Charity profile

"In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught." Baba Dioum, Senegalese environmentalist.

The human body is over 70% water and we are drawn together by the aquatic within us. We are all water, and we all share the opportunity and challenge to protect our last wilderness beneath the waves.

At I AM WATER we focus on the human element and solution to a complex environmental problem as there is no such thing as a one dimensional approach. I AM WATER is a critical force for young people in these coastal communities to access positive role models, wilderness experiences and accurate information about the ocean and daily actions to make a difference to our oceans.

We do this through education, awareness, and advocacy with a focus on innovative ocean snorkel workshops where youth overcome deeply embedded cultural fears of the ocean and are more likely to appreciate the ocean as a place to protect.

Ethos: You protect what you love.

Mission: Help people fall in love with the ocean and inspire lasting behaviour change through this connection.

Vision: To create a lasting impact on the democratisation of ocean experiences in South Africa and beyond.

Quick Facts

-Over 6,000 Young Ocean Guardians trained since inception

-Over 120 Young people trained to deliver youth friendly ocean conservation programs

- 17,233 School learners have more knowledge on ocean conservation challenges and solutions

- 7,010 Healthy & nutritious meals provided