As disasters become more frequent and intense across the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is calling on young people to take action – through video. This regional contest aims to raise awareness about climate resilience through creativity, storytelling, and community engagement.
Why this contest?
With climate change accelerating the occurrence of cyclones, floods, droughts and other hazards, preparedness is more important than ever.
Titled “When nature strikes, what should you do?”, the contest invites young adults aged 18 to 26 to produce a short video (maximum 1 minute 30 seconds) illustrating one or more resilience actions: preparing, protecting, helping others, rebuilding…
The contest has two main goals:
- Educate the public on how to react before, during, or after a disaster
- Highlight the creativity and adaptability of young people in the region.
Who can participate?
The contest is open to anyone aged 18–26 who resides in one of the IOC Member States: Comoros, France (La Réunion), Madagascar, Mauritius, or Seychelles.
Check the rules and submit your video
No professional equipment is required. Videos can be shot using a smartphone or any device available.
“This contest reflects the very essence of the project: to improve risk awareness, promote a culture of prevention, and involve communities—starting with young people. The better we understand risks, the better we can prepare. This is also a way to showcase young people’s perspectives, creativity, and ability to deliver powerful, accessible messages rooted in their own realities,” explains Gina Bonne, Environment and Climate Officer at the IOC.
A contest under the RDRM-IO project
This initiative is part of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in the Indian Ocean (RDRM-IO) project, implemented by the IOC with support from the European Union.