How these young Canadian eco-leaders turned their dream projects into reality

Have you ever had an idea that you think could make positive changes for the environment? Well, turns out bringing it to fruition might not be as hard as you think!

Thanks to Ocean Wise programs like the Eco-Action Accelerator, young change makers are making waves in ocean conservation.

Eco-Action Accelerator is a six-month, part-time program designed to help Canadian Service Corps Alumni (ages 19 to 30) turn their passion projects into larger, long-term initiatives. The program consists of an in-person retreat, entrepreneurial workshops, and regular mentorship — giving participants the tools and skills to make a real impact.

We spoke to some Eco-Action Accelerator program participants to see how this program impacted their projects.

Naomi and Emanuelle

Naomi Flis and Emanuelle Gelber wrote the book I am River after noticing a disconnect between kids in Montreal and the natural world around them — in particular, the Saint Lawrence River.

“I am River centres the Saint Lawrence as the narrator of its own story, telling how it was formed from glaciers melting, and describes its various eco-zones,” Naomi and Emanuelle explain. “The River describes how it can be helped or harmed by human activity and calls upon children to treat it kindly and with respect.”

After taking part in the Eco-Action Accelerator program, the duo were able to turn their book into a hands-on workshop. They’ve also designed several lesson plans and activity sheets that allow teachers to bring the Saint Lawrence River into classrooms.

“We hope to continue building on these resources, as well as our work in schools and community spaces. Every child deserves the chance to connect with nature and learn about their local ecosystems, especially when growing up in an urban space, and we’ll continue our part in helping to make it accessible to kids living in Montreal.”

Jasmine

Jasmine Lee wanted to make learning about ocean conservation fun — so, she created Kelp in Hand, a seaforestation card game designed to teach players about kelp forest ecosystems and their vulnerability to the effects of climate change.

“Over 60 per cent of [kelp] forests have disappeared ocean-wide in the past few decades,” says Jasmine. “Despite their criticality in supporting thousands of marine species as food and shelter, little action has been taken for their conservation or restoration until recent years.”

Kelp in Hand was initially born through Ocean Wise’s Ocean Bridge and Ocean Action Grant programs, so the next logical step for Jasmine was to take it to the Eco-Action Accelerator to expand and refine her project even further.

“In creating Kelp in Hand, I choose to believe in the power of constructive strategy – and a little playful competition – in disseminating widespread awareness.”

She was awarded $5,000, the highest tier of the Eco-Action Accelerator at the time, which made a huge difference in developing programming for the project’s growth.

Her advice for future applicants is to choose a project that is harmonious with their intuition and interests.

“Not to say that you shouldn’t explore or push your boundaries during the delivery of your project — this will naturally happen as you embark on this learning journey! It is simply that the climate space deserves your authentic voice; everyone has a place in the climate solution, and programs like the Eco-Action Accelerator are designed to uplift your unique perspective.”

Blythe

Blythe Wilde’s project, A Window into Migration: Mitigating the Impact of Light Pollution for Birds, was a unique art installation consisting of paper window panels adorned with bird silhouettes.

“I came to this idea when I learned that 80 per cent of migratory birds migrate at night [which] can result in disorientation, window collisions, and often death,” Blythe says. “By reducing light pollution with actions such as turning out your porch light, drawing your blinds, or advocating for lower lighting in your neighbourhood or city, we can have a positive impact.”

The Eco-Action Accelerator program and microgrant allowed Blythe to bring her art installation to life on a larger scale than she ever imagined. In Oct. 2024, she was able to travel to the Victoria Public Library Central Branch and display her installation in their five entrance windows. The panels were 18.5 ft. tall and seen by approximately 20,000 people.

“I really appreciated the ways that the program supported me, and having an organization recognize the importance of youth voices is so important,” she says. “Throughout the project, I gained skills in project pitching, which allowed me to consider the possibility of future collaborators and investors. These skills have given me the confidence to seek out future grants and do another installation.”

Want to be part of the next wave of ocean innovators?! Head over to ocean.org to learn more about the Ocean Wise Eco-Action Accelerator and other Ocean Wise youth opportunities. 

OCEAN WISE ECO-ACTION ACCELERATOR

*The Eco-Action Accelerator Program is funded in part by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 15–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community, and Transport Canada’s Commemoration Fund for the Victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy.