boot Düsseldorf and the German Ocean Foundation have been promoting the protection of our oceans with the ‘ocean tribute’ Award since 2017. The award honors people, projects and initiatives that protect the oceans, lakes and rivers with creative ideas and great commitment. The award has now established itself as one of the most important international honors in marine conservation.
The registration period for the 2026 ‘ocean tribute’ ends on 30 September, and anyone whose projects contribute to marine conservation is invited to apply for this prestigious award.
https://www.boot.com/en/Program/Awards_Events/ocean_tribute_Award/ocean_tribute_Award
Every energetic initiative, every exciting project and every attention-grabbing campaign for the protection of the oceans can be part of the ‘ocean tribute’ award. Applicants must ensure that their projects contribute to the sustainable improvement and cleanliness of waterways. Whether technical innovations, expansion of research capacities, educational work or reduction of waste and nutrient pollution, the ‘ocean tribute’ Award focuses on the protection of the oceans.
Reinforcement in the jury
The high-caliber jury will first carry out an initial technical evaluation of the submissions. On board are meteorologist and maritime ambassador Monika Breuch-Moritz, who also serves on the advisory board of the German Ocean Foundation with her expertise, Professor Michael Orbach, anthropologist and advisor on maritime policy, Professor Hartmut Graßl, Chairman of the Association of German Scientists (both also members of the advisory board of the German Ocean Foundation), and from the trade fair side, Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Düsseldorf, and Robert Marx, President of the European Boating Industry Association and boot Düsseldorf.
Shamim Wasii Nyanda (founder of the Doors of Hope Foundation) and Leonie Beck (open water swimmer and Olympian) bring a breath of fresh air to the jury. Shamim Wasii Nyanda is an environmentalist and social scientist. She founded the Doors of Hope Foundation, which is dedicated to climate change, marine conservation, WASH and youth empowerment in Tanzania. She coordinates the ECOP Tanzania Node and is also the director of the Tanzania Ocean Climate Innovation Hub, which is supported by GEOS Under Ocean Visions as part of the UN Ocean Decade. Leonie Beck is one of the most successful open water swimmers in the world. She is a multiple world and European champion and a three-time Olympian. Water is not only her sporting element, but also a subject close to her heart, especially when it comes to protecting our oceans and waters. It is important to her to use her reach in a meaningful way to raise awareness of how we treat the environment and to promote a respectful approach to nature.
After the initial evaluation by the jury, the public voting will begin: From November 2025, anyone interested can vote for their favourite project at https://www.boot.com/en/Program/Awards_Events/ocean_tribute_Award/ocean_tribute_Award The three finalists will be presented at boot Düsseldorf in January 2026 – and, of course, the winner will be announced there in a ceremony.
The world's largest yacht and water sports 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 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 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 open its doors from 17 to 25 January 2026. www.boot.com
