Abstract

Across The Sea is a project aimed at promoting integration among the younger generations of the Mediterranean, as well as a strong sense of belonging to our common sea. Our activities are carried out annually in close collaboration with partner associations and with the support of national and international institutions.

Our one-year commitment sees its finalization in the closing conference, held at the University of Genoa in June.

Participants

We invite youth organizations from every Mediterranean country to participate in the initiative through a call on our website.  

For each association, two delegates will have the task of developing the Across the Sea project in their community, joining the initiatives proposed by the project, and participating in presence at the final conference in Genoa in June 2024.

Local initiatives collection

Each delegation is called to develop a local project. The project can have a maximum duration of five months and include seminars, workshops, conferences, laboratories, and practical activities.

Each delegation will be able to choose one of these themes:

• Microplastics and marine pollution


• Overfishing and its effects


• Effects of cosmetic products on marine biodiversity: specifically sunscreens


• Climate change and misinformation


• Invasion of alien species and tropicalization of the Mediterranean Sea


• Every delegation will share its project at the final conference

We are planning to invite the delegations to a series of online meetings, in which institutions, experts, and renowned international speakers will intervene. These gatherings will serve as platforms for in-depth discussions on four crucial topics:

• Impact on Local Communities


• Project Management


• International Cooperation


• Intercultural Dialogue

Through these meetings, participants will gain essential insights into these themes, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance local projects. Furthermore, this knowledge will empower aspiring leaders with the skills needed to drive positive change in our society.

Final conference

Each delegation will be hosted in Genoa for a three-day event, where there will be alternating moments of discussion between all the representatives present on the projects developed and their experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to join conferences and workshops held by professors from the University of Genoa and internationally renowned guests. Finally, a common Manifesto will be drawn up, symbolizing international cooperation and friendship. 

These activities will allow the young delegates to practice their skills as decision-makers and enhance their international diplomacy skills.

General goals

Across the Sea wants to provide a space for dialogue between young people about the Mediterranean Sea, to give voice to the new generations on protecting marine ecosystems, and to guide Mediterranean communities towards concrete actions with a positive environmental impact.

Local Impact

Thanks to the initiatives developed by the delegations, we aim to create simultaneously in all the countries participating in the project, actions with a substantial impact on the territory to raise awareness of the fragility and richness of our Mediterranean Sea.



Global Impact

The Manifesto will be sent to national and international organs such as the UfM (Union for the Mediterranean) to communicate the most felt values and issues among the young Mediterraneans to invite these organs, along with governments and the European Union, to act.