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SDG Awards 2024

Finalist Profile

Welcome to the SDG Awards, a distinguished recognition program honoring the remarkable contributions of individuals, organizations, and initiatives in championing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Finalist Profile

Lekan Bakare Foundation

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Bakare Foundation
About Company
  • Company Type: Non-profit Organization
  • Founded in 2020
  • Located at Lagos, Nigeria
  • Employees: 11 – 50

SDG Awards 2024

Category - SDG 14 - Life below water
Voting Portal

Advocacy: Raises awareness about marine conservation through global platforms like the IFAT Fair, emphasizing the need for protect marine life.

➜ Advocacy: Raises awareness about marine conservation through global platforms like the IFAT Fair, emphasizing the need for protect marine life.
➜ Collaboration: Build partnerships with stakeholders worldwide to address complex ocean-related challenges effectively​.
➜ Innovative Solutions: Promotes cutting-edge technologies and solutions aimed at restoring marine ecosystems​.
SDG_Icon 14

1. What is the local impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

The Lekan Bakare Foundation (LBF) has made significant strides in advancing SDG 14: Life Below Water within local communities, particularly in Lagos, Nigeria. Our impact can be categorized into several key areas: Educational Initiatives (Blue School Advocacy): Lekan Bakare Foundation has been at the forefront of environmental education through our flagship Blue School Advocacy Project. This initiative has reached over 16 schools, engaged and impacted over 4,000 students in both primary and secondary education. We have empowered students with knowledge on climate change, ocean literacy, and sustainable practices such as recycling. Through hands-on activities such as beach cleanups, tree-planting, recycling drives, students learn the practical application of environmental stewardship and these experiences not only raise awareness but also spark a passion for sustainability that extends beyond the classroom walls. The Blue School Project's holistic approach to environmental education sets it apart, addressing not only the ecological aspects but also the social and economic implications of climate change and ocean degradation. By aligning with the SDGs, the initiative continues to ensure that students grasp the broader context of sustainable development and their role in achieving a more equitable and resilient world. As the next generation of leaders, the students participating in the Blue School Project have been poised to drive meaningful change. By empowering them with knowledge, skills, and a sense of agency, the initiative continues to lay the foundation for a future where environmental protection and sustainable practices are the norm, not the exception. Street Advocacy and Community Awareness: The Street Advocacy initiative is a dynamic program by the Lekan Bakare Foundation, aimed at tackling the pressing issue of waste dumping in oceans and other water bodies. Focusing on Nigeria's six coastal areas and extending to other states, this initiative educates traders, buyers, passersby, and local community members about the importance of recycling, effective waste management, environmental sustainability, and sustainable practices. Through interactive sessions, educational materials, and grassroots engagements, the Lekan Bakare Foundation continues striving to reduce environmental pollution and change mindsets about waste disposal. The initiative places a strong emphasis on the ban of Styrofoam, promoting the use of environmentally friendly alternatives. Additionally, it empowers women and youth through recycling and upcycling activities, fostering sustainable livelihoods while raising environmental awareness. We have raised awareness about the critical importance of protecting marine ecosystems and the broader environment. We have organized numerous campaigns and events that educate local populations on the detrimental effects of plastic pollution, styrofoams, overfishing, and other threats to marine life. Our advocacy has galvanized community action, leading to cleaner local beaches and waterways and increased community participation in marine conservation activities. Since its inception, the Street Advocacy initiative has positively impacted over 255,000 individuals across communities around the country. The immediate behavioral changes observed among traders and market-goers highlight the program's effectiveness in promoting sustainable practices and increasing environmental consciousness. Youth Engagement and Capacity Building: We have strategically engaged the youth in environmental stewardship through initiatives like the LBF Ocean Hero Award. This program has encouraged creative expression and activism among young people, particularly through essay and poetry competitions that address marine biodiversity, climate change, and pollution. By instilling a sense of responsibility in the younger generation, we have cultivated a proactive community of future environmental leaders committed to safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. Partnerships and Collaborative Projects: LBF’s impact has been amplified through strategic partnerships with local and international organizations. Our recent collaboration with the Lagos State Educational District VI to expand the Blue School Advocacy Project is a testament to our growing influence. Additionally, our involvement in the Green Skill Summer Coaching program in Igando New Town has allowed us to extend our reach, providing training on waste management practices (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to empower local youth as environmental stewards.

