APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 “OCEAN TRIBUTE” AWARD FROM BOOT AND GERMAN OCEAN FOUNDATION OPEN
With the launch of the ‘” ocean tribute” award in 2017, the German Ocean Foundation and boot Düsseldorf set themselves a clear goal: to support people, projects and initiatives in their commitment to marine conservation. Since 2018, the €20,000 prize has been awarded annually as part of the trade fair in Düsseldorf and has become a permanent fixture among international marine conservation awards over the past eight years,
The application phase for the “ocean tribute” 2026 has started and all those who are committed to improving marine conservation with their projects are invited to apply for the prestigious award: https://www.boot.de/de/
Applicants must actively contribute to the sustainable improvement and cleanliness of oceans, lakes and/or rivers with their projects. Technical innovations, research projects, scientific and educational initiatives or campaigns to reduce ocean litter can be submitted. The “‘ocean tribute” award always puts the protection of the oceans first.
The Award ceremony will take place at boot 2026 (January 17 – 25 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany).
Two people have been involved in the “ocean tribute” award from the very beginning and have successfully and effectively implemented their idea: Petros Michelidakis, Director of boot Düsseldorf, and Frank Schweikert, Chairman of the German Ocean Foundation. Together with their teams, they have recognized and realized the appeal and responsibility of boot. Schweikert sums up their philosophy: “Alongside climate protection, marine conservation is the most important issue of our time. We must actively implement it together and consistently with a strong personal and social commitment.”
Petros Michelidakis added: “The international award winners we have honored at the trade fair since 2018 testify to the global significance of marine conservation. Every country and every person on this earth is affected by the problem. This includes both small-scale initiatives, often developed by a few people in their regions, and comprehensive, international projects that aim to protect the oceans and waters worldwide. We are very much looking forward to receiving exciting and innovative applications..”
Young marine conservation advocate joins the jury
The high-caliber jury will first conduct an initial technical evaluation of the entries. Petros Michelidakis: “The long-standing cooperation with the experts on our jury supports the international reputation that the ocean tribute has been able to establish in such a short time.” The jury incudes meteorologist and maritime ambassador Monika Breuch-Moritz, who also contributes her expertise to the advisory board of the German Ocean Foundation, Professor Michael Orbach, anthropologist and advisor on marine policy, Professor Hartmut Graßl, chairman of the Association of German Scientists (both also members of the advisory board of the German Ocean Foundation), and, representing the trade fair, Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Düsseldorf, as well as Robert Marx, President of the European Boating Industry and boot Düsseldorf. New to the committee is Shamim Wasii Nyanda, founder of the “Doors of Hope Foundation” (for climate and marine conservation and youth empowerment in Tanzania), who speaks for her young, responsible and committed generation. Frank Schweikert: “We are very honored to have Shamim Nyanda on our jury. She stands for the spirit of optimism and self-confidence of young people for whom marine and climate protection are not just empty words. With her commitment, she is a role model for an entire generation and shows unparalleled dedication to the important issues of our time.”
Public voting at www.boot.com and announcement of the winning project at the trade fair
After the jury’s preliminary selection, the nominees will go on to the “public voting” stage. Starting in November 2025, anyone interested will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite at www.boot.com. The three projects that receive the highest ratings from both the jury and the public will be presented at boot in January and the winner of the 2026 “ocean tribute” award will be announced.
In line with the United Nations’ sustainability goals
Petros Michelidakis and Frank Schweikert jointly explain the aim of initiating the marine conservation award: “With the “ocean tribute,” boot and the German Ocean Foundation are giving marine and water conservation a fitting public and international platform. We are thus promoting projects that are dedicated to their comprehensive protection in line with the United Nations’ sustainability goals.”
For information on visiting or exhibiting at boot 2026, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.boot.com and www.mdna.com. Follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/
For hotel information, contact TTI Travel, Inc. at (866) 674-3476; E-mail: info@ttitravel.net; www.ttitravel.net or use the booking platform on the boot website: https://www.boot.com/en/Visit/
The world’s largest yacht and water sports trade fair
With more than 200,000 visitors from over 100 countries and 1,500 exhibitors on 220,000 square meters in Halls 1 to 17, boot Düsseldorf is the world’s largest yacht and water sports trade fair. Both sailors and motor boaters will find a wide variety of boats, dinghies, superboats or luxury yachts. The popular water sports of diving, surfing, kite surfing, stand up paddling, skimboarding or canoeing are available at boot in all facets and with the appropriate equipment. Attractive stage programs with the stars of the scene, the latest trends and a high-caliber mix of workshops and hands-on activities, both for leisure sports enthusiasts and experts, make the trade fair unique worldwide. But marine conservation and innovative, sustainable technologies will also be in focus at boot 2026. In cooperation with the European Boating Industry (EBI), for example, the blue innovation dock offers a unique dialogue format with political, economic, technological and media expertise. The next edition of boot Düsseldorf will be held from January 17 – 25, 2026. www.boot.com
