{"id":2510,"date":"2022-06-08T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-07T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gwpo-gwp.org\/cee\/news\/ywc-programme-participant-meets-with-the-eu-commissioner-for-environment-interview-with-luca-jendrek\/"},"modified":"2026-04-25T08:13:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T07:13:09","slug":"ywc-programme-participant-meets-with-the-eu-commissioner-for-environment-interview-with-luca-jendrek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gwpo-gwp.org\/cee\/archive\/ywc-programme-participant-meets-with-the-eu-commissioner-for-environment-interview-with-luca-jendrek\/","title":{"rendered":"YWC Programme Participant Meets with the EU Commissioner for Environment – Interview with Luca Jendrek"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

2022 has been dedicated as <\/span>the <\/span>year of youth, <\/span>giving<\/span> more space for youth engagement. <\/span>One of such <\/span>opportunities<\/span> was created at t<\/span>he <\/span><\/span>E<\/span>uropean Maritime Day<\/span><\/span><\/a>(EMD)<\/span>,<\/span> an annual flagship event organised by the <\/span><\/span>Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries<\/span><\/span><\/a> (DG MARE) of the <\/span>European Commission<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span>This year <\/span>it<\/span> was held in Ravenna, Italy with the focus on \u201cSustainable blue economy for green recovery\u201d<\/span>. <\/span>It <\/span>also <\/span>hosted the <\/span><\/span>EU4Ocean Summit<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/span> which focused on Ocean and Climate, Food from the Ocean and Healthy and Clean Oceans.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

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An aspiring young water and climate specialist, Luca <\/span>Jendrek<\/span> from Hungary<\/span>,<\/span> was invited to <\/span>participate<\/span> and present her project on <\/span>transboundary cooperation and marine conservation. As a former GWP intern and current <\/span><\/span>Erasmus+ YWC Programme participant<\/span><\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Luca <\/span>Jendrek<\/span> shared with us her thoughts and personal outcomes from the venue to inspire others like her and create connections to find solutions.<\/span><\/span> 

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How <\/span>did your Water and Climate Journey first start?<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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I was living <\/span>on<\/span> the Spanish coasts when I<\/span> was first exposed to<\/span> the massive plastic pollution <\/span>of <\/span>the coasts and the ocean<\/span>.<\/span> I <\/span>thus <\/span>started to volunteer for a local NGO working for the preservation of marine life<\/span> in Mallorca. <\/span>Later, I moved back to Hungary and <\/span>joined <\/span>the Youth for Water<\/span>&<\/span>Climate Program<\/span>. <\/span>Through this programme<\/span>, <\/span>I started to <\/span>analyse<\/span> the linkages between fresh and marine water resources, <\/span>with the special focus on the<\/span> Danube \u2013 Black Sea<\/span> continuum<\/span>, when a<\/span> project idea came to my mind<\/span>. <\/span> I worked out <\/span>my concept <\/span>in detail, sen<\/span>t <\/span>it <\/span>along with my application <\/span>to the Youth4Ocean Forum <\/span>and <\/span>a <\/span>month later<\/span>,<\/span> I <\/span>received<\/span> the confirmation email with a big smile <\/span>on my face <\/span>saying<\/span> I ha<\/span>d<\/span> been selected.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rivers are great contributors to marine <\/span>pollution,<\/span> and we need to engage riparian landlocked countries as well, <\/span>to <\/span>follow a holistic approach <\/span>if we want to <\/span>preserve <\/span>our oceans<\/span>. <\/span>That\u2019s why a<\/span>s an ocean advocate I would like to raise awareness on the intertwined connections between rivers and oceans where young people can play an active role, if they are provided with the necessary knowledge and opportunity. <\/span><\/span> 

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What is your project idea?<\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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Danube plays a significant role in the plastic pollution <\/span>of<\/span> the Black Sea. <\/span>One cubic meter of Danube water <\/span>contains<\/span> more than 300 plastic particles, and 85% of marine litter is plastic. But still, silo approaches are dominating at certain levels and people need more information and awareness on these issues. <\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Transboundary cooperation and marine conservation go hand in hand, and these two topics have never been more important than now. For this reason, <\/span>I<\/span> would like<\/span>to <\/span>bring together like-minded, young people from Danube riparian countries<\/span>, <\/span>provide them with <\/span>a <\/span>learning platform<\/span> that<\/span>equip<\/span>s<\/span>them with <\/span>the necessary <\/span>knowledge<\/span> and skills that they could test in a hackathon event and <\/span>come up with<\/span> innovative, unprecedented solutions. Networking and exchange are also <\/span>very important<\/span>, that\u2019s why <\/span>on-site, exchange visits <\/span>w<\/span>ould be organized to different riparian countries<\/span>, enhancing connections over the borders.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Interview

