A bridge of oceanic dreams from Asia
Credit: Fabrice Duderhofer / Ocean Image Bank
Project Summary and Aim
A Bridge of Oceanic Dreams from Asia is a youth-led initiative dedicated to professionalizing the marine conservation and fishery sectors in the Asia Pacific region. Recognizing that the future of our oceans depends on a stable and skilled workforce, our primary aim is to shift youth engagement from temporary volunteerism to sustainable careers. We achieve this by fusing Traditional Ecological Knowledge held by local fishing communities with modern scientific skills such as GIS mapping and water quality surveying. By bridging the gap between the older generation of fishers and the new generation of aspiring marine professionals, we aim to build resilient coastal communities capable of adapting to climate change and marine pollution. We have set ambitious objectives for 2030 which include doubling the number of marine professionals in the region, rejuvenating the fishery sector by reducing the average age of fishers from their 50s to their 40s, and establishing sustainable development models in 60 coastal regions that balance economic survival with ecosystem protection.
Main Activities and Achievements
Our project operates through a hybrid model of online education and on the ground action. We facilitate direct intergenerational knowledge transfer between veteran fishers and youth to ensure traditional wisdom is preserved and digitized. In collaboration with partners like the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Japan, we deliver a comprehensive curriculum of 40 online lectures and practical field training sessions. Furthermore, we establish locally led joint ventures in target countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia to ensure our activities respect local legal frameworks and cultural values. On the policy front, we train youth pioneers to negotiate with local governments, successfully advocating for marine education to be integrated into local school curricula and community budgets.
Call for Collaboration
We are actively seeking to expand our Local Joint Venture model and invite collaboration from three key groups. First, we seek organizations in Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries who wish to adapt our curriculum to their local context. Second, we are looking for vocational training institutions interested in incorporating our marine science and policy modules. Finally, we invite experienced ocean professionals willing to serve as mentors to guide the next generation of Blue Economy leaders.
Partners This project is led by UNISC International in strategic partnership with the National Institute for Environmental Studies (Japan), Wetskill and Water Storytellers Collective
Contact person: Jin Tanaka