In a remarkable stride towards global collaboration for sustainable development, three exceptional members of our organization—Oyeniyi Isaac, Olagboye Olasunkanmi, and Stephanie Otoabasi-Akpan – have been chosen to be part of the prestigious Millennium Fellowship Class of 2023. This incredible opportunity, presented by the United Nations Academic Impact and MCN (Millennium Campus Network), is a testament to their commitment to leadership and the advancement of UN goals.
The Millennium Fellowship is a unique program that brings together, challenges, and celebrates student leaders worldwide who are dedicated to contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This global initiative received applications from student leaders on over 3,000 campuses across 170+ nations. Out of this impressive pool, only 9% of campuses, totalling 260 institutions in 38 countries, were selected to host the Class of 2023, comprising over 4,000 Millennium Fellows.
They stood out among the thousands of applicants due to their demonstrated leadership skills, passion for social impact, and commitment to making a positive change in their communities. The rigorous selection process identified these individuals as promising agents of change, representing not only our organization but also the collective ambition to address global challenges. The program aims to provide a platform for young leaders to collaborate, share experiences, and work on innovative projects that directly contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With a focus on fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, the Millennium Fellowship empowers participants to create tangible, positive impacts in their communities.
They will be joining peers from around the world in this transformative experience. Through this fellowship, they will have the opportunity to engage in workshops, discussions, and collaborative projects, gaining valuable insights and skills that will further enhance their ability to drive positive change in our local and global communities. As an organization, we are immensely proud to have our members selected for the Millennium Fellowship. This accomplishment aligns with our commitment to fostering leadership, innovation, and collaboration for sustainable development. We eagerly anticipate the impact they will make during and after their participation in the Class of 2023. The Millennium Fellowship Class of 2023 represents a diverse and dynamic group of young leaders dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Oyeniyi Isaac, Olagboye Olasunkanmi, and Stephanie Otoabasi-Akpan as they embark on this exciting journey. Their selection is a testament to their passion, dedication, and potential to drive positive change, and we look forward to witnessing the transformative impact they will undoubtedly have on a global scale.
In a proud moment for AquaWorld, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to three outstanding members who have recently graduated from the prestigious Erasmus Mundus exchange program. Babalola Sherifdeen, M.Sc. in Flood Risk Management, Dada Oluwakemi and Paul Olatunji both M.Sc. in Marine Environment and Resources (MER), have not only excelled in their academic pursuits but are now poised to make significant contributions to their respective fields.
Babalola Sherifdeen, a dedicated member of AquaWorld, has successfully completed his studies in flood risk management through the Erasmus Mundus scholarship program. Sherifdeen’s expertise in this critical field positions him as a high-flier in the realm of managing and mitigating the impacts of flooding—a challenge that demands innovative solutions and informed decision-making. AquaWorld takes immense pride in Sherifdeen’s academic achievements and anticipates the positive impact he will make in addressing flood-related challenges globally.
AquaWorld is equally delighted to spotlight Dada Oluwakemi and Paul Olatunji, who have completed their studies in Marine Environment and Resources (MER) under the Erasmus Mundus scholarship program. Paul and Oluwakemi’s dedication to understanding and preserving marine ecosystems aligns perfectly with AquaWorld’s commitment to environmental stewardship. As they step into their professional journey, we celebrate their achievements and eagerly anticipate the positive influence they will have on marine conservation efforts.
AquaWorld has always been a nurturing ground for passionate individuals committed to making a difference in environmental fields. The success of Babalola Sherifdeen, Paul Olatunji and Dada Oluwakemi exemplifies our commitment to fostering academic excellence and creating a platform for members to excel in their chosen fields. As we spotlight these high-fliers, we not only celebrate their accomplishments but also highlight AquaWorld’s role in shaping the next generation of environmental leaders. Their achievements reinforce AquaWorld’s dedication to supporting its members in pursuing academic excellence. Our organization continues to encourage and empower individuals to reach their full potential, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
We look ahead to their positive impact on their respective fields. We remain committed to nurturing the talents of our members and fostering a community of environmental leaders dedicated to creating a sustainable and thriving planet.
Paul Olatunji
Dada Oluwakemi
Babalola Sherifdeen
Adetola Adebowale Attends The 7th Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium in Umhlanga, South Africa
We are thrilled to announce that Adetola Adebowale, a distinguished member of Aquaworld, recently had the honour of presenting his groundbreaking master’s research at the 7th Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium in Umhlanga, South Africa. The symposium, held from October 21st to 24th, 2023, provided a platform for Adetola to share insights from his research, shedding light on the ecological impact of toxic contaminants in bronze whaler sharks along the coastline of South Africa.
The study of heavy metal and organic compound bioaccumulation in bronze whaler sharks, Carcharhinus brachyurus, is of ecological importance in the Southern Atlantic. These sentinel species, presently categorized as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN, are commercially harvested and exported to countries like Australia, Hong Kong, and even China, where they are eaten as meat, fins, and oil. The research showed high levels of mercury, arsenic, lead, chromium, and zinc in bronze whaler sharks. The metal concentrations of some of these samples were almost equal to the tolerable limits set by WHO/FAO. This is because the sharks have relatively long lifespans and grow slowly, leading to the accumulation of toxins. These include mental disorders, adulteration of blood constituents, lung impairments and changes in the endocrine and reproductive systems. In some cases, such toxicity may be prolonged, leading to the formation of cancerous diseases.