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Tell us more about your participation at <\/span>the <\/span>European Maritime Day and Ocean Literacy Summit.<\/span><\/span>
<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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This year, the EMD also hosted the EU4Ocean Summit which was focused on Ocean and Climate, Food from the Ocean and Healthy and Clean Oceans. In the framework of the EU4Ocean Summit, <\/span>I got the chance to <\/span>participat<\/span>e<\/span>in <\/span>a thematic panel discussion on <\/span>\u201c<\/span><\/span>Walking on the sea traces: bringing a Healthy and Clean Ocean to inland\u201d <\/span>as young ocean advocate. <\/span>It <\/span>gathered <\/span><\/span>speakers from the three components of the EU4Ocean Coalition – the EU4Ocean Platform, the Youth4Ocean Forum and the Network of European Blue Schools \u2013 as well as a representative from the European Commission<\/span> and discussed ocean literacy initiatives, identified bottlenecks and future needs to be addressed. <\/span><\/span> 

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How did you feel on the stage during the panel discussion?<\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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Surprisingly <\/span>calm!<\/span> Though it was my first public speaking experience in front of a large audience<\/span>, <\/span>I was <\/span>very lucky<\/span> to be surrounded with such <\/span>incredible <\/span>panellists and audience who created a nice and <\/span>relaxed<\/span> atmosphere<\/span>. I was <\/span>able to<\/span> deliver <\/span>my speech just like I planned. I got the chance to share my thoughts on river and ocean health, talk about my project idea<\/span>, <\/span>represent young voices while being on the same stage with <\/span>these <\/span>honorary experts and professionals<\/span> listening their commitments and <\/span>works<\/span>. <\/span><\/span> 

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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But your <\/span>involvement in the conference <\/span> didn\u2019t stop <\/span>here, because<\/span> you also g<\/span>o<\/span>t the chance to talk to <\/span>Virginijus<\/span>Sinkevi\u010dius<\/span>, EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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Yes, <\/span>it<\/span> was a very memorable and extraordinary moment. I was honoured <\/span>to have <\/span>a very engaging discussion with him<\/span>. He shared with us how the history of his country, Lithuania<\/span>,<\/span> inspired and motivated him to start <\/span>working<\/span> in this field<\/span>. <\/span>He <\/span>encouraged us and other young generations to continue our paths <\/span>and<\/span> drew up <\/span>his future work<\/span> and commitments toward ocean health. <\/span>T<\/span>ogether with two other<\/span> young<\/span> advocates<\/span>,<\/span> we shared our motivations, goals<\/span>, plans<\/span> while also sharing <\/span>what <\/span>we believe <\/span>the of<\/span> the<\/span> Youth4Ocean Forum has <\/span>been so<\/span> far<\/span> and what it<\/span>should be<\/span> aim<\/span>ing<\/span> for in the upcoming years. <\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I think I can say<\/span>, on behalf of all the young advocates present for this discussion, <\/span> that we were a little intimidated <\/span>at <\/span>first<\/span>. We can all agree that t<\/span>alking with an EU Commissioner <\/span>is a unique experience that <\/span>doesn\u2019t happen every <\/span>day. That<\/span> said, thanks to<\/span> his friendly,<\/span> kind and easy-going<\/span> attitude<\/span>,<\/span> everything went <\/span>smoothly,<\/span> and <\/span>it <\/span>turned out to be a very enlightening conversation. <\/span>His motivational <\/span>and appreciative words, certainly inspired all of us to keep going on our ways and act jointly for the sake of our oceans<\/span>.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Interview

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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You have recently joined the <\/span>Youth for Water and Climate (YWC) Programme.<\/span><\/span><\/a> How did it prepare you for this occasion?<\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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The YWC Programme <\/span>further <\/span>highlighted the interconnectedness of water resources and need for transboundary cooperation. As I got acquainted with different water and climate<\/span> aspects <\/span>by learning from the modules, I started to analyse the linkages between fresh and marine water resources with the help of my mentor, <\/span>Dr.<\/span>M\u00e1ria<\/span>Csete<\/span> \u2013 who I have been paired up with. Moreover, communication, presentation skills and best practices <\/span>on <\/span>how to transfer a message to the audience are fundamental at a conference<\/span>. T<\/span>here is still a lot to improve but the first blended mobility workshop in Budapest provided me <\/span>useful <\/span>tips <\/span>& <\/span>tricks how to do so<\/span>.<\/span><\/span> 

