January 21, 2026
Published by: marinebusinessworld.com
Since the launch of the "ocean tribute" Award in 2017, the German Ocean Foundation and boot Düsseldorf have been working hand in hand to support people, projects and initiatives that are passionately committed to protecting our oceans. In December 2025, the jury and the public (via public voting) jointly selected the winner.
Chosen from five nominated projects, the One Ocean Planet Foundation emerged as the winner of this year’s competition. In particular, the education-focused and internationally oriented approach of the Spanish ocean conservationists impressed both the jury and the public during the voting process. On Tuesday, 20 January, Dominique Lesser accepted this year’s “ocean tribute” Award on behalf of all employees of the One Ocean Planet Foundation from Düsseldorf’s Lord Mayor Dr Stephan Keller, in the presence of Frank Schweikert, Member of the Executive Board of the German Ocean Foundation. The laudatory speech for the winners was delivered by German open-water swimmer and jury member Leonie Beck. Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Düsseldorf, presented Dominique Lesser with a cheque for the €20,000 winner’s prize. The award ceremony took place in the historic Council Chamber of Düsseldorf City Hall.
The education project run by Spain-based One Ocean Planet is a global programme that places children and young people at the centre of ocean and climate protection. The international campaign “The Power is in Us” inspires school pupils and students to see themselves as part of the solution. It is built on three interconnected initiatives: the “University Challenge” engages Master’s students in solving real-world problems; the “Generation Blue” project combines project-based learning with Carlos Duarte’s “Ocean Wedges” and the “Planetary Boundaries” framework; and the “Hero Kids”, a youth movement that promotes early action. Together with partner organisation “10 Percent for the Ocean”, the powerful documentary Ocean with David Attenborough is screened, raising awareness in schools and communities of why tackling climate change must begin in the oceans. Because the future is blue — and it starts in our classrooms.
About Dominique Lesser
The passionate educator has been advocating for transformative school programmes for more than ten years, using education as a tool for social and ecological change. As the founder of initiatives that connect school communities with ocean protection, she empowers students, teachers and families to understand their role in the climate crisis and to take meaningful action.
Her approach is based on three pillars: conscious education, ocean protection, and building communities that deliver real solutions from the local to the global level. Lesser firmly believes that classrooms have no walls — and that change begins with a deep sense of belonging to nature.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Lesser expressed her delight at the increased visibility and recognition achieved through the nomination and the subsequent win. The prize money will be invested by One Ocean Planet in additional materials and media to inform and engage young people.
During the event, the other nominated projects were also presented to the audience. All of them develop exemplary concepts through their commitment to marine conservation.
