BOOT Düsseldorf: W’Africa Joins Global Efforts for Ocean Conservation

The world’s leading water sports trade fair, BOOT Düsseldorf 2025, is set to host more than 1,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries during its highly anticipated nine-day exhibition from January 18 to 26 in Düsseldorf, Germany. This global showcase is renowned for its unparalleled breadth, featuring cutting-edge innovations with a strong emphasis on marine sustainability, engaging experiences, and networking opportunities across its nine themed areas, namely, sailing, motorboats, super yachts, superboats, diving, surf sports, travelling, paddling and engines, equipment & accessories.

A key highlight of BOOT Düsseldorf 2025 is the prestigious Ocean Tribute Award, an initiative in collaboration with the Prince Albert II Foundation and the German Ocean Foundation. With a prize of €20,000, the award recognizes trailblazing projects in marine conservation. Since its inception in 2018, the Ocean Tribute Award has spotlighted impactful initiatives from across the globe, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 to promote the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

“As the first African and a young ocean expert to receive this prestigious award, it represents the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainable oceans.” said Mr. Peter Teye Busumprah, ECOP Ghana Coordinator. “It is a recognition that meaningful work aimed at societal impact can gain international attention. For ECOP Africa, this award is a major milestone, validating our innovative solutions to ocean-related challenges. The seed funding enabled impactful projects, including the Ghana Ocean Climate Innovations Hub, which now collaborates on fisheries initiatives across Africa with participants from Tunisia, Nigeria, Cameroon and more. ECOP Africa thrives on teamwork, diversity, and grassroots engagement to drive marine conservation. Platforms like BOOT Düsseldorf play a crucial role in connecting innovators with donors and fostering partnerships that advance global and African marine initiatives,”Busumprah added.