Media

Ocean for Life: Enhancing Cultural Understanding Through Ocean Science

Posted on 2011-07-13

Students from Greater Middle Eastern and Western Countries immerse in field studies within National Marine Sanctuaries

Thirty high school students from Greater Middle Eastern and Western countries are participating in Ocean for Life, an initiative to increase cultural understanding through ocean science, from July 14-26, 2011. NOAA's Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary in California will host the students during their field study. Ocean for Life is made possible by a partnership of U.S. government agencies and private entities. Ocean for Life provides high quality, immersive ocean field studies and subsequent education programs to students of diverse cultures and backgrounds to promote ocean
conservation.

The Ocean for Life program is a partnership among the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, The GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) Program, SCUBAnauts International and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

The themes of Ocean for Life are: a sense of place, interconnectedness and ocean conservation and stewardship. Students will explore the ocean and coastal areas in NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Close to the California mainland, the sanctuary encompasses the ocean environment surrounding Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Islands, and protects a rich diversity of marine life.

Participants will learn about research and conservation activities being conducted to address issues threatening ocean health. Field studies will raise awareness of the importance of resources in the ocean, and students will draw comparisons with their own unique local and regional environments.

Assisted by National Geographic photographers and American University film students, the participants will document what they have learned through the development of youth media projects, using photography and video to capture the essence of their surroundings. The youth media projects will become a tool to help Ocean for Life participants share what they have learned and promote ocean conservation and cultural understanding among their classmates, friends, families and communities back home.

The 2011 Ocean for Life project brings together 12 students from Canada and the United States representing American Samoa and the states of Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Tennessee, Michigan, Rhode Island and Washington, with 18 students from the Greater Middle East representing Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Ocean for Life is presented in collaboration with the National Geographic Society, American University’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking, Meridian International Center and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Sponsors/donors include Qatar Foundation International, WAFRA Investment Advisory Group, Inc., The Ettinger Foundation, Ellmar Foundation and One World One Ocean. Ocean for Life is supported by a host of public and private interests that contribute instruction, use of facilities and reduced fees to participating students.

# # #

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries (www.sanctuaries.noaa.gov)
The mission of NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) is to serve as the trustee for the National Marine Sanctuary System, to conserve, protect, and enhance their biodiversity, ecological integrity and cultural legacy. The system includes 13 national marine sanctuaries and one marine national monument, collectively encompassing over 150,000 square miles of area in the ocean and Great Lakes. These national marine sanctuaries provide the optimal setting for the Ocean for Life program to enhance cross-cultural relationships, while creating a stewardship ethic for the ocean and the universal human experience. ONMS has been the lead on the planning, evaluation and execution of the Ocean for Life program.

The GLOBE Program (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment,
www.globe.gov)
GLOBE connects the next generation of international scientists and global citizens through inquiry-based investigations of the environment and the Earth system working in close partnership with NASA, NOAA and NSF. GLOBE is a world-wide hands-on, school-based science and education program including students, teachers, scientists and community members from 111 countries. Through GLOBE, over 1.5 million students from around the world have contributed more than 22 million measurements to the GLOBE database for use in their inquiry-based science projects. The GLOBE Near East-North Africa Region has designated and endorsed Ocean for Life as an important project, coordinating the selection of the Middle Eastern students and assisting with planning program activities.

SCUBAnauts International, Inc. (www.scubanautsintl.org)
The SCUBAnauts International (SNI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) informal education organization whose mission is to guide young men and women, ages 12 through 18, along an exciting pathway for personal development by involving them in the marine sciences through underwater marine research activities such as special environmental and undersea conservation projects that builds character, promotes active citizenship, and develops effective leadership skills. SNI provides rick management, liability coverage and staff support for the Ocean for Life program.

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (www.nmsfocean.org)
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that was created to assist the federally managed Office of National Marine Sanctuaries with education and outreach programs designed to preserve, protect and promote meaningful opportunities for public interaction with the nation’s marine sanctuaries. As a collaborator for Ocean for Life, it is acting as the fiscal agent and leads the fund raising effort.

