Proyecto Acuática: Empowering Youth to Safeguard Ocean Heritage in the Colombian Caribbean

The Colombian Caribbean is a region shaped by the ocean. Its coastal and marine ecosystems sustain biodiversity, support local livelihoods, inspire cultural traditions, and form an essential part of the identity of coastal communities. Yet, despite this profound connection, many children and young people have limited access to ocean education and few opportunities to engage with the stewardship of the marine environments and cultural heritage that surround them.

Proyecto Acuática was established to address this challenge by strengthening ocean literacy, youth leadership, and public engagement with the ocean across the Colombian Caribbean. Founded and led by young ocean advocates, the initiative recognizes that the future of marine conservation depends on empowering younger generations to understand the ecological, cultural, and social importance of the ocean and to actively participate in shaping sustainable futures for their communities.

In the Caribbean, the ocean is more than an ecosystem; it is a source of identity, memory, livelihoods, knowledge, and cultural expression. Proyecto Acuática works to preserve and strengthen these connections by creating educational experiences that integrate marine science, local knowledge, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship. Through workshops, campaigns, youth forums, science communication initiatives, educational resources, and international dialogues, the project helps children and young people develop a deeper understanding of the ocean while building the skills and confidence needed to become leaders and advocates for change.

Since its creation, Proyecto Acuática has engaged thousands of children, young people, educators, and community members through marine education programs, awareness campaigns, conferences, citizen participation initiatives, and collaborative events connecting youth with scientists, conservation practitioners, educators, and decision-makers from around the world. These activities have created opportunities for young people from the Caribbean region to contribute to global conversations on ocean sustainability while sharing their own perspectives, experiences, and cultural connections to the sea.

As one of the pioneering youth-led ocean literacy initiatives in the Colombian Caribbean, Proyecto Acuática demonstrates how education can serve as a bridge between conservation and cultural heritage. The project highlights the importance of understanding the ocean not only as a natural resource, but also as a living element of cultural identity that connects communities across generations.

The initiative contributes to the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development by advancing ocean literacy, strengthening youth participation, and promoting inclusive approaches to marine conservation. Through its work, Proyecto Acuática seeks to build a more informed, engaged, and empowered society capable of protecting both the ecological health of the ocean and the rich cultural heritage that depends upon it.

Partner Organisations:
Our collaborations vary by project and have included educational institutions, conservation organizations, youth networks, scientists, and international partners working in ocean education and marine conservation.