It's exciting to hear updates and advice from our Endorsed Projects within the UN Ocean Decade framework. Coordinator of Citizens of Surf Natalie Fox shares with Ocean Decade UK what she's learnt on her journey of working with surfers to collect eDNA samples with NatureMetrics in the North Devon World Surfing Reserve, and bridge the gap between surfing and marine biodiversity. You can learn more about the projects the ECOP Programme is affiliated with on our page: https://lnkd.in/e8m2wzE2. The 7th call (for capacity development focussed actions) is still open (closing on 31 August), so learn more here: https://lnkd.in/e8m2wzE2 and reach out if you'd like to apply under the ECOP Programme.
🌊 🌊 Want to get involved with the UN Ocean Decade? Here are some top tips on responding to the Decade Call for Action#7 from endorsed UK Decade Actions 🌊 🌊 Citizens of Surf aims to equip surfers with the knowledge, understanding, support and tools to become active and engaged marine citizen scientists, building on the ocean literacy and ocean connection that they already have. With 35 million people known to immerse themselves in breaking waves on a global scale, Citizens of Surf will connect recreational Ocean users to Ocean science, so they can contribute toward the Ocean Decade and help achieve "The Science We Need, for the Ocean We Want". Citizens of Surf's longterm vision of helping surfers transform into citizen scientists by 2030, will play a significant part in creating a step change in humanity's relationship with the ocean. "My advice to utilise the broad and extensive network that is within the Ocean Decade; make connections, engage with peers, find mentors, lean on contacts, learn from other Actions and reach out to folk on the Ocean Decade Network. I've been fortunate enough to establish some great connections within the Decade, notably with the Early Career Ocean Professionals Programme who support my project through endorsement. Keep an eye out for funding and training opportunities; networking and applying for such are vital parts of the process to sustain your project. I am really enjoying taking part in the "Co-design for the Ocean Decade course" from IOC-UNESCO which is a free, self paced course available on Ocean Teacher Global Academy. Whilst I am yet to establish any funding mechanisms for my project Citizens of Surf, I am still finding ways to work with local (and global) surf communities, and these genuine partnerships are vital for working towards Challenge 10: Restoring humanity's relationship with the Ocean. It is important to remember that key components of the Decade are collaboration and co-design, so keep communicating about this global initiative beyond Ocean Science-Academic-Policy circles, otherwise we are really going round in circles! Talk to your family, friends and colleagues; reach out to local media, councils, businesses and NGOs; and have conversations inspired by this growing momentum - you might find potential partners in unexpected places." Natalie Fox, Founder of Citizens of Surf, UK National Decade Committee Member #citizensofsurf #ecopprogramme #ecoyogasurf 🌊 🌊 Find more information on responding to the Decade Call for Action on our UKNDC FAQ page (link below) 🌊 🌊 🌊