Rich German

MY HERO is delighted to present Rich German with a Local Ocean Hero Award for his commitment to protecting the ocean.

Rich German is a prominent advocate for ocean conservation, an accomplished author, and an inspirational speaker whose work has influenced many to take action in protecting marine environments. Based in Laguna Beach, California, German combines his passion for the ocean with a dedication to environmental activism, making significant strides in raising awareness and fostering change.

Watch a short film about Rich's work here: 

Early Life

Born and raised in the Midwest, German moved to Southern California in 1999, where he was instantly captivated by the ocean's beauty and majesty. This profound connection to the marine environment shaped his future endeavors and led him to a career focused on conservation and inspiration.

Before dedicating himself full-time to ocean conservation, German had a successful career as an entrepreneur and business coach. He co-founded the Joint Venture Group, a company specializing in helping businesses form strategic partnerships, and authored "Monetize Your Passion," a book offering guidance on how to turn one's passions into profitable ventures.

Rich GermanRich GermanOcean Conservation Advocacy

German's love for the ocean inspired him to take up stand-up paddleboarding in 2010 and has been paddleboarding off the coast of Laguna Beach, California with dolphins and whales virtually every day since. An encounter with a pod of 4 orcas in 2015 garnered international media attention and connected him with some of the leading ocean conservationist organizations. When he learned firsthand about the peril our ocean and the marine life are facing, his hobby turned into a passion to protect them.

In 2015, German founded Project O, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation. Project O's mission is ‘to restore, protect and sustain the ocean and the sacred life within it’, and to educate the public about the importance of marine ecosystems, advocate for sustainable practices, and support initiatives that protect ocean habitats and wildlife. Under his leadership, Project O has launched various campaigns and educational programs aimed at reducing ocean pollution, promoting sustainable seafood, and preserving marine biodiversity.

Find out more here: https://project-o.org/

Inspirational Speaking and Writing

As an inspirational speaker, German has shared his message of conservation and personal growth with audiences around the world. His talks often focus on the intersection of passion and purpose, encouraging individuals to find their own paths to making a positive impact.

German is also the author of "Blue Laguna," a stunning photographic book that showcases his encounters with marine life off the coast of Laguna Beach. The book features breathtaking images of dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures, accompanied by narratives that highlight the beauty and fragility of ocean ecosystems. "Blue Laguna" serves as both a visual feast and a call to action, urging readers to recognize the importance of preserving the natural world.

German's contributions to environmentalism extend beyond his nonprofit work and speaking engagements. He is an active participant in local and global conservation efforts, collaborating with organizations such as the Ocean Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation, and Mission Blue. His efforts have helped raise significant funds for marine conservation projects and inspired countless individuals to join the fight for a healthier planet.

One notable initiative led by German is the Blue City Network,  a certification system that recognizes cities, towns, and counties that demonstrate their communities’ commitment to healthy waterways and oceans. Participants gain access to proven resources and blueprints provided by our network of nonprofit partners, certified cities, and governmental agencies. Upon certification, participants become part of the Blue City Network, a coalition of communities from around the world that collaborate on programs and policies that protect the marine environment. Blue City certification provides cities with a way to publicly display their efforts and be seen as responsible environmental stewards.

It provides a data-driven approach to assessing communities’ efforts toward protecting the ocean. The intent of this program is to establish a network of cities and counties that are willing to implement, collaborate, and share information on jurisdictional sustainability programs across four Solution Areas: Waste Minimization, Climate Protection and Resilience, Healthy Ecosystems, and Water Quality and Efficiency.

German's passion for the ocean and commitment to conservation have made him a powerful advocate for marine environments. Through his nonprofit work, inspirational speaking, and writing, he has raised awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans and inspired many to take action.

Find out more here: https://bluecitynetwork.org/