APSAA 亞太永續行動獎(Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards )-Sustainability Action Award SDG14:Gold
National Taiwan Ocean University
Ocean Learners: Youth Leading Science × Education × Action
Ocean Learners: Youth Leading Science × Education × Action is a youth-led marine sustainability project in Taiwan that advances SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through scientific monitoring, environmental education, and hands-on restoration. The initiative also supports SDGs 4, 11, and 17 by fostering youth leadership, community participation, and cross-sector partnerships. Using the Three Ocean Allies model, the project connects youth, local communities, and marine experts. Led by NTOU USR and Sustainability team members Dr. Ho, Dr. Shikina, and Dr. Lee, innovations include eDNA sampling for biodiversity monitoring, coral restoration combined with ecological education, and sustainable fisheries via fish release programs. From 2022–2024, the project trained 250+ youth, archived 28,392 marine DNA sequences, restored 30 coral species, and released 330,000 juvenile fish. With a social return on investment (SROI) exceeding USD 3.26 per USD 1, and recognition from Let’s Do It World, the project offers a scalable blueprint for coastal resilience worldwide.