South Africa – I AM WATER
Ocean Conservation
IGNITING A MOVEMENT OF BLUE MINDS
Straddling two oceans, South Africa's 2,800-kilometer coastline supports an abundance of life. It boasts nearly 13,000 marine species in kelp forests, coral reefs, and sandy shores, while coastal resources contribute nearly a third of the country’s GDP. However, a harsh reality exists for many young South Africans: decades of unequal access have left many youths facing poverty and limited educational opportunities. These factors can restrict their ability to connect with and benefit from the ocean environments around them, at the same time leaving the country's marine wonders vulnerable without future stewards to protect them.
From 2019-2024, Freyja supported I AM WATER in their mission to champion marine access and stewardship for South Africa’s next generation. With a goal of igniting a movement of blue minds across the planet, I AM WATER facilitates transformative ocean experiences for youth in under-resourced communities.
COACHING THE NEXT GENERATION OF OCEAN GUARDIANS
Founded in 2019, I AM WATER carries out their mission through a variety of programs that connect youth with the ocean.
Their flagship program, Ocean Guardians Workshops, consists of two days of ocean exploration and conservation – offering hands-on activities like intertidal exploration, beach cleanups, yoga-inspired breath work, and snorkeling. The workshops are led by I AM WATER’s team of coaches – marine scientists, lifeguards, and ocean conservation advocates. Coaches are from the same communities as program participants, allowing them to be effective role models for their younger peers. In addition to their flagship workshop, I AM WATER’s other programming includes:
- School speaking series: I AM WATER's school speaking series connects students with ocean conservation through engaging talks on ocean wonders, challenges, and solutions, delivered by trained coaches who build familiarity with future workshop participants.
- Oceans for All Alliance: I AM WATER trains organizations from across the world on how to facilitate ocean connection, conservation, and education in their own communities.
- River Guardians workshop: Combining environmental education with hands-on activities like river clean-ups and citizen science projects, River Guardians Workshops connect participants to the health of freshwater systems and their impact on the ocean.
Each of these programs tie to the organization’s core pursuit: fostering a profound and lasting connection with the ocean and empowering the next generation of environmental stewards – across South Africa and the world.
Ocean Guardians Workshops in Action
IMPACT IN ACTION
Over the course of Freyja’s support, I AM WATER reached:
Ocean Guardians Workshop participants
Trained community coaches
Participants in their school speaking series
From 2019-2024, we provided I AM WATER general operating support, as well as support for the organization to produce three short educational videos for the Western Cape Department of Education to include in their standard school curriculum.
Empower the next generation of ocean guardians
Explore and support I AM WATER’s mission to ignite a movement of blue minds
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