S ince its launch in 2017, the German Ocean Foundation and boot Düsseldorf have joined forces through the “ocean tribute” Award to spotlight people and initiatives actively working to protect the world’s oceans. The 2026 edition of the award continues that mission, recognising projects that combine impact, education and long-term vision.
Chosen jointly by an expert jury and the public through an open vote, the One Ocean Planet Foundation emerged as the winner among five internationally nominated projects. What set the Spanish-based foundation apart was its strong focus on education and its global approach to ocean and climate protection, placing children and young people at the centre of change.
The award ceremony took place on 20 January in the historic Council Chamber of Düsseldorf City Hall. Düsseldorf’s Lord Mayor Stephan Keller presented the award to Dominique Lesser, founder of One Ocean Planet, in the presence of representatives from the German Ocean Foundation and boot Düsseldorf. The laudatory speech was delivered by German open-water swimmer and jury member Leonie Beck, while Messe Düsseldorf COO Marius Berlemann handed over the €20,000 prize.
At the heart of One Ocean Planet’s work is the belief that ocean protection must begin in the classroom. Through its global campaign “The Power is in Us”, the foundation empowers students to see themselves as part of the solution to climate and ocean challenges. The programme is built around three interconnected initiatives: the University Challenge, engaging Master’s students in solving real-world problems; Generation Blue, which combines project-based learning with Carlos Duarte’s Ocean Wedges and the Planetary Boundaries framework; and Hero Kids, a youth movement encouraging early action and responsibility.
Education is further strengthened through storytelling and media. In collaboration with partner organisation 10 Percent for the Ocean, the foundation screens the documentary Ocean in schools and communities, underlining a powerful message: effective climate action must begin with the oceans.
Dominique Lesser has spent more than a decade advocating for transformative education as a driver of social and ecological change. Her approach is grounded in three pillars: conscious education, ocean protection and community-building. She often describes classrooms as having “no walls”, spaces where global responsibility can take root through a sense of belonging to nature.
Speaking during the ceremony, Lesser highlighted the importance of visibility and recognition for education-led initiatives. The prize money, she explained, will be invested in new educational materials and media tools to further engage young people worldwide.
Alongside the winner, the remaining nominated projects — from orca protection and coral restoration to sustainable antifouling technologies and turtle conservation — were also presented, underlining the diversity of innovative approaches currently shaping marine conservation.
By awarding the “ocean tribute” 2026 to One Ocean Planet, boot Düsseldorf and the German Ocean Foundation reaffirm a simple but urgent truth: the future of the oceans depends not only on technology and regulation, but on education — and on the next generation.
