Cover Plastic pollution in our oceans is a major concern. The Unesco Ocean Literacy Portal reports that plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution (Photo: Getty Images)
Plastic pollution in our oceans is a major concern. The Unesco Ocean Literacy Portal reports that plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution (Photo: Getty Images)
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These ocean guardians are leading the charge in protecting our seas, innovating new methods and championing sustainable practices to ensure a healthier future for our waters
Covering over 70 percent of the planet we call home, the oceans play a vital role in generating much of the oxygen we breathe and feeding more than 3 billion people. The oceans also act as a carbon sink, absorbing roughly 30 percent of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from human activities.
Yet, critical issues plague our blue waters threatening to tip nature’s balance. Overfishing, plastic pollution and ocean warming are just three of the pressing concerns that need to be addressed. The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy—made up of world leaders—estimates that without significant action, plastic pollution will nearly triple by 2040 to 29 million metric tonnes per year.
Read more: This robotics startup is cleaning up the oceans
Thankfully, dedicated conservationists and advocates are fighting to turn the tide. Beyond the United Nations’ World Oceans Day on June 8, here are 6 young leaders across Asia on the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow who are fighting to keep our waters clear.
Samantha Thian
Like many keen scuba divers, Samantha Thian found herself staring the grim evidence of ocean plastic contamination right in the face. She established Seastainable in 2017 to encourage young people to commit to marine conservation, giving small grants to those who are making a difference, as well as running capacity-building workshops and community activities. It has supported more than 50 projects around the world.
Kong Man Jing
Co-founder, Just Keep Thinking
Former science teacher Kong Man Jing blends education and entertainment at Just Keep Thinking, her science and environment social media channel. Under the name Biogirl MJ, she dissects complex issues surrounding marine conservation and climate change for a global audience of half a million. She is also the author of a comic book titled The Intertidal Adventures Of Biogirl MJ, which nabbed the Best Educational Title at the Singapore Book Awards 2023.
Read more: Why youths care about climate change—and how we can galvanise them into action
Cat Triviño
Community director, Cora Philippines
Through Cora Philippines, Catherine Denise Triviño works with local communities and government agencies to empower volunteers to contribute to social development. She helms projects such as My Osean Mission, which organises coastal cleanups, Osean School, which educates volunteers on the importance of the ocean, and The Cora WoMangrove Warriors, which aids in mangrove rehabilitation.
Stephanie Oller
Co-founder and CEO, Pure Culture
Pure Culture, co-founded by Stephanie Oller, is the Philippines’ first toxin-free skincare brand with a range of lotions, serums and soaps that draw on local ingredients such as wild algae. A member of One Percent for the Planet, with products that tout the Made Safe and Safe Cosmetics Australia seals, the company donates one percent of its revenue to ocean protection causes and grew by 300 percent in 2023.
Read more: Asia is advancing to the forefront of global healthcare, thanks to these innovators
Gary Bencheghib
Sungai Watch was conceived to protect and restore Indonesia’s plastic-polluted rivers. Founded in 2020 by Gary, Kelly and Sam Bencheghib, the environmental organisation has collected a million kg of plastic waste in Bali and is using the data it has collected to improve waste management practices. He was one of the four recipients in 2023 of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award.
Cheer Chen
Above Cheer Chen (right) at the APEC Workshop on Regional Marine Debris Management (Photo: Azure Alliance)
Cheer Chen (right) at the APEC Workshop on Regional Marine Debris Management (Photo: Azure Alliance)
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Co-founder and CEO, Azure Alliance
Cheer Chen started Azure Alliance in 2019 with a mission to protect marine ecology. Through private-public collaborations, her company develops marine technology that can combat crucial environmental issues, including equipment that can clean up marine debris. It also focuses on raising awareness of ecological protection through education and community participation.
See more Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow in Sustainability.
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