BRINGING THE OCEAN TO YOU
About Diverseas
Diverseas is an open-source asset for tech-enabled ocean literacy. We are building a network of ocean learners turned advocates through in-person workshops, 360° VR stories, and online resources. We are an extension of 30x30 Indonesia, an award-winning, youth-led project founded in 2021 whose mission is to provide hands-on opportunities for people to learn and advocate for better marine protected areas.
Diverseas connects young minds to those at the frontlines of ocean conservation. With the rise in ocean-career opportunities that have not been represented in mainstream education; younger generations often fail to recognise the plethora of possibilities that the ocean provides. At its core lies the lack of representation in these spaces. In other words, significant strides must be made to improve ocean literacy, make it more accessible, and authentically portray the many opportunities that lie ahead, particularly for the younger generations. By providing immersive learning experiences using 360° virtual reality (VR) videos, we hope to bridge the disconnect between communities and experts.
Our vision is to create a network of ocean learners turned advocates for a more diverse, accessible, and inclusive ocean. We are dedicated to creating a world where people understand and appreciate the ocean's vital role and its intersections with sustainable development.
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We believe that through education and experience, we can inspire a new generation of ocean stewards. Our team is passionate about marine conservation and we want to share that with you! Join us on our journey to explore the wonders of the ocean and make a difference in our world as we create a network of 500 Community Builders by 2030!
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Why see the ocean?
Our blue planet is degrading at a rapid rate, however upcoming generations have yet to witness its fragile beauty. We are racing against time to document the stark reality of ocean ecosystems and their interconnectedness to human stories.
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Unfortunately, many barriers persist when it comes to accessing the ocean, yet the choice of protecting, preserving, and conserving our ocean often buds from flourishing love for underwater realms. A study by Worm et al. (2021) states that engagement in marine sciences has historically been the privilege of few with access to higher education, specialized equipment and research funding.
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Diverseas aims to improve accessibility into ocean ecosystems, replicating underwater experiences that open a portal to a new world - one that ripples a wave of commitment to protect our ocean. While we strive to make ocean literacy more accessible and inclusive through online and in-person initiatives, we recognize that many barriers persist. This is why our Community Builders are core to driving our mission forward.
Community Builders are those who implement an event in their communities by utilizing our assets and contributing to our mission – they will be given mentorship and training to reach a wider audience where (a) English may not be the primary language of communication, (b) there is limited access to internet/devices that allow for an unhindered online experience, or (c) there is an opportunity to engage and introduce the ocean to land-locked communities.
Diversifying the Seas
Globally, there is a greater need for more inclusive and accessible ocean literacy in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. By providing immersive learning experiences using 360° virtual reality (VR) videos, we hope to bridge the disconnect between landlocked and coastal communities through the fine thread of ocean literacy.
Each VR experience will tell stories from local communities as a focal point of discussion, illustrating the conditions of various aquatic ecosystems in different regions. Upon experiencing their first ocean encounters, facilitators will lead a series of activities to dive deeper into science-based topics.
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We hope to collaborate with educators, schools, and communities to build a network of Community Builders who feel more connected to our ocean, understand its importance, and become ocean advocates in their communities.
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Focus Areas
We are working towards a more inspiring and engaging ocean through a digital representation of the ocean – Challenge 8 of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science (UNOD) – and ultimately addressing Challenge 10 (to change humanity’s relationship with the ocean). This aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and 4 (Quality Education) as we strive to promote inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all. Communicating closely with educators and conservation professionals, we incorporate open-innovation in which we collaborate to authentically represent valuable marine science knowledge and transform them into assets easily understood by learners.
Welcome to our journey!
August
2021
30x30 Indonesia campaign launched through a fellowship with EarthEcho International, mobilizing youth in Indonesia and across the region.
October
Engaged with 1500+ people through social media, pictures of support, and a mask campaign calling on the adoption of 30x30 leading up to COP15.
2022
April
Established the 30x30 Coral Garden in Tulamben alongside Jaladharma Diving Club, Organisasi Pemandu Selam Tulamben, and Pusat Pendidikan Lingkungan Hidup Bali, we brought together 100 stakeholders, of whom 80 were children and youth, through an Earth Day celebration.
June
Planting 200 mangroves alongside Mangrove Jakarta, high school students, and educators. Speaking engagements at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal
November
Organized the 30x30 Youth Ocean Conference in Bali, Jakarta, and virtually, uniting +130 people from +40 institutions to learn from speakers and create letters to world leaders, among other activities. This conference successfully connected youth participants, NGOs, and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
2023
February
Hosted a Water Challenge Workshop testing the water quality of Danau Sunter Timur, joined by high school and university students ages 16 to 22.
June
School workshops engaging 100+ students on Sustainable Development Goal 14, 30x30, and water quality testing.
November
Initiation of the Diverseas program strategy and field documentation.
2024
April
March
Diverseas workshop with high school students in Melbourne, Australia.
Diverseas as a finalist of the Sea of Idea Pitching Competition at the Our Ocean Conference in Athens, Greece.
June
Launched a free 30-minute coral conservation course in which learners adopt corals in the 30x30 Coral Garden by giving it a name.
August
Published a short 360° film about the 30x30 Coral Garden, tallying 4 videos virtual dive videos. Diverseas workshop activation in Jakarta, Indonesia
September
Virtual reality exhibit and speaking engagements at the IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum in Bangkok, Thailand. Diverseas recognised as the winner of the GEEP Youth Innovation Challenge and winner of the Millennium Oceans Prize.
Stay updated with our progress by following our socials!
Join Us Today
Dive Virtually
Dive into our 360° video diaries on YouTube! Watch the video in high quality. Move your device to look around or click and drag on your screen.
Complete an Online Module
This short course will explore the basics of coral conservation and introduce you to two community-based initiatives in Indonesia and Fiji. We encourage you to engage with the content as much as possible. A gift awaits you upon completion!
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