The Blue Carbon Camp
January 23, 2025By Sofia Tasoluk, 2024 Future Blue Youth Council member
“Artivism” combines art and activism, a core value of Bow Seat’s emphasis on using art for climate advocacy. Demonstrating and leading the path in artivism is Javie Barcinal, a young advocate from the Philippines and founder of the Dulungan Youth Organization. The Dulungan Youth Organization is a group of local youth in the Negros Occidental providence of the Philippines dedicated to promoting sustainable practices through community conservation efforts.
Javie was chosen as a recipient of the 2024 Fellowship Grant Program, where he received a stipend to conduct a camp in his local community focused on artivism. He called this project the “Blue Carbon: Ocean and Climate Art Camp.” In addition to the camp, Javie hosted an exhibit to display the campers’ work and engage the greater community in the ocean-climate connection.
The Blue Carbon Camp
The three-day camp united 19 passionate youth aged 17-24 from the Province of Antique in the Philippines. Throughout the camp, participants engaged in lectures by experienced environmental speakers, who taught them about blue carbon ecosystems, the intersection of ocean conservation and climate justice, and the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues.
Campers also engaged in hands-on art activities, such as cyanotype sun printing and collaborative poetry making, which helped them explore how artistic expression can raise awareness and inspire collective action.
Each activity centered on reconnecting with nature and encouraged participants to develop a deeper understanding of the environment’s beauty and vulnerability. The camp also focused on personal storytelling sessions to create a supportive space for participants to share their experiences, building a sense of community and shared purpose.
By the end of the camp, participants gained valuable knowledge and were left with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to advocate for change in their unique ways. One camper shared:
“A new experience, I must say. Attending the Blue Carbon Camp opened my eyes to the world of the aware. I met like-minded people who valued nature and nurtured the history of our culture, where we came from. I got mentored by, listened to, and interacted with, expanding my knowledge and sight for the world to come. Such things are important for a youth like me to experience. Organizations like Dulungan Youth serve as instruments for the new generation to know what it is like to be connected to nature, and have the urge and willingness to protect it. I hope more people will experience what I have with Dulungan.”
– Jirah Del Castillo
Bugsay: Art Exhibit
After the camp experience, Javie hosted the Bugsay Exhibit, which served as the culmination of the Blue Carbon Camp and brought together the community to celebrate the camp’s journey and outcome. More than an event, it was an intimate, meaningful gathering showcasing creativity and stories.
The exhibit began with a talk and a plenary session. A few participants shared firsthand stories about the devastating impacts of climate change, which served as a stark reminder of the urgency to act against climate injustices. Then, campers presented their artworks, reflecting their understanding of blue carbon ecosystems and the intersection of ocean conservation and climate justice. Part of this session was also a Kinaray – a poem reading, a platform for attendees to express their interpretations and opinions.
The exhibit also included interactive group activities and fun games, fostering collaboration and community. Toward the end, attendees watched a video that tied together the themes of the Blue Carbon Camp and the Bugsay: Art Exhibit. The film highlighted how human greed and selfishness often come at the expense of the environment, leaving attendees with a strong sense of responsibility to act.
The Bugsay Exhibit was more than just an event; it was the culmination of everything the Blue Carbon Camp represented. From the deep discussions and art activities to the reflections and personal stories, the exhibit brought to life the camp’s themes of sustainability, creativity, and collaboration. For participants and attendees alike, the exhibit was a meaningful reminder of the importance of protecting our planet and empowering communities to take action. It was a celebration of what had been done, and more importantly, a call to continue the journey of advocacy and change.
Impact & Next Steps
The Blue Carbon: Ocean and Climate Art Camp was a transformative experience for all those involved —especially the youth participants. Packed with immersive activities, informative and meaningful discussions, and creative expression, participants gained a deeper understanding of environmental issues and the urgent need for action. The camp provided a safe space for young individuals to share their thoughts, personal narratives, and aspirations to foster community and empowerment.
The camp’s impact was evident in the knowledge participants acquired and the personal growth they experienced. For many, it was a journey of self-discovery and a call to embrace their role as stewards of the environment. The stories shared, art created, and connections formed during these events fueled every youth to bring the lessons learned back to their communities.
Additionally, The Bugsay: Art Exhibit brought the broader community into the conversation, serving as a reminder of the collective responsibility we all share in protecting our planet. It emphasized the power of youth-led initiatives and the potential for creativity and collaboration to spark meaningful change.
After experiencing such success with this past year’s camp and exhibit, Javie plans to expand these efforts into the new year through the help of the Bow Seat Alumni Grant Program!