NEWS
Gaining support and recognition for women leadership in marine conservation
We are excited to share new opportunities received by our team in 2021 from Conservation Leadership Programme, National Geographic Society and Save Our Seas Foundation, which will not only advance LAMAVE’s conservation actions but are also supporting and building our leaders.
Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) 2021 Future Conservationist Award
Sue Ong received a Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) 2021 Future Conservationist Award. The award provides direct funding and training to early-career leaders from developing countries who are tackling pressing conservation challenges.
Sue’s project focuses on combating the illegal trade on marine turtles nesting beaches in the Philippines. Focusing on biodiversity hotspots, her team aims to enhance the management of key habitats by working with local coastal communities to identify nesting hotspots and key threats to the remaining populations of Hawksbill Turtles Eretmochelys imbricata (Critically Endangered), Green Turtles Chelonia mydas (Endangered) and Olive Ridley Turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (Vulnerable) in the region.
National Geographic Explorer sets her focus on the iconic whale shark
Ariana Augustine was selected as one of 2021 National Geographic Explorers. Ariana’s project, ‘Conservation or Livelihood: Exploring the Relationship Between an Endangered Giant and People Reliant on the Sea’ focuses on whale shark conservation and explores the conflicting view of protecting either wildlife or livelihoods, and the often overlooked solution of combing both.
“My goal is to foster the connection between people and their environment to initiate behavioral change for the conservation of our wild spaces and natural resources. This desire to make a positive impact in marine conservation efforts, especially for sharks and rays in the Philippines stems from our being a part of one ecosystem.
For me, being a National Geographic Explorer is about pushing both my personal and professional boundaries. It is facing challenges even if I may not know yet how to overcome them. It’s having the heart and passion to pursue your life’s purpose."
- Ariana Agustines
Using impact media to bring stakeholders together to protect sharks and rays
Sally Snow was selected as one of 2021 Save Our Seas Foundation Project Leaders, receiving funding for an education project in the Philippines, which will expand LAMAVE work on impact media.
The project ‘Sharks of the Sulu: Impact media campaign to support elasmobranch conservation in Palawan’ uses film as a tool to enhance elasmobranch conservation in Palawan to leverage local authorities' and communities' engagement and buy-in towards the creation and implementation of conservation strategies and policies for sharks and rays. The campaign builds upon the scientific and conservation work executed by #LAMAVE and partners and will be a pivotal instrument in bringing stakeholders together to discuss effective management strategies and inspire behavioural change.
