LOS ANGELES, Calif., USA (Thursday, July 28, 2022) - In celebration of World Nature Conservation Day on July 28, 2022, the World Surf League (WSL) and WSL PURE are celebrating six ocean lovers and surfers from the league's global We Are One Ocean Initiative, asking fans to "share your sustainability story" using #WeAreOneOcean. WSL recently surprised each of these individuals with $2,000 to be able to continue their work and, in the process, inspire others to do the same.
We Are One Ocean is a global initiative to inspire the global surf community to protect and conserve our one ocean and preserve the future of our sport. In partnership with local non-profit organizations, We Are One Ocean activates at every WSL Championship Tour (CT) event, giving back to local communities around the world via coastal restoration activities, eliminating single use plastics at every event, and offsetting carbon emissions for the entire WSL CT season. The WSL recognizes that the global surf community are natural stewards of the ocean, and that there are many individuals within the global surf community who are working towards the same goals. That's why the WSL asked fans to share what they are doing to support ocean sustainability using #WeAreOneOcean.
The results of this initiative were impressive with hundreds of entries from fans around the world. Six entries were selected for the $2,000 gift from WSL based on their engaging content, inspiring message, and scalable impact. The selected stories focus on a diverse array of ocean protection impacts, including building community, educating youth, and empowering ocean lovers to take action. From surfers, to surf fans and ocean lovers, it's clear everyone loves the ocean, and they are doing their part to protect it.
About the Creators and Their Sustainability Stories:
Teguh Suyadnya (Indonesia) - Teguh is a surfer and aspiring marine conservationist. He currently volunteers at Youth Conservation Initiative Bali. With WSL's gift he will create a program called 1% for the Ocean to teach youth how to surf and educate them on the effects of ocean pollution.
Nathany Herrara (Brazil) - Biologist and educator Nathany brings ocean culture to schools through the @ecosurfoficial Institute. With WSL's gift she was able to plan a free online training for students, 13-18 years old, educating them about aquatic ecosystems and why protecting them is important.
Miguel Josef Clemente (USA) - Miguel is a composer, producer, and WSL fan. To help eliminate food waste, Miguel built a raised bed garden and worm composting bin at his home. With the gift from WSL, Miguel was able to replace single-use kitchen items with more sustainable options, and support youth organizations doing great work for the environment.
Daniela Montoya (Colombia) - Daniela is a surfer and travel blogger. In celebration of World Oceans Day, Daniela shared five lifestyle tips for protecting the ocean. With WSL's gift, she is now organizing a group trip to the Colombian Pacific Coast in honor of World Conservation Day where attendees will be working on turtle conservation projects.
Carissa Cabrera (USA) - Carissa started @theconservationistcollective to scale conservation work, and create ways for everyone to get involved in sustainability, climate action, and protecting our seas. The gift from WSL allowed The Conservationist Collective to launch their newsletter, The Ripple, which shares news, job opportunities, and projects they are working on with their growing community.
Pedro Salazar (Colombia) - Pedro is a surfer who started a non profit called Amigos Del Mar twelve years ago. Through Amigos Del Mar, he has worked with children to engage them in surfing and keep them in school. He also created a "plastic bank," where people can bring plastic and exchange it for home goods. With WSL's gift, he plans to scale his program internationally, and support youth who want to compete in surf contests in Colombia.
WSL encourages everyone to continue sharing their sustainability stories using #WeAreOneOcean. Together, we can change the world, because together, We Are One Ocean.
The #WeAreOneOcean initiative is supported by SHISEIDO, who returned in 2022 for a second year as WSL's Global Sustainability Partner.
Learn more and get involved at WeAreOneOcean.org.