His studies are crucial for monitoring ecotoxicology and risk assessment in support of a sustainable marine ecosystem and protection of human health and safety. The global shark-soup fin trade involving the bronze whaler sharks is the reason for this research. This research highlights the need to address the ecological and health risks associated with these sharks.
We are proud to share that Adetola Adebowale’s participation in the symposium was made possible through a conference travel grant awarded by the Save Our Sea Foundation. This recognition highlights the importance and impact of Adetola’s research in contributing to our understanding of marine ecology and its broader implications for global environmental sustainability. Adetola Adebowale’s exemplary contribution to the 7th Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium reflects Aquaworld’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering awareness of critical environmental issues. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Adetola and express our gratitude to the Save Our Sea Foundation for supporting this essential research endeavour. Stay tuned for further updates on our ongoing initiatives towards a sustainable and healthier marine ecosystem.
In a remarkable demonstration of individual commitment to environmental stewardship, Tosin Fashagba, a dedicated member of AquaWorld, took the initiative to participate in the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 15–19, 2023. This independent endeavour reflects AquaWorld’s ethos of fostering proactive engagement and empowering its members to contribute meaningfully to global discussions on biodiversity conservation.
The SBSTTA meeting encompassed an extensive range of discussions, including but not limited to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), biodiversity and climate change, invasive alien species, and sustainable wildlife management. These topics underscored the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in preserving our planet’s rich biodiversity. Central to the discussions was the progress and monitoring of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. During deliberations, Egypt, representing African states, raised key issues concerning the review of the monitoring framework. Of particular emphasis were calls for clear biodiversity indicators, defined progress indicators for ecological integrity, and the transparent sharing of indicator methodologies. Notably, debates surfaced around the complexity of indicators, with some advocating for simplicity and others endorsing additional explanations for binary indicators.
A critical nexus between biodiversity and climate change was explored, drawing on findings from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The implications of these findings on biodiversity were carefully considered, enriching the discourse on sustainable environmental practices. While the official agenda was captivating, side events brought additional layers of insight. Notably, Tosin Fashagba found particular interest in events such as “Empowering African Youths: Closing the Gap of Technical and Scientific Needs for Transformative Actions” and “Youth as Key Actors in the Implementation of KMGBF.” These sessions highlighted the imperative of involving African youth in biodiversity conservation efforts, aligning with AquaWorld’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and future-oriented sustainability.
Tosin Fashagba’s active engagement in the SBSTTA meeting exemplifies AquaWorld’s dedication to staying at the forefront of global conversations on biodiversity conservation. As we reflect on the insightful discussions, it becomes evident that AquaWorld’s members are not just participants in conferences but passionate advocates and contributors to the ongoing dialogue shaping the future of our planet’s biodiversity.
For comprehensive information and decisions from the SBSTTA meeting, visit the CBD website.
We are delighted to announce a significant achievement by one of our esteemed members, Paul Olatunji, who has been awarded a prestigious travel grant from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST). This grant enabled Paul to present a groundbreaking poster at the 2023 Plastics Monitoring Detection Remediation Recovery (PRIORITY) training school, hosted at the renowned Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology in Jena, Germany.
The PRIORITY training school serves as a vital platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of plastics monitoring, detection, remediation, and recovery. Held at the cutting-edge Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, the event is a focal point for experts and researchers working towards innovative solutions to address the global challenge of plastic pollution.
Paul’s research investigates the intricate interaction between microplastics and freshwater bivalves, shedding light on a critical aspect of plastic pollution’s impact on aquatic ecosystems. His work contributes significantly to the growing body of knowledge aimed at understanding the environmental consequences of microplastic contamination, particularly in freshwater environments. The study holds immense importance in the context of global efforts to combat plastic pollution. By examining the interaction between microplastics and freshwater bivalves, Paul’s research provides valuable insights into the potential ecological ramifications and underscores the urgency of developing effective strategies for plastic waste management.
Paul’s selection for the COST travel grant is a testament to the calibre of his research and the societal relevance of AquaWorld’s contributions to environmental science. This prestigious grant not only recognizes Paul’s dedication and expertise but also highlights AquaWorld’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering international collaboration in the realm of environmental research.
As AquaWorld continues to spearhead initiatives addressing pressing environmental challenges, Paul Olatunji’s participation in the PRIORITY training school signifies a crucial step towards global cooperation in tackling plastic pollution. Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing efforts to drive positive change and contribute to the global discourse on sustainable environmental practices.
Aquaworld made a significant impact at the inaugural Africa Blue Economy Week (ABEW’24), held in Ethiopia. Organized by the African Union and UNDP Africa to celebrate the African Day of the Seas and Oceans, this landmark event brought together representatives from across the African continent to discuss and promote sustainable practices in the blue economy.
Aquaworld’s Founder and Executive Director, Paul Eweola, proudly represented Nigeria at the event. Notably, Paul was the first and only young male panellist in a session dedicated to youth involvement in the Blue Economy. His participation underscored the crucial role that young leaders play in shaping the future of Africa’s marine resources.
During his panel discussion, Paul shared valuable insights into how Aquaworld has advanced sustainable fisheries management in Nigeria through the Fisher’s Prep Initiative. This initiative has successfully impacted five coastal communities in Lagos and Ondo States, promoting responsible fishing practices and environmental stewardship.
Paul emphasized the importance of passing the baton of sustaining Africa’s Blue Economy to the younger generation. He called for a seamless and timely transition, ensuring that the next generation of leaders continues to drive progress and innovation in marine conservation.
