NATIONAL NODE - CANADA
Photo credit: Jacky Huang /Unsplash
Introducing ECOP Canada
Home to the longest coastline in the world, Canada is in a prime position to foster the next generation of Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs). As the very first national node of the UN Ocean Decade ECOP Programme in 2021, ECOP Canada is open to any ocean professional or volunteer within the first ten years of their career in the ocean sector.
Vision
Our vision is to empower the Canadian ocean sector by fostering intergenerational equity and by supporting diverse, early career ocean professionals shaping a sustainable blue future.
Mission
Guided by the UN Ocean Decade, our mission is to cultivate a new generation of ocean leaders who will innovate or contribute to solutions addressing global ocean challenges. We will achieve this by providing early career ocean professionals with opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate with one another and with established ocean institutions, while respecting diverse perspectives and fostering intergenerational cooperation.
What We Offer
Community and Connection: Be part of a growing, diverse ECOP community in Canada and collaborate with a network of partners, driving positive change in ocean sustainability.
Professional Development: Learn and participate in professional development opportunities designed to help you refine your skills, or equip you with the knowledge and experience as you begin your career.
Networking: Connect with peers and amplify your voice through our networking opportunities, shaping the future of Canada’s ocean sector.
Why Join?
- Connect with other ECOPs through our online network.
- Benefit from access to opportunities, training, and networking events.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest news on relevant conferences, events, and job opportunities.
Ambassador Program
The ECOP Canada Ambassador Program empowers Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) to engage in ocean sustainability initiatives across the country. The program provides funding to support professional development, attendance at conferences, and ECOP-led initiatives or collaborative projects. Ambassadors contribute to outreach, represent ECOP Canada at national and international events, and work together to address critical ocean challenges through community engagement and knowledge sharing.
Membership
Ready to connect with fellow ECOPs and make a difference? Fill out this form (below) and become part of our vibrant community!
Stay Connected
Follow our socials. Keep up to date with the latest news on relevant conferences, events, job opportunities, etc.
ECOP Canada Coordination Unit
Volita Yego
Volita is an ECOP with a background in law, human rights and a passion for the intersection between human rights and climate action. She has worked in ocean conservation and youth empowerment, coordinating and managing programs that inspire and equip young leaders to address environmental challenges.
Highlights of ECOP Canada
ECOP Canada was the first ever National Node of the ECOP Programme to be established. Learn more about its origins by visiting the previous ECOP Canada (2021-2024) page here (in English) and here (in French).
- The ECOP ambassador program is launched. The ambassador program provides access to grants for ECOPs to pursue their projects and professional development, helping them advance their careers and contribute their voice to ocean sustainability.
- ECOP Canada’s Laura Hernandez led the launch of the Microplastics Ambassador Program in partnership with SOA. This paid training initiative equipped youth and Early Career Ocean Professionals with the tools to raise awareness about microplastic pollution. Participants developed educational resources and led local outreach efforts to engage communities in addressing the impacts of microplastics.
- In April 2024, ECOP Canada participated in the UN Ocean Decade Conference held in Barcelona, Spain. This event, part of Ocean Decade Week, brought together over 150 ECOPs from around the world. As a key contributor, ECOP Canada co-hosted the satellite event “Waves of Change” in collaboration with SOI Foundation Blue Futures Pathways and Impact Hub Barcelona. This event highlighted the innovative ideas and leadership of young changemakers in building a sustainable blue economy.
- In September 2024, the SOI Foundation became the new administrative home for ECOP Canada, providing resources, administrative support, and a stable base for ECOP Canada to operate and grow.
- A new Steering Committee, consisting of Jovana Kornicer, Laura Hernandez Merlano, and Frankie Marquez, assumed leadership. This transition marked a period of leadership renewal and ongoing evolution for ECOP Canada.
- February 2023: Organized a delegation to the 5th International Marine Protected Area Congress (IMPAC5) in Vancouver, Canada, with funding provided for 15 ECOP delegates to attend.
- January 2022: Conducted a workshop focused on engaging early career ocean professionals in the UN Ocean Decade. Link to blog
- July 2022: Hosted a discussion on effective communication and partnership with Indigenous populations in the Ocean Decade, featuring Alexandra Anaviapik, a self-taught Inuk artist and Inuit Cultural educator from Pond Inlet, Nunavut, in Canada’s Arctic. Link to YouTube video
- December 2022:
- Held a workshop at the ArcticNet Scientific Meeting and sponsored the participation of 5 ECOPs. Link to Instagram Reel
- Participated in COP15 in Montreal, QC, where ECOP Fae Sapsford was part of a panel discussing marine and coastal biodiversity knowledge needs. Link to Livestream
- ECOP Canada was established as the first national node of the UN Ocean Decade ECOP program.
- Co-founders Neha Acharya-Patel, Ronnie Noonan-Birch, and Samantha McBeth formed the initial Steering Committee (2021-2023), laying the groundwork for ECOP Canada’s mission and activities.
- Ashley Bowes served as the National Coordinator for ECOP Canada till early 2024, where she played a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of ECOPs across the country. Her leadership was instrumental in fostering community engagement and advancing the objectives of the UN Ocean Decade within Canada.