« Back to release

release

“Climates Change. Can You?” Launch Global Earth Day Awareness Video Campaign

WeVideo and Qatar Foundation International Team Up to Encourage People to Create and Share Stories about the Impact of Climate Change

Qatar Foundation International Celebrates Earth Day 2013 Qatar Featuring Local and Global Environmental Organizations

Every year on April 22nd, more than one billion people take part in Earth Day. Across the globe, individuals, communities, organizations, and governments take action to protect our planet. This year, QFI is hosting Earth Week Qatar 2013, a week of activities surrounding Earth Day in venues across Qatar.

US and Qatari high school students to explore culture, Arabic language and identity on educational program to Qatar

This March, high school students from Los Angeles and Portland will join their peers from Qatar on an educational program in Doha that will explore expressions of identity, Arabic language and multiculturalism.

QFI Brings Students to Colorado to Inspire Action in Their Communities

Eleven outstanding students selected from Qatar, Brazil and the U.S. will attend Annual National Service Learning Conference in Denver, Colorado, which takes place March 13 - 16. The theme of the conference is Without Limits, and is hosted by the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC), in partnership with Earth Force.

New York Harbor school students join peers from the Middle East to meet climate change challenges

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, cities and organizations are taking action on the major challenges of the 21st Century, such as climate change and ocean conservation.

QFI joins in UNESCO celebration of the first World Arabic Language Day

"Learning Arabic yields significant benefits, as is clear from decades of observing thousands of American students studying it. This experience can open the door to the wonders of language and culture, a culture that has profoundly contributed to the formation of our own."

Coastal Carbon: Importance of Natural Coasts for Climate Change Mitigation

Ensconced in the brilliant waters of the Arabian Gulf, Qatar possesses remarkable marine ecosystems, including seagrass meadows, mangroves and salt marshes.

Qatar Foundation International joins DCMUN and THIMUN Youth Assembly to train youth to tackle environmental challenges

In the lead up to Qatar’s hosting of COP18/CMP8 later this month, QFI has identified 52 students from the U.S., Brazil, Argentina and Qatar to join with the hundreds of youth coming together at DCMUN V and THIMUN Youth Assembly on November 15th and 16th.

Mapping Qatar’s Mangroves: QFI, CI and Carnegie Mellon University Qatar Partner on Youth Environment Initiative

Qatar Foundation International (QFI) and Conservation International (CI) have teamed up with Carnegie Mellon University Qatar to expand QFI and CI’s “Mapping the Mangroves” project in to the field.

QFI’s Global Citizenship in Action, Youth Ambassadors participate in UNGA activities on the Road to Doha

QFI Youth Ambassadors, six high school students from Qatar and the United States, are traveling to New York City from September 22-28th to participate in a Global Citizenship-themed educational exchange surrounding the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

QFI Sends Granada Hills Charter High School Students to MUN in Qatar

Ten Granada Hills Charter High School students were chosen to participate in Qatar Foundation International’s (QFI) Model United Nations and Youth Assembly on Climate Change in Doha, Qatar from November 8-17, 2012.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Visits QFI Arabic Class at Harlem Elementary School

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development visited elementary school students studying Arabic at a public school in Harlem.

Qatar Foundation International Sponsors Award-Winning Online Arabic Course, Developed at the National Middle East Language Resource Center

QFI has partnered with Arabic Without Walls, an innovative online curriculum that assists in the teaching and learning of introductory Arabic, and gives access to a community of language learners.

The Road to Doha: On World Environment Day, Youth Ambassadors Begin Environmental Training

On the occasion of World Environment Day, QFI focuses its energy on increasing environmental awareness and engaging youth as it prepares its Youth Ambassadors for Science and the Environment (YASE) for their participation in the Rio+20 Conference and eventually the COP18.

On UNGA’s World Day for Cultural Diversity, QFI Launches Climate Change Curriculum Project with Global Nomads Group: Road to Doha 2012 and Beyond

In recognition of the UN General Assembly declaring today as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, QFI announces a new initiative, Road to Doha 2012 and Beyond, with GNG in the lead up to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 18) in Doha, Qatar.