2. What is the global impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

The Lekan Bakare Foundation (LBF) has not only driven local initiatives but has also made significant contributions to the global movement for ocean conservation and sustainability, aligning with the goals of SDG 14: Life Below Water. Collaborations with International Organizations: We have formed strategic partnerships with international organizations that are aligned with our mission of protecting life below water and providing water solutions. These collaborations have enabled us to exchange knowledge, resources, and expertise, further amplifying our impact. For example, our involvement with global networks of environmental NGOs at the World's Leading Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Waste and Raw Materials Management in Munich, Germany 2024. Contribution to Global Ocean Literacy: Through our educational programs, particularly the Blue School Advocacy Project, LBF has contributed to the global effort to enhance ocean literacy among young people. Our curriculum, which includes lessons on climate change, marine biodiversity, and sustainable practices, has been shared with educational institutions, offering a model that can be adapted and implemented in other regions. By fostering a generation of globally-minded ocean advocates, we are helping to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our local communities. Digital and Social Media Outreach: Leveraging digital platforms, LBF has expanded its reach to a global audience. Our campaigns on social media have raised awareness about critical issues affecting the oceans, such as plastic pollution and the importance of marine protected areas. By engaging with a global audience, we have inspired individuals and organizations from different parts of the world to take action in their own communities, thereby contributing to the global momentum towards achieving SDG 14. Inspiring Global Action through Storytelling: LBF has used storytelling as a powerful tool to highlight the interconnectedness of local and global efforts in ocean conservation. By sharing stories of our local successes and challenges through occasional knowledge sharing webinars, we have inspired action, encouraging others to replicate our initiatives in different contexts. Our focus on youth engagement has particularly resonated with global audiences, highlighting the importance of involving the next generation in the fight to protect our oceans.

3. What is the scalability of your innovation and how do you plan to achieve it? (No Word Limit)

The Lekan Bakare Foundation (LBF) has developed innovative approaches to advancing SDG 14: Life Below Water, particularly through our Blue School Advocacy Project, youth engagement programs, and community advocacy initiatives. The scalability of these innovations is rooted in their adaptability, replicability, and the strategic partnerships we've established. Below is our plan for scaling these efforts: Expanding the Blue School Project Nationally and Regionally: Adaptable Curriculum: The Blue School Project’s curriculum, which integrates climate change education, ocean literacy, and sustainable practices, is designed to be adaptable across different educational systems and cultural contexts. This flexibility allows the program to be easily scaled to other regions within Nigeria and beyond, particularly in countries with similar environmental challenges. Partnerships with Educational Institutions: To scale the Blue School Advocacy Project, we plan to collaborate with educational ministries, school districts, and private institutions across Nigeria and neighboring countries. Our recent partnership with the Lagos State Educational District VI serves as a model for these future collaborations. Teacher Training and Resource Development: Scaling the program will involve training educators in the principles of ocean literacy and sustainable practices. We plan to develop a comprehensive set of resources, including lesson plans, activity guides, and digital content, that can be distributed to schools nationwide and beyond. Leveraging Technology for Global Reach: We will be investing in digital platforms to make our educational content and advocacy resources accessible to a global audience. By creating an online portal that offers free access to our curriculum, multimedia content, and interactive tools, we can scale our impact beyond physical boundaries. We will be exploring the development of a mobile app that provides educational materials, quizzes, and interactive content related to ocean conservation. This app will be tailored to different age groups and can be used in classrooms or by individuals anywhere in the world. Replicating the LBF Ocean Hero Award Program: The LBF Ocean Hero Award, which encourages youth to engage in environmental stewardship through creative expression, can be scaled by launching international editions of the competition. We plan to collaborate with international partners to host these competitions in different countries, thereby expanding our reach and impact. We will partner with schools and environmental organizations globally to promote the Ocean Hero Award. By creating a network of participating institutions, we can scale the program to reach students in diverse regions, encouraging global participation in marine conservation efforts. Scaling Community Advocacy and Youth Engagement Programs: To expand our street advocacy and community engagement efforts, we plan to establish local chapters of LBF in various regions. These chapters will be led by trained volunteers who will replicate our successful advocacy models, tailored to the unique needs and challenges of their communities. We are developing a Youth Ambassador Program to empower young leaders in different regions to champion the cause of ocean conservation. These ambassadors will receive training, resources, and support to organize local events, campaigns, and educational programs, effectively scaling our impact through a decentralized approach. Strategic Partnerships and Funding for Scalability: We are actively seeking to expand our network of partners, including international NGOs, governmental bodies, and corporate entities. These partnerships will provide the necessary support, resources, and expertise to scale our initiatives globally. To ensure the scalability of our innovations, we are pursuing diverse funding sources, including grants, corporate sponsorships, and crowdfunding campaigns. Sustainable funding will allow us to replicate our programs in new regions and invest in the necessary infrastructure to support large-scale expansion. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: As we scale our programs, we will implement robust monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the impact and effectiveness of our initiatives in different contexts. These tools will allow us to make data-driven decisions, refine our strategies, and ensure that our efforts are achieving the desired outcomes on a global scale.

