STORY
Empowering Tomorrow’s Marine Conservationists: Stories of Resilience and Hope
The ocean nourishes us all. Its value encompasses all facets of life, from the food we eat to the livelihood of communities, and the chance to collaborate with different cultures to ensure its protection. Yet today, the ocean needs protectors more than ever, and at the forefront of this mission are motivated individuals like Fatima Clavecillas and Paolo Co, scholars of LAMAVE’s Iskolar ng Dagat program. Their journeys demonstrate how opportunity and determination can turn passion into action and dreams into change.
Fatima Clavecillas: Protecting the Ocean's Gentle Giants
Fatima’s journey started from curiosity and inspiration from her college years studying Marine Biology at the Mindanao State University in General Santos. Her academic work, focused on understanding the ocean's biodiversity, sparked a desire to protect marine life. While in the Whale Shark Research and Conservation Project as a scholar, she engaged in scientific monitoring and connected with communities that rely on marine ecosystems. Her encounters with whale sharks ignited her interest and made her realize the vital role that they play in regulating marine ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity through ecological interactions.
This was her first experience in conservation—a journey that revealed how there’s much more to conservation than science. “Balancing scientific approaches with human behavior and societal needs added complexity to conservation efforts,” she reflects. Yet, she views this complexity as a strength rather than a hindrance.
“Conservation often requires finding effective ways to engage with people. These challenges pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and gain the courage I need[ed].”
Her biggest takeaway from the experience is that everything is interconnected and that each of us has an important role to play. “Adopting sustainable practices, supporting responsible tourism, and protecting habitats are essential steps to reduce the threats to our marine wildlife.”, she added.
Fatima envisions a future where science empowers people to protect our seas. This is why she plans to take additional dive training and pursue further studies in Physical Oceanography to deepen her knowledge and share it with communities that rely on the ocean’s resources.
Her message to future generations encapsulates her philosophy, that marine conservation thrives not just on intelligence but on passion, commitment, and a dedication to lifelong learning. By embracing curiosity, building connections, and promoting sustainability, she believes we can all play a role in creating meaningful change—because even the smallest actions can inspire a wave of collective impact.
Paolo Co: Diving Into Conservation
A graduate of Biology from UP Diliman, Paolo’s love for marine life began with nature documentaries. His first encounter with a manta ray during a dive in LAMAVE’s Manta Ray Research and Conservation Project solidified his passion. “Seeing such a majestic creature up close was life-changing,” he recalls. “I want to preserve the natural world so that everyone can experience moments like those.”
Paolo is not new to the world of research and conservation. However, the program was instrumental in developing his field and people skills, which were initially limited by the pandemic during his undergraduate studies. While they both believe that science is the backbone of our work, like Fatima, he realized that conservation doesn’t merely revolve around science—it’s also about community, education, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. The Iskolar ng Dagat Program enabled Paolo to explore the practical challenges of conservation work and hone his field skills. “Something that’s understated in this line of work is that you need to have great people skills” he shares. This realization inspired Paolo to think beyond research, envisioning a future where scientists and communities collaborate to protect marine biodiversity.
Paolo is now an environmental consultant and doing geospatial analysis on the side. He has aspirations of pursuing a master’s degree and dreams of continuing his studies on cartilaginous fish, using his voice to advocate for marine conservation in the Philippines.
“My goal since I was young has always been to lead conservation efforts in my own country, treasure and value what we have, and share my passion for the environment around us in hopes of inspiring future generations.”
Paolo’s advice reminds us that conservation is a space for everyone, regardless of background. He encourages aspiring conservationists to step out of their comfort zones, stay curious, and explore opportunities like volunteering, citizen science, or offering unique skills to help make a difference for our planet.
How the Iskolar ng Dagat Program Transformed My Conservation Journey
Reading Fatima and Paolo’s stories, I can’t help but reflect on my transformation as a scholar in the Northern Palawan Manta Ray Research and Conservation Project. When I started, I was new to the world of conservation, uncertain about my place or how I was going to venture into this new field. I was unfamiliar with life in remote and resource-limited areas. Moving to a small town in Palawan was both daunting and thrilling—I had never lived so close to the ocean nor been away from my loved ones for that long.
Fatima and Paolo’s stories resonate deeply with me because I started my conservation journey not as a scientist but as someone simply passionate about the ocean. My background in Industrial Engineering didn’t seem like an obvious match for marine conservation, but that’s where LAMAVE’s Iskolar ng Dagat program and other opportunities showed me that anyone can make a difference. The transformative impact of opportunities opened by programs like Iskolar ng Dagat has now been ingrained in me.
“For scholars like Fatima, Paolo, and myself, this program isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about becoming part of a movement to protect our oceans.”
From the nerves on my first dive in Palawan, to eventually leading the Manta Ray Research and Conservation project, I’ve seen firsthand how small steps—whether it’s filling out a form to apply as a volunteer or educating a child about coral reefs—can create ripples of change.
With LAMAVE’s guidance, I was able to kickstart my career in marine conservation. I went from being an outsider to leading the Northern Palawan Manta Ray Research and Conservation Project, where I worked with experts, locals, and volunteers from all around the world. From deploying remote underwater video systems to helping enforce sustainable tourism guidelines, I’ve had the privilege of working on initiatives that directly impact both marine life and the local communities. Now, as LAMAVE’s Fundraising Officer, I have the privilege of contributing to the organization’s mission by creating impactful campaigns that support marine conservation efforts. As I said, this journey wasn’t just about professional growth—it was deeply personal. I learned resilience, adaptability, and the power of collaboration. Without LAMAVE and its community’s support, I wouldn’t have discovered this path or the confidence to navigate it.
Why Your Support Matters
LAMAVE’s Iskolar ng Dagat program offers Filipino citizens a fully funded opportunity to immerse themselves in marine conservation efforts across the Philippines. This unique internship provides hands-on fieldwork experience, where scholars learn and apply scientific methods while collaborating with a dedicated team, local communities, and government partners to protect our marine ecosystems.
Programs like these empower individuals to transform their passion into meaningful, tangible action. Scholars like Fatima, Paolo, and myself are proof that opportunity can change lives—and, through us, you can help protect the ocean for generations to come.
Sponsor a Scholar Today
By sponsoring a scholar, you join a community of supporters committed to safeguarding our oceans. A donation of $750 will support a one-month scholar placement in one of our research and conservation projects, equipping early-career Filipinos with the tools and experience to lead.
It takes a village to protect our marine ecosystems—whether through individual contributions, group fundraising, or corporate initiatives, every effort matters.
Let’s continue to nurture the next generation of leaders in marine conservation. Join us in making a difference.