Qatar Foundation International Partners with Intel and Khan Academy for Arabic Translation of Math and Science Modules

Qatar Foundation International (QFI) has partnered with Intel to translate in to Arabic core math and science video modules from the acclaimed Khan Academy and pre-load the materials on Intel desktops and laptops.

Qatar Foundation International Announces QFI Arabic Language Curriculum Grantees

QFI has announced the awardees of its Curriculum Grants, including Harvard College, public schools in Los Angeles, CA and Tucson, AZ and the National Middle East Language Resource Center (please see a full list of grantees and their projects below).

Youth Ambassadors for Science and the Environment Program Launched on Earth Day Qatar

QFI, in partnership with Qatar Shell, Qatar National Research Fund, Conservation International, and Secondary School Research Experience Program (SSREP) is launching the Youth Ambassadors for Science & Environment (YASE) Program, which aims to equip youth with the skills they need to face these global challenges

Qatari and American Teachers Join Together on “Peers Educating Peers”

Over the past several days, teachers from Boston Arts Academy and Qatari schools have been working together in Doha, Qatar learning about Peers Educating Peers (PEP) project and experiential and expeditionary learning pedagogy, sponsored by QFI.

Earth Day Qatar 2012

In celebration of Earth Day, QFI has partnered with the Sustainability Office at Qatar Foundation in a series of events that focus on critical environmental issues affecting us all. This year’s Earth Day events will focus on sustainability, awareness, conservation and engagement.

Do you have something to say about Language Learning? Join the #MyDreamSpeaks Tweet Chat

In the weeks leading up to the My Dream Speaks event on April 18th, 2012, the Global Language Project (GLP) is going to launch a weekly Twitter conversation on the event and mission to equip disadvantaged public-school students with free and comprehensive language programs.

#MapGrove: Virtually Explore Qatar's Mangroves

Increase your awareness and help preserve the world’s mangroves this Earth Day by participating in a unique TweetChat (#MapGrove) on April 21st at 10am (Doha Time).

Qatar Foundation International Brings Students from Doha, Qatar and Chicago to DC for Environmental Exchange Trip with Blue Legacy

This week, Qatar Foundation International (QFI) gathers students from Doha, Qatar and Chicago, Illinois on an environmental-themed exchange program that examines critical water issues affecting us all.

Qatar Foundation International Brings Students from Three Continents Together For Community Service and Leadership Projects

QFI has selected 37 students from three continents to attend the YALLAH: Commit to Action trip in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sixty applications were submitted, but the students with the best community service and engagement project proposals were selected.

Qatar Foundation International and WeVideo Partner to Foster US - Arab Cultural Ties

WeVideo, the first company to offer full featured, cloud-based, collaborative video editing, today announced that it has partnered with Qatar Foundation International to employ collaborative film making to foster US – Arab cultural ties.

QFI Exchange Trip to Doha Brings Brazilian and Qatari Students Together With National Geographic Photo Camp

Twenty-two high school students and six teachers from the QFI-supported Arabic language and culture programs in São Paulo and Curitiba, Brazil, run by BibliASPA, will be paired with students from the Qatar Leadership Academy and Qatar Academy on an educational exploration in Qatar.

Qatar Foundation International Students Participate in Qatar UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum’s Youth Preparatory Event

For the first time, a Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations kicked off with a youth preparatory meeting. Youth alumni of QFI programs were invited to be a part of the youth meeting, recognizing their central role in the world today and as leaders of tomorrow.

WISE awardees dedicated to open education

Since 2009, the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), sponsored by Qatar Foundation, has rewarded an individual or team for their outstanding contributions to the field of education a cash prize to further develop education projects.

Chicago public high school students travel to Doha on Qatar Foundation International cultural exchange trip

Nineteen students enrolled in Arabic language programs and their teachers from Lindblom Math and Science Academy in Chicago will travel to Doha, Qatar to explore the country and participate in educational activities around the theme of water conservation and preservation.

Qatar Foundation International partners with Alexandra Cousteau and Blue Legacy on student cultural exchange in Doha

Qatar Foundation International (QFI) has partnered with Alexandra Cousteau’s Blue Legacy to facilitate water-related projects on QFI’s Cultural Exchange trip next month.

