SELF-SERVING LEADERSHIP IS ERODING OUR FUTURE.

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Humanity stands at a critical crossroads. The intertwined crises of biodiversity loss, pollution, climate change, and humanitarian challenges all share a common root: a lack of empathy in decision-making. Yet, there is hope. The youth we work with are rising as empathetic leaders, determined to build a more compassionate and sustainable world.

2024 Summit for Empowerment Action & Leadership (SEAL) participants in Yolla Bolly/Middle Eel Wilderness in Northern California.

4th Cohort members hold signs at U.S. YAC UNOD’s organized press conference which wrapped the March 2024 World Water Week Hill Days event in Washington D.C.

5TH COHORT U.S. YOUTH ACTION COUNCIL FOR THE UN OCEAN DECADE NOW UNDERWAY

H2OO has onboarded a new group of young eco-justice advocates dedicated to safeguarding our interconnected one-water system as part of the 5th Cohort of the U.S. Youth Action Council for the UN Ocean Decade (U.S. YAC UNOD).

Over the next eight months, U.S. YAC UNOD members will be hard at work on hands-on action projects related to policy, movement-building, education, and communications!

Who makes up the 5th Cohort?

58 youth leaders aged 15–25;

Located in USA, including sovereign Indigenous Nations within U.S.-occupied Turtle Island, Hawai‘i, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam/Guåhan, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Kwajalein, Marshall Islands;

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE U.S. YAC UNOD

UNEP ACCREDITED

In March 2024, Heirs To Our Ocean became accredited by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This means H2OO has gained observer status — together with more than 200 other global NGOs — and can get its voice heard directly prior to and during UNEA (United Nations Environment Assembly) sessions.

OUR MOVEMENT: CONNECT, EDUCATE, ACT

CONNECT

Convening youth from vastly different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, especially those living in areas most affected by societal and environmental issues, to theorize and collaborate on solutions while developing skills in conflict resolution, active listening and more.

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EDUCATE

Preparing tomorrow’s leaders through real-world, collaborative education and empowerment skill-building. H2OO is committed to ensuring that the next generation of leaders understands the intersection of social and environmental issues and is equipped to drive lasting change.

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ACT

Partnering with youth leaders to respond to the challenges they feel are most pressing faced by their generation and their communities, and, together, advocating for urgent action from policymakers, institutions and other non-governmental organizations.

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WE HAVE A NEW NAME AND NEW LOOK!

WE’RE NOW HEIRS TO OUR OCEAN! 

Why did we change from Oceans, plural, to Ocean, singular? 

Because we wanted to be clear that we all share this one water system on planet Earth that is our life source and that connects us all. 

Our new logo and name change reflect there is One Water System.

And we envision One Just World.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we want to express our gratitude to all our supporters who have made this transformation possible. Your support has been instrumental in our success and enables us to continue our vital work. 

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OUR THEORY OF CHANGE

YOUTH ARE THE FUTURE OF CLIMATE ACTION

We envision a world where all youth are prepared to lead humanity into a more just, equitable, empathetic future and are connected to the natural world and each other.

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ABOUT

HEIRS TO OUR OCEAN IS A YOUTH-FORMED, YOUTH-LED MOVEMENT

Heirs to Our Ocean (H2OO) was created to solve the pressing humanitarian and environmental problems of our shared one-water system. Fostering connection and collaboration between youth situated in vastly different backgrounds, H2OO creates a deeply moving human experience for young leaders as they develop an authentic and meaningful understanding of one another’s perspectives and challenges. Most importantly, this connection leads to long-term solutions with lasting impact.

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STORIES

YOUTH TO CONFRONT GLOBAL CRISES HEAD ON

Hear directly from global youth leaders on what they believe are the greatest challenges faced today and their solutions. From blogs to films to poetry, they use all mediums to bring awareness and drive action to protect our planet.

GET INSPIRED
Bertho, from West Papua, Indonesia, was awarded a scholarship at SEAL 2020 to pursue his passion for filmmaking.

Youth leaders connect from around the world at SEAL 2021 in Hawai’i.

BECOME AN H2OO HEIR

BE PART OF A GLOBAL SOLUTION

We are the next generation, leading the movement to a more just and equitable future that protects our shared natural world, each other, and our one-water system. Together we will solve the humanitarian and climate crises we are inheriting. Get involved.

JOIN US

Heirs To Our Ocean is a youth leadership and empowerment learning program under via senti, a California public benefit nonprofit corporation and an IRC 501(c)(3).  The date of incorporation is May 31, 2016, and the federal tax identification number is 81-2945459.

Download 2023 990 tax form

PARTNERS // COLLABORATORS // SUPPORTERS

COMMITTED TO CREATING A MORE JUST AND EMPATHETIC FUTURE

All our partners, collaborators and supporters join us in working toward a more just and equitable future. Want to get on the list?  BECOME A PARTNER