FAQ

What is the OceanLove Innovation Awards (OIA)?

What is the OceanLove Innovation
Awards (OIA)?

The OceanLove Innovation Awards is a prestigious global and inclusive initiative that celebrates and supports the most innovative and impactful ideas for protecting our oceans. It recognizes forward-thinking solutions that help safeguard marine ecosystems and promote ocean sustainability. The winning idea receives tailored support, resources, and media exposure to help turn the concept into a tangible, real-world impact.

Who can apply for the OceanLove Innovation Awards?

Who can participate in the
OceanLove Innovation Awards?

●     Project and/or products at various stages of development (idea, prototype or pilot stage)
●      Non-profit organizations, cooperatives, social enterprises, and mission-driven companies, provided that the proposed innovation demonstrably serves the public benefit
●       Existing funding should be between 0 – 30,000euros

What criteria will be used to assess my application?

What will my application
be assessed on?

Positivity – Help Spread the Message of OceanLove
Projects should inspire and promote a positive message about ocean conservation. We look for initiatives that not only address challenges but also foster hope and encourage wider public engagement with ocean love and care.

Passion and Motivation
How genuine and compelling is the team’s drive to tackle this specific ocean problem? We look for a clear “why” that shows care, urgency, and long-term commitment, something that feels personal and mission-led.

Project / Team Fit
How well-positioned is the applicant/team to deliver the project successfully? We look at relevant experience and skills, role clarity, capacity to execute, and access to the right partners, tools, or communities. Strong scores go to teams that can demonstrate they understand the problem in practice and have the expertise and structure to implement, adapt, and sustain the initiative.

Community Upliftment
Initiatives that contribute to the socio-economic betterment of local communities, especially those that rely on marine resources, are crucial. This criterion evaluates how the project empowers and improves the lives of people in these communities

Originality
This criterion assesses the uniqueness and creativity of the initiative. Projects that introduce new ideas, approaches, or innovations in ocean conservation are highly valued. We look for initiatives that stand out for their ingenuity and original thinking.

Impact/Scalability
The potential of the initiative to make a significant and positive difference in the health and preservation of oceans without causing adverse effects on the environment or depleting natural resources. This includes both immediate results and long-term benefits to marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

Timeliness
This criterion assesses the relevance and urgency of the initiative. Projects should align with current trends, pressing needs, or windows of opportunity in ocean conservation.

Feasibility
The practicality of implementing and financially sustaining the initiative is crucial. This includes considerations of resources, time, expertise, and other factors necessary for the successful execution and maintenance of the project.

When will the OceanLove Innovation Awards take place?

When will the OceanLove
Innovation Awards take place?

The awards will be presented on October 11th, 2026, marking a special celebration of the most impactful and feasible ideas during a live Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles(Alta Sea premises).

What types of projects or
ideas are considered
as 'initiatives'
for the OceanLove Innovation Awards?

What types of projects or ideas are considered as 'initiatives'
for the OceanLove Innovation Awards?

When we refer to "initiatives," we're talking about creative and impactful ideas aimed at protecting the environment, particularly our oceans. These aren't just limited to innovative products that align with green or blue economies, moving away from unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. They also include dynamic actions and campaigns that directly contribute to ocean conservation.
These initiatives can range from influential campaigns, like #dontvisitfaraoeisland, which aims to end whale slaughter, to successful legal efforts like the bans on oil drilling achieved in Panama and Belize through referendums and local activism. Another inspiring initiative is the sustainable harvesting of sea sponges by women in Zanzibar, Tanzania, which not only aids in ocean preservation but also provides a source of income for local families.
We value these ideas not just for their environmental impact, but also for their practicality and potential to inspire and be replicated in similar contexts, contributing to both ecological preservation and economic development.The OceanLove Innovation Awards is open to individuals and teams from all continents, cultures, educational levels, and age groups who are passionate about protecting the oceans.

Who is behind the OceanLove initiative?

Who is behind the OceanLove
initiative?

OceanLove is an initiative led by Ilco van der Linde, known for founding international campaigns like Dance4life and MasterPeace. The OceanLove team consists of dedicated volunteers from various countries , including experts in media and biodiversity.

Why is ocean protection important?

Why is ocean protection
important?

The oceans play a vital role in regulating climate, providing oxygen, feeding populations, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and offering aesthetic beauty . Protecting the oceans is essential for the well-being of our planet and all its inhabitants.

How do oceans regulate our climate?

How do oceans regulate our
climate?

Oceans absorb 25% of carbon emissions and generate 50% of the oxygen we need. They act as the planet's lungs and carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change's negative impacts

How do oceans contribute to our food supply?

How do oceans contribute to
our food supply?

Oceans provide 15% of global animal protein, with seafood serving as a primary protein source for over 50% of populations in least developed countries.

How do oceans contribute to the global economy?

How do oceans contribute to
the global economy?

The oceans offer economic opportunities, contributing about 5% of the total global GDP[6] . They provide jobs, livelihoods, and resources that support millions of people's well-being.

How are oceans a tool for economic development?

How are oceans a tool for
economic development?

Access to oceans and shorelines enables countries to attract investments and develop industries, contributing to economic growth and stability.

What is the significance of protecting the oceans' biodiversity?

What is the significance of protecting
the oceans'
biodiversity?

The oceans support diverse ecosystems and countless species, providing inspiration, aesthetic pleasure, and enjoyment for various activities such as diving, surfing, and photography.

What is the High Seas Treaty?

The High Seas Treaty, a historic agreement by the United Nations, aims to protect and restore marine nature by establishing protected areas covering 30% of the seas by 2030.

How does the treaty benefit marine life?

How does the treaty benefit
marine life?

By creating protected areas, the treaty helps safeguard marine life from threats like climate change, overfishing, and shipping traffic.

How does the High Seas Treaty align with global goals?

How does the High Seas Treaty
align with global goals?

The treaty aligns with the new Global Biodiversity Framework's goal of protecting 30% of oceans and land by 2030, known as 30x30.

What is the purpose of the OceanLove Innovation Awards?

What is the purpose of the
OceanLove Innovation Awards?

The OceanLove Innovation Awards aims to recognize and accelerate innovative ideas that contribute to ocean health by providing support, exposure, and collaboration opportunities.

What are the award themes?

The award themes include "Solutions for cleaner oceans," "Improved environment for ocean animals," and "Restoration and preservation of ocean habitats."

How will the award winners be selected?

How will the award winners be
selected?

Winners will be selected based on criteria such as the impact of the innovation on the theme, time needed for implementation, and required funding.

What is the goal of the OceanLove Innovation Awards?

What is the goal of the
OceanLove Innovation Awards?

The goal is to inspire and mobilize bright minds worldwide to contribute innovative solutions that protect our oceans and drive positive change.

Knowledge
is
key

frequently
asked
questions

frequently
asked
questions

Knowledgeiskey

frequentlyaskedquestions

frequentlyaskedquestions

What is the OceanLove Innovation Awards (OIA)?

What is the OceanLove InnovationAwards (OIA)?

Who can apply for the OceanLove Innovation Awards?

Who can participate in the OceanLove Innovation Awards?

What criteria will be used to assess my application?

What will my application be assessed on?

When will the OceanLove Innovation Awards take place?

When will the OceanLove Innovation Awards take place?

What types of projects or ideas are considered as 'initiatives' for the OceanLove Innovation Awards?