The world’s leading water sports trade fair, BOOT Düsseldorf 2025,
is set to host more than 1,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries during its
highly anticipated nine-day exhibition from January 18 to 26 in Düsseldorf,
Germany.
This global showcase is renowned for its unparalleled breadth,
featuring cutting-edge innovations with a strong emphasis on marine
sustainability, engaging experiences, and networking opportunities across its
nine themed areas, namely, sailing, motorboats, super yachts, superboats,
diving, surf sports, travelling, paddling and engines, equipment &
accessories.
A key highlight of BOOT Düsseldorf 2025 is the prestigious Ocean
Tribute Award, an initiative in collaboration with the Prince Albert II
Foundation and the German Ocean Foundation. With a prize of €20,000, the award
recognizes trailblazing projects in marine conservation. Since its inception in
2018, the Ocean Tribute Award has spotlighted impactful initiatives from across
the globe, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
14 to promote the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
In 2024, West Africa proudly took the global stage as ECOP
Africa, a Ghanaian NGO, emerged as a winner of this prestigious prize.
Recognized for its innovative approach to nature-based carbon removal,
ecosystem rehabilitation, and sustainable aquaculture, ECOP Africa’s work has
significantly impacted ocean health, tackled illegal fishing, and integrated
indigenous knowledge into climate action.
“As the first African and a young ocean expert to receive this
prestigious award, it represents the power of collaboration and a shared
commitment to sustainable oceans.” said Mr. Peter Teye Busumprah, ECOP Ghana
Coordinator. “It is a recognition that meaningful work aimed at societal
impact can gain international attention. For ECOP Africa, this award is a major
milestone, validating our innovative solutions to ocean-related challenges. The
seed funding enabled impactful projects, including the Ghana Ocean Climate
Innovations Hub, which now collaborates on fisheries initiatives across Africa
with participants from Tunisia, Nigeria, Cameroon and more.
“ECOP Africa thrives on teamwork, diversity, and grassroots
engagement to drive marine conservation. Platforms like BOOT Düsseldorf play a
crucial role in connecting innovators with donors and fostering partnerships
that advance global and African marine initiatives,” Mr. Busumprah, added.
As the foremost trade fair for water sports and marine
technologies, BOOT Düsseldorf offers West African stakeholders unmatched
opportunities to spotlight their innovations and build strategic partnerships.
Its nine themed areas cater to diverse industry players and enthusiasts. “BOOT Düsseldorf provides a unique
platform for businesses and marine enthusiasts from West Africa to connect with
international leaders and explore cutting-edge solutions for the maritime
industry,” said Itua Akhigbe, West African Representative of Messe Düsseldorf, (organizers
of BOOT). “We are particularly excited to continue this momentum in 2025 as we
celebrate African success stories like ECOP Africa and spotlight more
game-changing initiatives from the region.”
The 2025 edition of BOOT Düsseldorf will
feature:
- 17 halls filled with the latest marine
technologies and trends.
- Over 1,500 exhibitors and an
estimated 200,000 attendees from more than 100 countries.
- Engaging programmes, including
interviews, workshops, and live demonstrations of new water sports trends
and technologies.
- The Ocean Tribute Award 2025, with
finalists unveiled on January 20, 2025, showcasing the next wave of
impactful marine conservation initiatives.
As the global spotlight shifts towards
innovative ocean solutions, BOOT Düsseldorf continues to lead the charge in
shaping the future of water sports and ocean sustainability, fostering
collaborations that transcend borders and inspire action. For more information about BOOT
Düsseldorf 2025 and the Ocean Tribute Award, visit www.boot.com.
