In partnership with the Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA), the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) is hosting the 2023 Youth Innovation Challenge. This challenge provides an opportunity for young people ages 15–30 around the world to share their innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. We're looking for solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Winning solutions will receive global recognition and a $1,000 USD prize! 

For those of you interested in submitting, but unsure of how to begin, we suggest you watch the 2023 YIC Applicant Webinar recording and look through the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Still hesitant? Consider some of these tips:

What does it mean to have an “informed” solution? 

• Your solution considers the complex social, economic, and environmental dynamics surrounding the issue 
• You provide relevant research or evidence to demonstrate this ^

Example: In his winning solution, Mac-Donald Taribio Jim-Dorgu used research from local experts to demonstrate the need for facilitated town hall meetings in his community to tackle the issue of marine debris. He cited two articles from scholars in his community that researched the impact of marine debris on the marine ecosystems in his region. Watch Mac-Donald's video application on YouTube. 

How can you make your solution informed? 

• Tell us about the research you did that helped lead you to your solution 
• Share some of the sources from your research (you can cite authors’ names, website URLs, bit.ly URLs, etc.)

What kind of sources can I cite? 

• You can cite anything that is evidence-based (learn more about that here)
• Previous awardees have used: 
  • Research articles or scientific journals 
  • Databases (such as from the UN World Reports, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or other major ocean- or climate-related organizations)
  • Books 
  • Videos 
  • Websites 

Still have questions? Send us an email at geep@naaee.org!

 When you're ready to submit, begin your YIC application here.  We can't wait to hear from you!