4. What is your organization’s unique strategy for using technology to achieve your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

Our unique strategy harnesses cutting-edge technology to advance marine conservation and sustainable practices. We utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and monitor coastal ecosystems, enabling precise, data-driven conservation decisions. Through digital platforms, we deliver educational content and resources to schools and communities, significantly expanding our reach and impact. Our Street Advocacy program integrates mobile apps to track waste management practices, facilitating real-time data collection and analysis for more effective interventions. Additionally, we leverage social media and online campaigns to raise awareness and engage a global audience in our initiatives. Our Turtle Sanctuary combines technology with interactive learning, using virtual reality to educate visitors about marine life and the importance of conservation. By integrating these innovative tools, we enhance our capacity to protect Nigeria's coastal and marine environments, aligning with SDG 14 and setting a standard for environmental sustainability on a global scale.

5. What challenges did you encounter while working for your selected SDG, and how did you address them? (150 Words Limit)

One significant challenge we faced was the lack of awareness and education about marine conservation within local communities. Many were unaware of how their actions impacted coastal ecosystems in the long term. To address this, we launched the Blue School Advocacy and Street Advocacy initiatives, focusing on education and community engagement. These programs provided accessible information on sustainable practices, pollution prevention, and the critical importance of marine life, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Another challenge was the limitation of resources, particularly funding and infrastructure. We addressed this by forming strategic partnerships with local and international organizations, allowing us to pool resources and expertise. Additionally, we engaged in policy advocacy, successfully influencing government agencies to allocate funds and support marine conservation efforts. By overcoming these challenges, we have made a significant impact on coastal and marine conservation in Nigeria.

6. How did you engage local communities and stakeholders in your work, and what was their feedback? (150 Words Limit)

We engaged local communities and stakeholders through a multi-faceted approach, including educational programs, collaborative workshops, and community-driven initiatives. Our Blue School Advocacy and Street Advocacy programs involved local schools, community leaders, and residents in hands-on education and awareness activities, highlighting the importance of marine conservation and sustainable practices. We organized workshops with stakeholders to co-develop strategies for waste management and marine protection, ensuring their input shaped our initiatives. Additionally, we formed partnerships with local organizations to amplify our outreach and impact. Feedback from these communities has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents and stakeholders reported increased awareness of marine issues, greater adoption of sustainable practices, and a stronger commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems. Their engagement has not only enhanced the effectiveness of our programs but also fostered a collaborative spirit towards achieving our conservation goals.

