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 nine-day exhibition billed to take place from January 18 to 26, 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The organisers said in a statement that the 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.
It outlined the areas to include sailing, motorboats, super yachts, superboats, diving, surf sports, travelling, paddling and engines, equipment & accessories.
According to the statement, 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 14 to promote the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources,” the statement read in part.
It added that in 2024, West Africa proudly took the global stage as ECOP Africa, a Ghanaian NGO, emerged as a winner of this prestigious prize.
The statement added that 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.
The Ghana Coordinator of ECOP, Mr Peter Teye Busumprah, said, “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.”
Busumprah maintained that ECOP is a recognition that meaningful work aimed at societal impact can gain international attention.
According to Busumprah, the ECOP Africa award is a major milestone, validating the company’s 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.
The West African Representative of Messe Düsseldorf, organizers of BOOT, Itua Akhigbe, said, “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. 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.”
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.