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What <\/span>are<\/span>your take-aways<\/span> from this conference<\/span>?<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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Ocean literacy is still in its initial phase, but water challenges are not. <\/span>We<\/span> need more advocacy, awareness rising and knowledge-transfer in all countries, with a <\/span>special <\/span>focus on landlocked nations who might not be aware of how our everyday activities affect marine health, regardless <\/span>of <\/span>where we live. <\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Year of Youth is a nice initiative, but the upcoming years should also be dedicated to young generations. The Youth4Ocean Forum has recognized its importance and has been aiming to <\/span>reach out to  <\/span>broader youth communities<\/span>to let<\/span> their voices <\/span>be <\/span>heard<\/span> and give <\/span>youth <\/span>opportunities to actively engage in formal and informal events.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A great <\/span>variety of topics were gaining attention during the event, and<\/span> but some important topics such as the important role of women in the blue economy <\/span> were presented<\/span> barely discussed. <\/span>S<\/span>ome highly important topics<\/span> still need to<\/span> be brought to the table, like the roles of rivers regarding marine health. <\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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To conclude, let me quote Commissioner <\/span>Sinkevi\u010dius<\/span>,<\/span> highlighting <\/span>our <\/span>fundamental <\/span>connections with oceans:<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cIf we <\/span>lose<\/span> our oceans, it doesn\u2019t matter <\/span>if we are <\/span>turning to renewables, driving electric cars<\/span> or <\/span>giving up eating meat<\/span>.<\/span> Without oceans, <\/span>all of these efforts will be for nothing\u201d<\/span><\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Interested in becoming a Young Ocean Advocate? Visit: <\/span>https:\/\/webgate.ec.europa.eu\/maritimeforum\/en\/frontpage\/1484<\/span><\/span><\/a> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Eager to develop your water<\/span>&<\/span>climate knowledge and skills? Head to: <\/span><\/span>https:\/\/youthwaterclimate.org\/<\/span><\/span><\/a> 

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What is YWC Programme?<\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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The Youth for Water and Climate Programme, an 8-month capacity-building program for young professionals in the water and climate sector, aims to support young professionals in acquiring transversal and specific skills which are essential in the water and climate sector. This programme also aims to empower young professionals to become advocates for a more sustainable world.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Launched in January 2022, twenty young water and climate professionals from Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, France and Sweden\u202fform the first cohort\u202fof the Youth for Water and Climate Programme.\u202fThis program is led by a consortium of several organisations: ISW-SWE, GWP, GWP-Hungary, GWP-CEE, <\/span>cewas<\/span> and Good Planet Belgium.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

An aspiring 27-year old advocate for transboundary cooperation and marine conservation, Luca Jendrek, participated at the European Maritime Day in Ravenna, Italy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3307,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"iawp_total_views":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[21,33],"class_list":["post-2510","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archive","tag-central-and-eastern-europe","tag-ecosystems"],"acf":[],"spectra_custom_meta":{"_sidebar_content":["field_69d4d421acab1"],"sidebar_content":["

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Luca Jendrek - Bio<\/h1>\n <\/div>\n
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Luca Jendrek graduated <\/span>with an<\/span> International Affairs and Security Politics Master\u2019s<\/span> degree<\/span> where she analysed the connection between sea level rise and global migration. She became the first young professional at GWP working with the Transboundary Team. Currently she is working for the Blue Planet Climate Protection Foundation while she is a member <\/span>of Youth<\/span> for Water and Climate (<\/span>YWC<\/span>) <\/span>Programme <\/span>and being selected\/recognized as a young ocean advocate by the Youth4Ocean Forum.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/article><\/div>

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Luca's Quote on the Summit<\/h1>\n <\/div>\n
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I always l<\/span>oved<\/span>and appreciated <\/span>the ocean<\/span>, <\/span>and<\/span>I was<\/span> very<\/span> delighted to be selected as a Young Ocean Advocate by <\/span>the Youth4Ocean Forum <\/span>that enabled me to take part in <\/span>the first international conference in my life, that made <\/span>a great impact<\/span> on me.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/article><\/div>

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Ocean Literacy EU4Ocean Summit<\/h1>\n <\/div>\n
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