Series in Cape Town engaged 9,699 students, providing them with knowledge and actionable solutions for ocean conservation.
- The River Guardians Workshops involved 174 youth in hands-on citizen science activities, helping them understand the crucial link between freshwater and the ocean.
- The Inclusive Ocean Experiences program offered ocean access to children with physical and cognitive challenges in an empowering manner.
A recent study conducted in partnership with the University of North Carolina Wilmington on the long-term impact of I AM WATER’s Ocean Connection Methodology demonstrated that participants not only increased their positive actions towards the ocean following the workshops but also sustained these behaviors over time, showcasing lasting and transformative change.
As we eagerly anticipate the next stage of the Earthshot journey, we celebrate this significant milestone with our ocean community and partners who have played a pivotal role in our achievements. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors, friends, partners, and team members. Together, we are demonstrating the power of grassroots organizations in driving global change.”
For more information, please visit www.iamwaterfoundation.org and Earthshotprize.org.
