Ocean Hackathon: Challenges
Ocean Hackathon: Challenges
Challenges
The Maldives is confronted with a
complex array of substantial challenges, all emanating from the overarching
threat of climate change. These challenges cover a broad spectrum of critical
issues that are deeply intertwined with the environment and the delicate
balance of marine ecosystems. The intricate web of problems includes
distressing phenomena such as coral bleaching—a devastating process that
threatens the vibrancy and survival of the coral reefs, which are crucial
marine habitats. Ocean acidification, another severe consequence of climate
change, disrupts the fragile equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems, imperiling
marine life and the interconnected food chains they support.
The challenge of overfishing
intensifies ecological strain, risking the depletion of vital species and the
disruption of marine biodiversity.
Concurrently, plastic pollution
infiltrates marine habitats, posing a danger to marine life and the overall
health of the oceans. Alongside these issues, rising sea levels threaten
coastal communities and ecosystems, especially the Maldives’ low-lying islands.
Exacerbated by the negative effects of climate change, coastal erosion
endangers infrastructure and livelihoods, amplifying vulnerability.
The three challenges
The Maldives Ocean Hackathon 2023
is centered on addressing three primary challenges faced by the Maldives’
oceanic environment. Interested teams were required to submit a concept paper
outlining their innovative idea and the specific challenge they aimed to
address. Following a thorough assessment, selected teams were invited to
compete in the hackathon.
Each challenge necessitates the
integration of specialized tools and technologies for collecting, analyzing,
and applying oceanic data within the proposed idea and prototype. These efforts
are directed toward promoting the sustainable use of the ocean and bolstering
conservation initiatives. This overarching theme of sustainability and
conservation is a consistent requirement across all challenges and should be
clearly reflected in the prototype solutions.
Ocean Pollution
Participants were encouraged to develop solutions that addressed plastic pollution, nutrient influx, and other pollutants impacting the Maldives’ oceans.
Ocean Energy
Participants explored opportunities to harness renewable energy from the Maldives’ oceans, including offshore wind, wave, and tidal energy sources.
Coastal Protection & Island Community Resilience
Participants created solutions aimed at protecting coastal communities and vulnerable island ecosystems from the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, storm surges, and extreme weather events.