7. Which organizational skills and resources did you use to deliver goods/services without harming the environment or society? (150 Words Limit)

At the Lekan Bakare Foundation, sustainability is integral to our operations. We employ strong organizational skills in project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement to ensure our initiatives are both effective and environmentally responsible. Our programs incorporate sustainable practices, including recycling, waste reduction, and the use of eco-friendly materials. For instance, our Beach Clean-Up and Coastal Plastic Search initiatives not only tackle waste but also advocate for recycling and upcycling, fostering a circular economy. We leverage knowledge management and capacity-building to equip our team and community members with the skills needed for sustainable practices. Our collaborations with environmental experts and organizations provide access to advanced research and technologies, enabling us to innovate while minimizing our ecological footprint. By integrating these skills and resources, we deliver impactful services that align with our mission to conserve Nigeria’s coastal and marine environments.

8. In your view what roles do businesses, governments, and civil society should play in achieving the SDGs, and how can they collaborate effectively? (150 Words Limit)

Businesses, governments, and civil society each have crucial roles in achieving the SDGs. Businesses should adopt sustainable practices, innovate solutions, and commit to corporate social responsibility, driving economic growth while minimizing environmental impact. Governments are responsible for creating supportive policies, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and ensuring effective regulation and oversight to achieve SDG targets. Civil society plays a key role in raising awareness, advocating for change, and holding both businesses and governments accountable. Effective collaboration involves aligning goals and resources across sectors. Businesses can partner with governments and civil society to implement sustainability initiatives and influence policy. Governments can support these efforts through incentives and regulations while fostering dialogue between sectors. Civil society can facilitate community engagement and provide valuable feedback, ensuring that initiatives are inclusive and impactful. By working together, these groups can leverage their strengths to drive meaningful progress toward the SDGs.

9. What advice do you have for individuals or organizations aiming to create positive change and support the SDGs? (150 Words Limit)

For individuals and organizations aiming to create positive change and support the SDGs, the following advice is essential: Define Clear Objectives: Identify specific SDGs to focus on and set measurable, actionable goals. Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with communities, businesses, and governments to align efforts and resources. Innovate Sustainably: Develop and implement solutions that address challenges while minimizing environmental impact. Educate and Raise Awareness: Promote understanding of the SDGs and their importance through education and outreach. Monitor and Evaluate: Regularly assess progress and impact to adapt strategies and ensure effectiveness. Advocate for Policy Change: Influence policy and decision-makers to support and implement sustainable practices and initiatives. By following these steps, individuals and organizations can effectively contribute to achieving the SDGs and drive meaningful, sustainable change.

10. How would winning this SDG Award help you enhance your impact and expand your project? (150 Words Limit)

Winning the EUTECH SDGs Award 2024 would significantly enhance our impact and expand our project in several ways. Recognition and Credibility: The award would validate our efforts, boosting credibility and attracting further support from stakeholders and partners. Increased Funding: It would provide vital financial resources to scale our initiatives, such as the Blue School Project and coastal clean-ups, allowing us to reach more communities and schools. Expanded Reach: With enhanced visibility, we could leverage the award to engage a broader audience, raise awareness, and mobilize additional resources. Strengthened Partnerships: The award would open doors to new collaborations with international organizations and experts, enriching our projects with advanced knowledge and technology. Enhanced Capacity: It would facilitate the development of innovative tools and resources, amplifying our ability to drive sustainable change and achieve our mission of conserving Nigeria’s coastal and marine environments.

11. What are your future objectives regarding your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

Our future objectives for advancing SDG 14 focus on amplifying our conservation impact and expanding outreach. We plan to launch a national Coastal Clean-Up Day, engaging communities across Nigeria’s coastline in coordinated clean-up efforts to address marine pollution. Additionally, we aim to broaden the reach of our Ocean Youth Academy, nurturing leadership and innovation in marine conservation among youth nationwide. We also propose establishing a Marine Conservation Research Center, which will act as a leading hub for advanced research, collaborative initiatives, and policy advocacy. This center will address critical challenges such as plastic pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. To ensure the sustainability of these initiatives, we will enhance partnerships with international organizations and secure funding for long-term projects. Through these efforts, we seek to make a substantial contribution to global marine conservation and support the achievement of SDG 14.

The SIERA Awards are the next evolution of the EUTECH SDG Awards — expanding with new categories, greater global reach, and deeper impact.

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