The Stone Soup Leadership Institute hosted the Cronkite Awards for Ocean Champions 2024 last night in New York City, an event that honoured visionary leaders in ocean conservation. The award ceremony, held aboard the Adirondack IV at Pier 62, Chelsea Piers, coincided with Climate Week NYC and focused on U.N. Goal #14 – Life Below Water – and the U.N. Ocean Decade (2021-2030). This year’s award celebrated Henk Rogers for his leadership in global climate initiatives, notably through the Blue Planet Alliance and the Global Ambassadors Program.
Rogers’ work, particularly in promoting climate agreements with island nations, aligns with the Institute’s long-standing focus on building bridges between coastal communities. For nearly three decades, the Institute has worked with island regions, such as Martha’s Vineyard, Hawaii, and the British Virgin Islands, to empower youth leaders and develop sustainable solutions. This commitment was further highlighted by the Global Ambassadors message, which inspired participants to take action against the impacts of climate change on fragile island ecosystems.
The evening’s celebration also paid tribute to the late Walter Cronkite, an avid sailor who found solace in the island life. Cronkite, who spent summers sailing in Martha’s Vineyard and winters in the British Virgin Islands, deeply valued the sense of community and connection with nature that islands offer. His passion for protecting marine ecosystems continues to inspire the Institute’s mission to safeguard vulnerable coastal environments and empower youth to lead sustainable change.
In addition to recognising Rogers, the event honoured other ocean champions featured in Stone Soup for a Sustainable World: Life-Changing Stories of Young Heroes, including Nainoa Thompson, Jasper Ralph, and Daniela Fernandez. These champions’ efforts reflect the collective struggle to preserve marine life amidst the growing threats of climate change, coastal erosion, and plastic pollution.
The Cronkite Award ceremony also launched the Institute’s Oceans Initiative, which aims to expand access to climate education for young people worldwide. The initiative will offer free educational tools and training through the Stone Soup Climate Education Platform, enabling educators to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed for a sustainable future.
In addition to the ceremony, the event featured video interviews with Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassadors, highlighting their efforts in promoting sustainable practices. The Institute had the opportunity to speak with Rownel Jody Coloma, Lilan Dayananda, and Mark Haver, who shared their insights on the critical challenges facing island nations and coastal regions. Their perspectives provided an invaluable contribution to the evening, underscoring the urgency of protecting our oceans and fostering sustainable communities.
The event closed with the christening of the Adirondack IV (Classic Harbor Lines) and a sail around New York Harbor, offering attendees a chance to reflect on the importance of ocean stewardship. Youth leaders from New York City schools, aligned with the Institute’s mission, also participated, adding an intergenerational dimension to the event.
The Stone Soup Leadership Institute continues to inspire and empower future leaders from coastal communities, fostering a global network of advocates dedicated to protecting our oceans. Through initiatives such as the Blue Planet Alliance and the Institute’s Annual Sustainability Summits, these efforts are helping to build a more sustainable and mindful world.
More information: https://cronkiteawards.com/
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