QFI promotes Arab and American youth leaders with the launch of YALLAH 2.0

In its second year of commitment to action made to the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), Qatar Foundation International (QFI) continues its leadership in innovative global learning with the unfolding of YALLAH 2.0.

Ocean for Life: Enhancing Cultural Understanding Through Ocean Science

Students from Greater Middle Eastern and Western Countries immerse in field studies within National Marine Sanctuaries

Earth Day Qatar 2011 - Premier Event in the Region

On April 21, 2011, Qatar Foundation International, in partnership with the Earth Day Network and Qatar Foundation Office of Faculty & Student Services, held the premier Earth Day event in the region at Katara Cultural Village and finished with an environmental film festival and awards night at the Education City Student Centre at night.

Qatari students "Get Global" and travel to Seattle

Fifteen Qatari high school students are traveling to the United States today to attend a global youth conference and participate in educational activities in Seattle, Washington from April 15-22, 2011.

QFI teams up with Cisco for student telepresence debates

Qatar Foundation International (QFI) partner schools in Washington D.C. and Doha, Qatar are using Cisco Systems’ innovative TelePresence video conferencing technology to bridge the distance between them through a series of online debates.

Qatar Foundation International announces new program forging relations between Arab and American youth

QFI continues its leadership in innovative global learning with the launch of YALLAH – Youth Allied to Learn, Lead and Help.

The Road to Doha

QFI's Road to Doha program helped train and bring together youth from Qatar, the U.S., Brazil and Argentina to better understand and develop solutions to critical global issues and to more effectively raise environmental awareness.

The Future We Want

In June 2012, Youth Ambassadors for Science and the Environment traveled to Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Caravelas and Abrohlos National Marine Park before heading to Rio+20 Earth Summit.

YALLAH: Commit to Action, Minnesota

QFI selected 36 students from Brazil, Qatar and the U.S. to participate in the National Service-Learning Conference held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Madeleine Albright Visits Lindblom

On April 10, 2012, Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright visited QFI's partner school, Lindblom Math and Science Academy.

Concordia Language Villages

In summer of 2011, QFI established a partnership with Concordia Language Villages. 31 youth from 20 different schools attended 2 or 4-week sessions at Al Waha, the Arabic Language Village.

QFI / WeVideo Behind the Scenes

The video that launched SXSW Film, highlighting QFI student filmmakers who collaborated on short water films.

QFI Celebrates Foreign Language Week

QFI's Executive Director speaks about the importance of learning another language.

BtoQ Compilation Video

Check out all five "Brazil to Qatar" National Geographic student videos in one compilation.

"Women" during the BtoQ Exchange

Brazilian and Qatari students worked with National Geographic instructors during the Brazil to Qatar exchange to create a short piece on women.

"People and Nature" during the BtoQ Exchange

Brazilian and Qatari students worked with National Geographic instructors during the Brazil to Qatar exchange to create a short piece on people and nature.

Behind the Scenes at Brazil to Qatar: One World, Many Stories

A behind the scenes look at the #BtoQ exchange program that brought 22 high school students from Brazil to meet their counterparts in Qatar.

From Chicago to Doha: Connecting Cultures, Exploring Science

Learn about students from Chicago's Lindblom Math and Science Academy who went on QFI's exchange trip to Qatar.

Chicago2Doha Media Projects

39 students from 3 schools in Chicago and Qatar came together for the Connecting Cultures, Exploring Science trip. Students told their reflections of the trip through images, video and sound.

Glass Blowing at Chihuly's Studio: YALLAH 2011

QFI students in Seattle as part of the YALLAH cultural exchange trip in 2011 were invited to world-renowned glass blower Dale Chihuly's studio.

Sir Richard Branson speaks to Earth Day Qatar 2011

Earth Day Qatar 2011 was the premier event in the region, featuring speakers, discussions, workshops, and a special video message by Sir Richard Branson.

Meet our Brazilian students

Arabic Language and Culture in Sao Paolo - meet the Brazilian students and administrators of this program.

Crossing the divide

Watch as students from QFI partner schools in Washington DC and Boston tell their story of language learning and cultural exchange.

