On 12 August 2026, people across the world celebrate International Youth Day. This year’s theme - "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations" - recognises that while young people’s lives are shaped by different national and local realities, their aspirations are remarkably similar. Across countries and communities, young people seek dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, quality education, and a sustainable future. This year’s theme places particular attention on young people living in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who often experience overlapping challenges linked to poverty, climate change, geographic isolation, limited economic opportunities, and unequal access to digital technologies. At the same time, these young people continue to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and innovation in advancing sustainable development within their communities and beyond. Get all the information from the United Nations’ related webpage!
With its catalogue of more than 270 map layers, the European Atlas of the Seas is a useful tool to help young people learn more about the ocean and coasts. This week, we focus on the EMD In My Country 2026 map layer. Initially published ahead of European Maritime Day (EMD) which took place in Limassol (Cyprus) on 21-22 May 2026 and recently updated with additional events, this map layer makes it possible to visualise ‘EMD In My Country’ local events in different countries across Europe. These local events, organised from 1 April to 31 October 2026, aim to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean and seas and to engage the public. Explore the Map of the Week to discover the activities by clicking on the starfish on the map to read information about the events (e.g. title of the event, the date on which it is taking place and who the organiser is). Are some of these events taking place near you? Have a look at the website link to see the details and how you could participate. Wish to see the events by date? Have a look at the dedicated calendar!
Do you see only starfish on the map? Sounds like you have not yet played the Ocean Sports Game! Try it now to see the images hidden by the Atlas Team related to surfing, diving, sailing, kayaking and hiking! Read the game's instructions, have a look at the hints to find the images and dive into the map to find them! Once you have found them, progress to the next levels with the other components of the game to learn more about the ocean, coastal areas, water sports, marine biodiversity and citizen science! Are you a teacher? Would you like to organise the game in your classroom? Consult the Teachers Guide to find the practical details!
As the start of the new academic year is close, we have gathered some interesting resources and upcoming activities you may be interested in.
Wish to know more about the ocean?
- Read previous editions of the Map of the Week, starting with the Map of the week from early July on Reducing beach litter for a healthy ocean.
- Learn about the World Drowning Prevention Day”s campaign “Unite to turn the tide”, have a look at the dedicated website now to know your part and get the Unite to Turn the Tide Campaign Toolkit.
- Read Copernicus Marine Service’s recent Marine Bulletin titled ‘June 2026: Global Ocean Temperatures Reach New Record’.
- Boost your knowledge of climate with the EU Climate Action Academy.
- Discover the educational games on pollution and marine litter developed by the NETTAG+ project.
Wish to engage?
- If you are between 16 and 30 years old, join the Youth4Ocean Forum, a community for young people shaping the future of the ocean.
- If you are above 18 years old, participate in the JPI Oceans Photo & Art Awards organised on the occasion of JPI’s 15th anniversary. Artists, photographers and enthusiasts from Europe and beyond are invited to engage with the ocean science they have been coordinating for fifteen years. Have a look at the list of topics covered by the Joint Actions and submit your application by 6 September 2026!
- If you are a teacher, check out the BlueLightS third call for Blue Challenges in European Schools and submit your project before 17:00 CET on 18 September 2026!
- Participate in the #EUBeachCleanup 2026 campaign and events.
- Registration for Education for Climate Day 2026 is now open! This year’s flagship event of the Education for Climate Coalition will take place on 22 October. The topic is Fair Green Future: Intergenerational Fairness and Climate Education, and together participants will explore how education can help people of different generations learn from each other and work together for a fairer, greener future. Many inspiring speakers and sessions are planned, bringing together educators, learners, researchers, policymakers and climate education practitioners. Save your spot and join the conversation online!
- There is still time to apply to the Call for Innovative Green Education Actions! The call is open until 6 September 2026 and invites applicants to share practical, creative and participatory projects that bring climate and sustainability education to life. Representatives of the selected projects will receive a fully funded visit to Brussels for the Education for Climate Day on 22 October, where they will join hybrid sessions and meet other participants active in climate education across the European Education Area. Learn more and apply.
Best wishes for the new academic year!
The data in the map is provided by the European Commission
The European Atlas of the Seas is powered by the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). Don’t miss the latest news, register for the monthly EMODnet News Digest.