Young Environmentalists Programme Trust Champions Ocean Literacy at UN Ocean Conference 2025 in France
By Special Correspondent
Nice, France – Advocating for the Global South, the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust (YEPT) from India made a significant impact at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference 2025. The prestigious event concluded with the adoption of the landmark declaration, “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action,” signed by over 170 nations, reaffirming a shared commitment to protect 30% of Earth’s land and ocean by 2030.
The declaration also stressed the urgent need to regulate the high seas, reduce plastic pollution, and enhance financial support for vulnerable coastal communities.
Elsie Gabriel Leads India’s Ocean Advocacy
At the forefront was Elsie Gabriel, Founder of both the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust and Ocean School India. A fierce advocate for ocean literacy and marine conservation, Gabriel emphasized the importance of integrating ocean education into national curriculums, especially in climate-vulnerable nations.
“Island territories like Lakshadweep and the Andamans are often overlooked in global frameworks like SIDS (Small Island Developing States), despite facing similar existential threats. These communities deserve equal support, policy focus, and resources,” Gabriel stated during her interventions.
Gabriel’s paper, “Integrating Knowledge Systems for Responsible and Respectful Ocean Stewardship,” was accepted and published at the Ocean Congress, bringing a Global South perspective into the international dialogue.
High-Level Representation and Impact Engagements
Gabriel was a featured speaker at multiple high-impact forums, including:
- IOC UNESCO and Universal Versatile Society panels on multilateral partnerships for SIDS.
Gabriel attended several important sessions – - Economist Ocean Dialogues
- Katapult Ocean Impact Innovation Event aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl
- Heirs to Our Ocean: Charting a New Intergenerational Course
- The European Digital Ocean Pavilion
- IUCN, ECOP, and Advancing Skills & Capacity Development Tools Marketplace
- Women in Ocean Action Forum
Expanding Ocean Literacy Across India
The Trust showcased its extensive educational outreach, having:
- Educated thousands of students across India
- Trained hundreds of teachers in ocean conservation
- Championed the translation of UNESCO’s Ocean Literacy Framework into regional Indian languages
A major highlight was the presentation of their new guidebook, “An Introduction to Ocean Literacy,” co-authored by Tanya Satish, Youth Ambassador and YOUNGO member, along with Gabriel. The guidebook offers an accessible introduction to ocean literacy for youth and educators alike.
Recognition and Global Mentorship
In a proud moment, Gabriel was announced as a Mentor for the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Ocean Youth Leaders Fellowship 2025.
“Absolutely honoured to be Mentor at SOA’s 2025 cohort of the Ocean Youth Leaders Fellowship! Excited to support the next generation of ocean leaders as they navigate systems change, leadership, and global collaboration. What a timely honour as I attend the Ocean Conference in Nice,” Gabriel said.
Additionally, the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust earned 2nd place in the Ocean Education Awards by Ocean Census-Nippon Foundation, in collaboration with Nekton and Boat International. The Trust also received a commendation by Blue Threads (IOC UNESCO) for their contributions to advancing ocean literacy.
A Call for Collective Action
As the UN Ocean Conference 2025 gains momentum on critical agreements like the BBNJ Treaty, WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, and the upcoming Global Plastics Treaty, YEPT is calling for “all hands on deck.”
The organisation remains steadfast in its mission to ensure youth from the Global South are empowered to lead the way toward an inclusive, just, and sustainable ocean future.