Our mission and the astrolabe

With its rich and varied history, the Astrolabe represents education, science, innovation and diversity. Highlighted in this video, these values underscore QFI's vision and programs.

QFI News

View All News

Media

Ocean for Life: Enhancing Cultural Understanding Through Ocean Science

release

“Climates Change. Can You?” Launch Global Earth Day Awareness Video Campaign

Qatar Foundation International Celebrates Earth Day 2013 Qatar Featuring Local and Global Environmental Organizations

US and Qatari high school students to explore culture, Arabic language and identity on educational program to Qatar

QFI Brings Students to Colorado to Inspire Action in Their Communities

New York Harbor school students join peers from the Middle East to meet climate change challenges

QFI joins in UNESCO celebration of the first World Arabic Language Day

Coastal Carbon: Importance of Natural Coasts for Climate Change Mitigation

Qatar Foundation International joins DCMUN and THIMUN Youth Assembly to train youth to tackle environmental challenges

Mapping Qatar’s Mangroves: QFI, CI and Carnegie Mellon University Qatar Partner on Youth Environment Initiative

QFI’s Global Citizenship in Action, Youth Ambassadors participate in UNGA activities on the Road to Doha

QFI Sends Granada Hills Charter High School Students to MUN in Qatar

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Visits QFI Arabic Class at Harlem Elementary School

Qatar Foundation International Sponsors Award-Winning Online Arabic Course, Developed at the National Middle East Language Resource Center

The Road to Doha: On World Environment Day, Youth Ambassadors Begin Environmental Training

On UNGA’s World Day for Cultural Diversity, QFI Launches Climate Change Curriculum Project with Global Nomads Group: Road to Doha 2012 and Beyond

Qatar Foundation International Partners with Intel and Khan Academy for Arabic Translation of Math and Science Modules

Qatar Foundation International Announces QFI Arabic Language Curriculum Grantees

Youth Ambassadors for Science and the Environment Program Launched on Earth Day Qatar

Qatari and American Teachers Join Together on “Peers Educating Peers”

Earth Day Qatar 2012

Do you have something to say about Language Learning? Join the #MyDreamSpeaks Tweet Chat

#MapGrove: Virtually Explore Qatar's Mangroves

Qatar Foundation International Brings Students from Doha, Qatar and Chicago to DC for Environmental Exchange Trip with Blue Legacy

Qatar Foundation International Brings Students from Three Continents Together For Community Service and Leadership Projects

Qatar Foundation International and WeVideo Partner to Foster US - Arab Cultural Ties

QFI Exchange Trip to Doha Brings Brazilian and Qatari Students Together With National Geographic Photo Camp

Qatar Foundation International Students Participate in Qatar UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum’s Youth Preparatory Event

WISE awardees dedicated to open education

Chicago public high school students travel to Doha on Qatar Foundation International cultural exchange trip

Qatar Foundation International partners with Alexandra Cousteau and Blue Legacy on student cultural exchange in Doha

QFI promotes Arab and American youth leaders with the launch of YALLAH 2.0

Ocean for Life: Enhancing Cultural Understanding Through Ocean Science

Earth Day Qatar 2011 - Premier Event in the Region

Qatari students "Get Global" and travel to Seattle

QFI teams up with Cisco for student telepresence debates

Qatar Foundation International announces new program forging relations between Arab and American youth

Videos

The Road to Doha

The Future We Want

YALLAH: Commit to Action, Minnesota

Madeleine Albright Visits Lindblom

Concordia Language Villages

QFI / WeVideo Behind the Scenes

QFI Celebrates Foreign Language Week

BtoQ Compilation Video

"Women" during the BtoQ Exchange

"People and Nature" during the BtoQ Exchange

Behind the Scenes at Brazil to Qatar: One World, Many Stories

From Chicago to Doha: Connecting Cultures, Exploring Science

Chicago2Doha Media Projects

Glass Blowing at Chihuly's Studio: YALLAH 2011

Sir Richard Branson speaks to Earth Day Qatar 2011

Meet our Brazilian students

Crossing the divide

Our mission and the astrolabe

QFI News