Olivia Mandle and Nacho Dean together at Sun&Blue Congress

Sun&Blue Congress, international congress of Tourism and Blue Economy, has managed to bring together on the same stage Olivia Mandle, environmental activist and for Animal Rights, and ambassador of the Climate Pact of the European Union, and Nacho Dean, naturalist, professional explorer, popularizer and first person in history to walk around the world and swim across the 5 continents, as well as ambassador of this second edition.

They will do so at the Keynote Speaker 'Voices of the Ocean: An Intergenerational Dialogue on Coastal Sustainability' which is scheduled for Thursday, November 21 from 12:30-1:30 pm in the main auditorium of the conference, and will be moderated by Jessica Newfield, senior consultant for SOA (Sustainable Ocean Alliance), a non-profit organization whose goal is to mobilize young people and provide solutions to restore ocean health in our lifetimes.

This dialogue between two iconic and complementary figures-Olivia Mandle, a high-impact youth activist, and Nacho Dean, author of several groundbreaking books, documentaries and expeditions-will provide a unique opportunity to inspire and mobilize the audience towards climate action and marine conservation. Both have used their respective paths and experiences to demonstrate how activism and adventure can converge into a powerful message of sustainability.

Why it will be a success

An intergenerational discussion full of inspiration. Although both share a passion for protecting the planet, their stories are completely different and that will make the dialogue even more enriching. Olivia Mandle, with her young and fresh perspective from activism, can connect with a youthful audience and motivate new generations to join the cause. Nacho Dean, with his approach from exploration and science, inspires authorities, companies and citizens to create a positive impact through their actions. This combination will allow them to reach diverse audiences and amplify the message of coastal and marine sustainability.

Examples of action and leadership. The message they will take to the audience together is clear: every person can make a difference. Olivia has fought for awareness and stricter policies to protect the oceans, while Nacho has shown that his international projects and scientific rigor can be vehicles for global change. This presentation will not only showcase success stories, but will inspire those present to act and multiply that impact.

The strength of the joint narrative. Their stories, although different in approach, complement each other perfectly. Olivia represents the strength of youth and innovation, while Nacho, with a track record of more than 10 years exploring the most remote corners of the planet, represents commitment and connection to nature. This combination creates a story of a bond between generations and ways of life that will attract media and audience attention for its authenticity and ability to inspire multiple social groups.

Long-term impact: By connecting your experiences to the importance of the oceans in blue tourism and coastal sustainability, your presentation aligns with the broader goals of the conference and becomes a focal point for generating greater awareness and action. Both can share how their individual efforts have sparked change locally and internationally, motivating others to replicate those actions.

This Keynote Speaker is expected to raise awareness about marine sustainability and the importance of individual and collective action; highlight the connection between youth, exploration and ocean conservation; and be a call to action that will mobilize youth and adults to become actively involved in protecting the oceans, underscoring that anyone, regardless of age or situation, can be a “Guardian of the Oceans”.