Goal 1. Education and Capacity Building for Sustainable Development and Climate Action
Problem
There is a need to build youth capacity, raise awareness, and promote the scientific and technological innovation necessary for sustainable development in the Caspian Sea region, particularly in the areas of marine conservation, coastal resilience, and carbon removal.
Relevant SDGs
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 14: Life Below Water
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
KPIs
Launch X youth-focused innovation competitions, including the Shoqan Ecology Forum, Brilliant Blue Challenge, ECOP Programme initiatives, and TYSP programs annually.
Establish X partnerships between local universities, Shoqan Academy, Brilliant Labs, ECOP Programme, and TYSP to develop research on sustainable marine technologies by 2030.
Engage X number of students in interdisciplinary programs focused on ocean science, sustainability, and climate solutions by 2030.
Implement X projects in the Caspian Sea region developed through youth innovation challenges that address local environmental issues.
Project: Integrated Youth Education and Innovation Programs
Initiative Overview:
By integrating the Shoqan Ecology Forum, Brilliant Blue Challenge, ECOP Programme, and TYSP, we can create a comprehensive educational and innovation ecosystem aimed at developing sustainable solutions for the Caspian Sea. These programs will empower young people to engage in hands-on environmental problem-solving, scientific research, and technological development.
Key Actions:
1. Shoqan Ecology Forum by Shoqan Academy / School and Brilliant Blue Challenge by Brilliant Labs:
Objective: Engage youth in designing projects focused on ocean sustainability, climate action, and innovative solutions for marine environmental challenges, specifically addressing issues such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem restoration in the Caspian Sea.
Integration: Incorporate the Shoqan Ecology Forum and Brilliant Blue Challenge as part of regional educational curricula and extra-curricular activities to foster innovation in marine sustainability and environmental action.
Impact: Encourage students to develop scalable solutions, such as technologies for carbon removal, pollution mitigation, and habitat restoration, with a focus on the Caspian Sea ecosystem.
2. ECOP Programme (Eco-Generation):
Objective: As part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, ECOP Programme brings together young people to contribute to sustainable ocean management through education, research, and innovation.
Integration: Partner with ECOP Programme to launch regional programs, workshops, and research projects that focus on ocean conservation and climate action in the Caspian Sea.
Impact: Facilitate youth involvement in international networks dedicated to the sustainable management of oceans, including workshops and capacity-building programs aligned with the UN Ocean Decade’s goals.
3. Talented Young Scientists Programme (TYSP):
Objective: The TYSP aims to foster scientific and technological innovation in environmental and marine research, offering young scientists opportunities for hands-on research and collaboration with global institutions.
Integration: Partner with the TYSP to offer internships, research grants, and capacity-building programs focused on marine conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development in the Caspian Sea region.
Impact: Develop a pipeline of talented young scientists from the Caspian region who are equipped to address climate and marine environmental challenges through cutting-edge research and technology.
Educational Pathways and Integration into Curriculum
1. Kindergarten to High School:
Shoqan Ecology Forum and Brilliant Blue Challenge: Introduce students to marine sustainability challenges through interactive educational programs, allowing them to participate in the Brilliant Blue Challenge. These could include environmental science clubs, problem-solving activities, and mini-projects focused on Caspian Sea environmental challenges.
ECOP Programme and TYSP: Integrate ocean science education modules in collaboration with ECOP and TYSP, focusing on climate action, pollution reduction, and ecosystem restoration for younger students.
2. University Programs:
Shoqan Ecology Forum, Brilliant Blue Challenge & TYSP: Establish university courses that integrate youth innovation challenges into marine science, environmental policy, and climate technology programs. Offer internships and research fellowships through TYSP to work on projects aligned with the Brilliant Blue Challenge and Caspian Sea restoration efforts.
ECOP Programme: Encourage university students to participate in ECOP Programme’s international network, collaborating with peers and experts globally on ocean sustainability research and development projects. Universities in the Caspian region can develop joint research initiatives with ECOP Programme and TYSP to address regional marine challenges.
3. Community Engagement and Public Awareness:
Organize public events such as innovation fairs, hackathons, and environmental expos showcasing youth-led projects from the Shoqan Ecology Forum, Brilliant Blue Challenge, ECOP Programme, and TYSP. These events could focus on ocean sustainability, coastal resilience, marine carbon removal, and pollution control.
Utilize digital platforms and social media to amplify youth voices in the Caspian region, encouraging broader community participation in sustainable development and climate action.
Resources and Partnerships
Shoqan Ecology is an International Scientific Forum by Shoqan School (Kazakhstan) for Juniors and Seniors to present their scientific projects and eco-focused business startups.
Brilliant Blue Challenge by Brilliant Labs (Canada): A platform for youth to create innovative solutions for ocean-related environmental challenges, promoting the next generation of marine scientists and sustainability innovators.
ECOP Programme (Eco-Generation): An initiative under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development that connects young people with ocean science and sustainability research opportunities.
Talented Young Scientists Programme (TYSP, China): A program to empower young scientists with the tools and opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research on marine conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.
Key Education Deliverables
1. Kindergarten to High School:
Encourage youth participation in climate and ocean conservation innovation challenges.
Integrate hands-on environmental learning and global sustainability challenges into school activities.
2. University Programs:
Develop interdisciplinary programs and research initiatives in marine sustainability, climate science, and ocean conservation.
Offer internships and scholarships through TYSP and ECOP Programme.
3. Public and Community Engagement:
Organize innovation camps, hackathons, and public competitions to engage the wider community in sustainable solutions for the Caspian Sea.