Protection of the world’s oceans concerns us all

Protection of the world’s oceans and waterways has been an issue of central importance to boot Düsseldorf for many years now. Starting this year, the leading international water sports trade fair is now a supporter of the “ocean tribute” Award. On behalf of his foundation and the German Ocean Foundation, Prince Albert of Monaco called on the scientific and industrial communities as well as society in general to enter projects for the Award when he spoke at boot 2017. “And this should be done as quickly as possible”, explains boot Director Petros Michelidakis: “because our prestigious jury studies the entries very conscientiously and will be examining each individual one to determine its benefits for ocean and waterway protection. That takes a great deal of time”. Relevant projects should be registered at the address award@boot.de by 30 August at the latest, with an outline presenting their concept on a maximum of two pages. What is important in this context is information about the objectives, the target group, the implementation methods and organisation as well as the results and the players making up the team. The jury will then choose the nominated projects by 30 September; they will be presented to the public with photographic and video material at https://oceantributeaward.boot.de. The winners in the three categories Science, Industry and Society will be announced and honoured at boot Düsseldorf in January 2018.

Impact, involvement and networking should have top priority in all entries. The project must have the potential to make a substantial and ongoing improvement to ocean and waterway cleanliness. As many people as possible should be involved in or benefit from the project. And, last but not least, numerous new players should be motivated, while the greatest possible impact should be achieved.

Projects entered in the “ocean tribute” Award focus on research into and development of innovative technologies with the potential to protect and preserve the world’s oceans in future. Projects that increase and spread scientific expertise and research capacities are promising candidates too. Activities that regulate fishing effectively and implement scientifically sound management plans, so that fish stocks recover again, are also welcome. As are measures for more sustainable management to protect ocean and coast ecosystems and for their restoration. Projects that aim to reduce ocean overacidification and combat the effects of overacidification should enter as well. There is in addition strong interest in outstanding PR activities that address problems and propose sustainable solutions for our oceans and waterways. “Protection of the world’s oceans concerns us all”, explains Petros Michelidakis and adds: “boot Düsseldorf supports the “ocean tribute” Award and we are delighted to be able to provide information and encourage the public to take action. It is based on the mission formulated by the United Nations: the aim is to preserve oceans and marine resources, while promoting sustainable development and use of them.”

The jury consists of respected experts from the scientific, industrial and trade fair communities. They include Monika Breuch-Moritz, meteorologist, President of the German Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) and member of the advisory board of the German Ocean Foundation, Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, His Excellency Bernard Fautrier, Vice President and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation as well as plenipotentiary and special advisor to the Prime Minister of Monaco on sustainable development issues, Professor Emeritus Dr Hartmut Graßl, Chairman of the Federation of German Scientists, Chairman of the advisory board of the German Ocean Foundation and one of the most famous German scientists, Professor Emeritus Dr Michael Orbach, anthropologist and prominent US marine policy consultant, Duke University, founder member of the Surfrider Foundation and member of the advisory board of the German Ocean Foundation, and Robert Marx, President of the German Water Sports Association and boot Düsseldorf as well as Managing Partner of Friedrich Marx GmbH.