SPLASH-EU ‘Be the Change’ Ambassador Training: Empowering Young Ocean Advocates in Portugal

The SPLASH-EU “Be the Change” ambassador training took place from 16 to 18 July 2025 at the University of Coimbra’s Figueira da Foz campus, Portugal. Twenty two young participants from across Europe completed three days of workshops on leadership, digital advocacy, and communication for ocean sustainability. 

 

From 16 to 18 July 2025, the SPLASH-EU initiative hosted its first “Be the Change” ambassador training in Figueira da Foz, Portugal, in collaboration with MARE and MindMeUp (Greece). 
The training brought together 22 young participants for three immersive days focused on developing essential skills in public speaking, digital literacy, community organizing, and strategic advocacy — all geared toward empowering the next generation of ocean ambassadors. The programme combined gamification, teamwork, and creative learning methods to help participants strengthen their leadership and communication abilities. Workshops included: 

  • Public Speaking & Communication 

  • Digital Advocacy and Leadership Development 

  • Citizenship Advocacy and SPLASH-EU Ambassadorship 

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These workshops were designed and implemented by MindMeUp, a Greek organization specializing in experiential learning, gamification, and leadership development. Their creative and participatory approach enabled participants to actively practice new skills, reflect on personal leadership styles, and co-create strategies for effective ocean advocacy and civic engagement. Participants shared experiences and co-created communication actions to raise awareness about marine conservation and democratic engagement at local and European levels. The event fostered collaboration between emerging youth leaders, researchers, and educators, reinforcing the Ocean Decade’s vision of connecting people and the ocean through education and active citizenship. SPLASH-EU is one of the winners of the EU4Ocean Challenge of the Year 2024, themed “Be a Blue Citizen: Ocean, Citizenship, and Democracy.” By nurturing this network of engaged citizens, SPLASH-EU aims to promote civic participation, ocean literacy, and sustainability across Europe. 

 

USEFUL LINKS:   
https://www.mare-centre.pt/en/splashtraining-en  

https://maritime-forum.ec.europa.eu/winners-eu4ocean-challenge-2024-be-blue-citizen-ocean-citizenship-and-democracy_en  

PARTNERS:  

  • MARE – Centre for Marine and Environmental Sciences (Coordinator, Portugal) 

  • MindMeUp (Training design and facilitation partner, Greece) 

  • University of Coimbra (Host institution, Portugal) 

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Supported by: 

  • EU4Ocean Coalition 

  • Youth4Ocean Forum 

  • EU Blue Schools Network