The momentum behind ocean advocacy continues to build, and the latest milestone comes from the The Coexist Project, whose WhyCoexist 2026 competition has just recorded its most successful year to date.
With more than 250 video submissions from around the world, this year’s edition signals something bigger than a competition. It reflects a growing, global shift in how people engage with the ocean, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly vocal about marine conservation and sustainable coexistence.
Entries came from a wide range of countries, each offering a different lens on humanity’s relationship with the sea. From personal diving experiences to powerful environmental storytelling, the submissions showcased both creativity and a clear message: the future of the ocean depends on how we choose to interact with it today.
At the centre of this year’s competition is Antonino from Italy, who has been named the 2026 winner. His work now places him alongside previous winners from Indonesia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, reinforcing the competition’s position as a genuinely international platform for ocean advocacy.
What sets WhyCoexist apart is not just recognition, but opportunity. As part of the prize, Antonino and a guest will join the Coexist Project team for an eight-day marine science experience in the Seychelles. For divers, this is the kind of access that goes far beyond a typical trip.
The experience combines hands-on conservation work with the chance to dive in what remains one of the most pristine marine environments on the planet. It is a rare intersection of science, exploration, and purpose, and one that aligns closely with the values many divers already hold.
Behind the scenes, organisers have noted that judging becomes more challenging each year. Not because of volume alone, but because of the rising standard. The quality, depth, and emotional impact of submissions continue to improve, suggesting that awareness is translating into meaningful engagement.
This is where WhyCoexist is quietly becoming influential. It is not just amplifying voices, it is shaping them. By giving participants a platform and a pathway into real-world conservation experiences, it is helping turn interest into action.
For the diving community, that matters. The industry increasingly sits at the intersection of tourism and conservation, and initiatives like this help ensure that the next generation of divers arrives with both passion and perspective.
Those interested in exploring this year’s entries can view the full collection through the official WhyCoexist 2026 submissions page, while standout participants are featured among the WhyCoexist 2026 finalists. The winning entry from Antonino is also available via the WhyCoexist 2026 winner announcement.
As the competition continues to grow, so does its role in shaping how people think about the ocean. Not as something separate, but as something we are part of, and responsible for.
And if this year is anything to go by, that message is landing.
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