The Institute’s Oceans Initiative
In honor of the Cronkite Awards for Ocean Champions, The Institute is launching the Oceans Initiative. We hope to engage all ocean lovers in joining with us to become ocean champions in their communities and in our world.
“Mr. Cronkite was an anchor on TV –
as a sailor, and in our world.”
David McCullough, at the Institute’s first Cronkite Awards.
Ocean Champions
Case Studies: Martha's Vineyard
For the last 28 years, the Institute has collaborated with business, government, education and community leaders to develop strategic initiatives, public- private partnerships and build sustainable communities with the coastal communities of Boston, Newport RI, Oakland, CA to the islands of Hawaii, Vieques, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands and the Philippines.
Accomplishments: Our Youth Leaders
• Learned from local sustainability leaders and global champions like Dr. Sylvia Earle.
• Spoke at town meetings to educate and convince people to stop using plastic straws and single-use plastics.
• Joined with organizations to create beach clean-ups, plant sea grass, rebuild oyster beds, and mangroves.
• Explored climate change issues and sustainability solutions to present at Science Fairs.
• Developed apps to track seniors who may be stranded after climate catastrophes.
• Listened to their elders, to learn about how they are protecting their island’s resources and fishing practices.
• Visited local green companies and organizations to discover inner workings, challenges, and opportunities.
• Asked sustainability practitioners about their career pathways at the Institute’s Job Shadow Day.
• Imagined Sustainability Tours featuring their island’s best practices: school gardens, recycling centers, EV stations, consignment stores, solar installations, and offshore wind projects.• Created start-up companies to connect young people with internships, jobs, and volunteer opportunities.
• Presented their well-researched 2020 reports on their vision to their mayor, governor, and community.