Ajay Sawant, a young marine conservationist from Mumbai, India, is making waves in the environmental education and marine conservation space. An award-winning ocean-climate communicator, Ajay has been recognised for his work in ocean literacy (OL) and marine conservation earlier this year by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) through EE 30 under 30 honor.
As the founder of Generation Artivism, Ajay empowers young people to turn their passions into action, using art as a tool for advocacy and change. Ajay’s journey exemplifies how passion, action, and education can converge to drive impactful change.
The Ocean as a Lifelong Inspiration
Growing up by the Arabian Sea, Ajay’s bond with the ocean was forged early. “The ocean has always been a part of who I am,” he shares. “Its beauty inspired me as a child, but as I grew older, I also saw the threats it faced. That contrast is what pushed me to act, not just for the ocean but for the people and ecosystems that depend on it.”
This deep connection led him to work with several global conservation-based organisations like Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, The Ocean Project, National Geographic Society, High Seas Alliance and ThinkOcean Society. “Every project I’ve been part of taught me something new about the power of communities and the importance of acting now before it’s too late,” he reflects, “I was fortunate to have an incredible mentor like Linda Cabot from Bow Seat who believed in me and helped me build my perspective around ocean protection.”
From Awareness to Action
Ajay Sawant’s work goes beyond education; it’s about building a movement. He’s created educational programs that emphasise ocean literacy, particularly targeting schools and youth groups. “Education is the foundation of conservation,” he explains. “If people don’t understand what they’re losing, how can they care enough to protect it?”
His efforts have sparked youth-led campaigns, empowering the next generation of marine advocates. “Young people are the game-changers,” Ajay says. “They have the energy, creativity, and courage to demand the changes we need. My goal is to give them the tools and knowledge to channel that energy.”
Tackling Marine Challenges Head-On
Beyond education, Ajay, as the President at ThinkOcean and High Seas Youth Ambassador, has been directly involved in conservation projects, including mangrove restoration, policy advocacy and plastic pollution reduction. He believes that these tangible efforts are crucial to complementing awareness campaigns. “You can talk about change all you want, but people need to see it and feel it in their communities. That’s when they begin to believe it’s possible,” he says.
Ajay also stresses the importance of collective action. “The ocean connects us all, no matter where we live,” he notes. “That’s why I work with NGOs and local communities. Real solutions come from collaboration, not isolation.”
Art and Artivism in Awareness
As the Media Manager at Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, an internationally recognised non-profit and the world’s largest youth environmental program for arts, Ajay Sawant also runs his own artivism project, Generation Artivism. This organisation empowers young people to take action for the causes they care about through the discovery of their ideal form of advocacy.
Ajay Sawant’s Message for Aspiring Changemakers
Ajay’s journey is filled with lessons, and he hopes to inspire others to follow their own paths. “Find what you care about and start small,” he advises. “You don’t have to save the world overnight, but every action counts. Whether it’s reducing your plastic use, joining a local cleanup, or spreading awareness, the key is to start.”
He also emphasises persistence: “There will be challenges, no doubt. But if you’re passionate about your cause, keep going. The ocean has taught me resilience, and I try to bring that into my work every day.”
Looking to the Future
Ajay’s work is far from over. He continues to push for innovative solutions, stronger collaborations, and more inclusive conservation efforts. “Protecting the ocean isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a human one,” he says. “When we protect the ocean, we protect ourselves, our communities, and our future.”
As an EE 30 Under 30 honoree, Ajay Sawant’s story is a powerful reminder of what one person can achieve with determination, love, and a vision for a better world. “The ocean has given me so much,” he concludes. “This is my way of giving back, ensuring it remains a source of life and inspiration for many more generations.”
