Intergenerational Activities with ECOPs
Recognising the significant role of new generations of ocean professionals in shaping value systems, contributing valuable knowledge, and fostering an ocean-centric worldview, the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) is committed to integrating Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) into its activities. Since 2019, AAORIA has been focused on equipping ECOPs with the skills, education, training, and opportunities needed to drive positive change and sustainable development across the Atlantic Ocean.
Through initiatives included in the All-Atlantic Blue Intergenerational Programme, such as the Summer Schools, Intergenerational Dialogues, and regular participation in AAORIA Fora, this Programme aims to foster a dynamic and inclusive ocean community, enabling ECOPs to actively engage in policy formulation and the implementation of AAORIA’s goals for a healthy and sustainable Atlantic Ocean.
The All-Atlantic Blue Intergenerational Programme
The All-Atlantic Blue Intergenerational Programme is a flagship initiative of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA), launched at the 2025 All-Atlantic Forum. The Programme creates a vibrant, truly intergenerational community where Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) and mentors, mid to Late Career Ocean Professionals (LCOPs), work together as co-creators and collaborators dedicated to restoring the health of the Atlantic Ocean. Its mission is to connect and empower ocean professionals across generations, cultures, and continents, and create a vibrant community of ocean researchers, policymakers, innovators, and community leaders dedicated to restoring the health of the Atlantic Ocean.
AAORIA champions intergenerational collaboration, recognising that the biggest ocean challenges require all hands-on deck: the All-Atlantic Blue Intergenerational Programme intentionally brings ECOPs and LCOPs together not in traditional hierarchical relationships, but as equal partners co-designing solutions, with each generation contributing unique perspective.
This Programme builds on the commitments of the Galway and Belém Statements, the Washington Declaration, the European Ocean Pact, and the UN Pact for the Future.
Why the All-Atlantic Blue Intergenerational Programme matters:
It strengthens intergenerational learning, knowledge transfer and capacity building
It engages Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Global South
It creates synergies with global initiatives such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science and the EU Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters
It builds resilience and hope within communities through science-informed cooperation
The All-Atlantic Blue Intergenerational Programme encompasses a suite of activities designed to empower ECOPs and LCOPs by fostering intergenerational collaboration and learning, including:
All-Atlantic Intergenerational Dialogues
To advance its policy priorities, AAORIA promotes intergenerational learning and dialogue, facilitating collaboration across disciplines, cultures, and nations. These dialogues provide ECOPs with opportunities to engage in mutual learning with their peers, senior ocean professionals, and policymakers.
The AAORIA intergenerational dialogues are designed to allow ECOPs to share innovative ideas, propose solutions, and enhance policymaking through practical experiences. These sessions include brainstorming and pitch presentations, facilitated by discussion coaches, where ECOPs can present their perspectives on advancing science and stewardship of the Atlantic Ocean.
The inaugural intergenerational dialogue was held at the Galway Statement 10-year anniversary event in Galway, Ireland, on 5-6 July 2023. This event focused on discussing the ocean conservation priorities outlined in the 2022 All-Atlantic Declaration. The positive feedback on this format and active participation have led to the establishment of annual intergenerational dialogues, with past editions held in Ottawa in 2024 and Brussels in 2025 at the respective All-Atlantic Fora. These dialogues continue to enhance engagement, mentorship, and networking across the Atlantic, facilitating the exchange of innovative ideas and expertise for a sustainable Atlantic ocean. These events also provided the foundation for the first edition of the All-Atlantic Intergenerational Hackathon, to be held in Salvador da Bahia in 2026.
Read more about past editions of the All-Atlantic Intergenerational Dialogues:
All-Atlantic Intergenerational Hackathon – 2026 new format!
Building on the Intergenerational Dialogues, the Hackathon debuted at the 2026 AAORIA Forum. It intensified collaboration between ECOPs and LCOPs, transforming their ideas and recommendations into actionable solutions. Over 24 hours, the participants designed six innovative responses to Atlantic challenges, from coastal resilience to ocean observation and fisheries.
Key Features:
- Co-create solutions based on the 2022 All-Atlantic Declaration priorities
- Work in international, interdisciplinary and intergenerational teams
- Present outputs jointly at the All-Atlantic Forum
- Build lasting intergenerational professional networks
- Challenge 1: Digital Innovation for Coastal Resilience
- Coordinated and supported by the All-Atlantic Network of Beacon Sites and ZMT
- For further information, please contact heimer@deutsche-meeresforschung.de and gaziza.konyssova@awi.de
- Challenge 2: Low-Cost Technologies for Ocean Observation
- Coordinated and supported by IFREMER, CMCC, SAEON, +ATLANTIC and in partnership with CoastPredict and LandSeaLot
- For further information, please contact patrick.gorringe@cmcc.it and
dorcas.essel@stu.ucc.edu.gh
- Challenge 3: Digital Mapping for Transatlantic Observation
- Coordinated and supported by NOAA and INPO
- For further information, please contact meredith.kurz@noaa.gov
and johanna.klein@ifremer.fr
- Challenge 4: Connecting Data to Decisions: Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Coordinated and supported by ICES, PLOCAN and University of Waterloo
- For further information, please contact caecilia.manago@ices.dk and gianlucarr03@gmail.com
- Challenge 5: Monitoring and Managing Large-Scale Sargassum Blooms
- Coordinated and supported by Mercator Ocean International, The Ocean Foundation and University of Trinidad and Tobago, in partnership with GeoBluePlanet
- For further information, please contact info@geoblueplanet.org and aiwanek2004@gmail.com
- Challenge 6: Blue School Innovation Prototypes for the All-Atlantic Blue School Network
- Coordinated and supported by EMSEANET, Federal University of São Paulo and University of Aveiro
- For further information, please contact samsontsc@gmail.com
All-Atlantic Summer Schools
Hands-on training opportunities for ECOPs are offered through summer schools, giving them the opportunity to learn skills in science diplomacy, policy engagement, and cultural intelligence. Past editions have taken place in 2019 in Ireland and 2022 in the United States, in 2024 and 2025 in Brazil, with future editions already in the pipeline.
All-Atlantic Floating University Network (@seanetwork)
To strengthen and develop further training at sea in the Atlantic region, greater exchange and collaboration between new and existing programs is essential, including sharing of best practices. This is the purpose of the creation of the All-Atlantic Floating University Network (@SeaNetwork), in the scope of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance.
The Blue Intergenerational Platform
Developed by the Horizon Europe-funded OKEANO project supporting AAORIA, the pilot Blue Intergenerational Platform acts as a digital hub mapping and connecting ECOPs to existing training, funding and capacity-building opportunities. This Platform is an integral effort of the All-Atlantic Blue Intergenerational Programme, as it is designed to make training and resources more visible and accessible, supporting career development and international collaboration.
Why should you join?
Gain intergenerational mentorship, network and visibility
Influence international policy and innovation
Be part of a vibrant Atlantic-wide community of action
Promote training and initiatives – add yours here!
Our legacy
Since 2019, AAORIA has actively championed the engagement of Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) through a wide range of initiatives. These efforts laid the groundwork for today’s All-Atlantic Blue Intergenerational Programme, ensuring continuity while expanding impact. Building on this strong foundation, the new Programme brings together proven formats and introduces innovative elements such as the Platform and collaborative events like the Intergenerational Hackathon.
Want to explore the journey so far? Click below to dive into the legacy of All-Atlantic Intergenerational and ECOP initiatives.
