2019

Quezon City, Philippines                                   SEE OTHER BIOS HERE
Age: 30

Vermon is an environmentalist aiming to "GREENducate" the Philippines, one youth at a time.

Tell us about yourself!

I am an Environmental Management Specialist II in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and also one of the youth advisers of GREENducation Philippines, the youth arm of the DENR Environmental Management Bureau that aims to empower Filipino youth through environmental education and green networking. Our goal is not only to educate youth about environmental stewardship, but also to impart skills and green values for them to influence and educate their fellow Filipino youth about environmental education.

Since I was in college, I have always wanted to be part of the solution to address environmental challenges. I started my green journey when I joined the Chemical Science Society in Bicol University, a college-based organization that takes an active role in promoting the importance of chemistry, both academically and socially. As a new organization, we started organizing tree-planting activities, coastal clean ups, and the Chemistry Magic Show, where we would do a magic show for the community and explain the science behind each experiment and its connections to the environment. During our environmental chemistry class with Professor Samuel Bobiles, he discussed the science behind environmental stewardship, how to reduce carbon footprints, and other solutions to address environmental pollution. That was a wake-up call to me to create the iPLEDGE Project, a campaign that encourages youth and students to live a greener lifestyle, reduce their carbon footprints, and make a pledge for the environment. The Chemical Science Society taught me and trained me = to become an effective leader and educator. They are my inspiration, and I owe my success to them.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

The essence of environmental education is translating awareness into action. We should be creative in communicating with our target stakeholders. It may take time to create effective communication tools and strategies, but it is very rewarding when you help develop green minds, green hands, and green hearts among your stakeholders – all of which result in improving people’s behaviors and attitudes toward the environment. I will always believe that there is no greater mission and no greater honor than providing this service for the Filipino people.

What keeps you motivated, inspired, or hopeful for the future?

Seven out of ten Filipino youth actively participate in environmental activities, and eight out of ten agree that their participation is important for our nation. These 2016 statistics from the National Youth Commission motivate me to develop programs and modules to further strengthen environmental education in the country (awareness), to be more inclusive and involve more youth in environmental activities (action), and to provide an avenue for young leaders and youth organizations to be more pro-active for environmental protection and conservation (collaboration).

The Philippines is one of the world's largest producers of coconuts. Just like the ordinary Filipino, this tree is simple yet can provide many basic needs for our people. Coconut trees can reach a height of 98 feet, while still attached to the ground by a strong fibrous root system. Similarly, in life, it's really important to strive to be a better leader and person, but stay grounded and stay humble even when we are at the peak of our success. Lastly, coconut trees generally have slender trunks which help guide coconut farmers to easily collect the coconuts. I compare this to being a youth leader - we need to guide and help aspiring young leaders to grow and become successful in their chosen field. Being a leader is not always about being the best, but rather about creating better lives for others.

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Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe                                       SEE OTHER BIOS HERE
Age: 26

Rumbi's conservation education work creates a means for co-existence between wildlife and humans who are living on the edge.

Tell us about yourself!

Currently I am a Community Conservation Manager with the African Lion & Environmental Research Trust (ALERT) in Victoria Falls, and I have a degree in biological sciences with a focus on ecology. My role is to work with communities on conservation projects, and educate them on how to conserve their environment and benefit from it in a sustainable manner. From the time I was an intern during my undergraduate up to date, I have been conducting conservation education lesson with ALERT. Since we work in an area where human-wildlife conflict is common, we also work with rural schools to help them understand the importance of wildlife and how to protect themselves when living alongside wildlife. Growing up, I always wanted to do something impactful and meaningful in the field of wildlife conservation and research. Being able to be both a scientific researcher and a conservation educator for rural children has given me that satisfaction.

What inspired you to become a champion for environmental education?

Environmental education chose me. When I started my profession, I thought I would become “just” a researcher. Being just a wildlife researcher without impacting other people’s lives felt void to me, since I love talking with people and helping them improve their lives. When I was an intern, one of my workmates said to me, “You are a people’s person. Giving you a silent environment to work in, without dialogue, will probably kill.” From that time, I knew that doing both wildlife research and conservation education was the real me. Honestly, I now could not imagine my research life without conservation education, as it brings meaning to my profession and my life in general. There is nothing as satisfying as seeing that the people you have taught are now practicing conservation.

The enthusiasm in children also keeps me going. At times, we starve our kids of knowledge only to blame them when they are older, of how they are recklessness and carelessness, when it’s simply because of a lack of grooming and knowledge when they were growing up. My inspiration came from the people who saw my talkativeness as something that I could put to use in a positive way, and believed that I could do it.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

Do not keep knowledge to yourself – share it, and you will gain more. The more you teach others about conservation and environmental issues, the more you will personally understand and connect with it. A real leader does not stop at knowing how to maintain their empire, but also knows to prepare the heirs for their inheritance.

What keeps you motivated, inspired, or hopeful for the future?

My motivation comes from the understanding that life is dynamic. The energy you bring in to life is the energy you exit with.

If you could be any animal or plant, what would you be and why?

I would be a lotus flower from the family Nelumbonaceae. It blooms in the muddy waters with the most colorful petals and manages to brighten its surroundings. For me, this shows a kind of internal strength – the ability to use your imperfect and tough surroundings to grow something beautiful and encouraging. It symbolizes hope, even during tough times.

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Puerto Maldonado, Perú                                           SEE OTHER BIOS HERE
Age: 29

Raquel's efforts give hundreds of kids, teenagers, and adults the opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty and importance of the Amazon rainforest.

Tell us about yourself!

My work focuses on rainforest conservation since I grew up surrounded by an incredible diversity of plants and animals. I started as a volunteer at my university, at the Tambopata National Reserve, and at the Ministry of Environment, and I also lived and worked with several local communities in the region. I studied ecotourism at the Amazonian National University in Madre de Dios, Peru, and conducted my thesis research thesis in an Ese’Eja community. While there, with nine colleagues, we created a cultural association called the Green and Cultural Union which focuses on environmental education and aims to help the children grow proud of their community and maintain their cultural heritage.

In 2014, I joined the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER), where I promote environmental education through informal teaching. I currently coordinate our Puppet House project, where I bring students to the forest to show them the importance of valuing and taking care of this ecosystem, and we finish the activity with a puppet show. The puppet characters are wild local animals that demonstrate local environmental problems including deforestation, forest fires, and mercury contamination of water due to illegal gold mining. Finally, I also recently joined the Program for Bat Conservation in Peru as the local coordinator for their efforts in Madre de Dios.

The region where I live is known as the biodiversity capital of Peru. However, since childhood, I have seen many environmental problems of my region, including many disastrous impacts that the Peruvian Amazon has suffered lately. Unsustainable human activities are mostly to blame, including wood extraction, gold mining, and oil exploitation, all due to peoples’ lack of environmental awareness. These activities continue to harm our various rainforest ecosystems, including areas that are protected by the states, leaving a lot of wildlife without a habitat. Because of all of this, I felt that I had to do something. I love nature and am glad that I found the opportunity to work with the people at ACEER, who also care for the environment and education, so that I know I am not alone in this endeavor. Thanks to this organization, I have been able to participate in many courses and workshops about biodiversity and conservation. Today, I am doing what I am passionate about, transmitting all the knowledge that I have learned over these years. I believe that children are the future citizens of the world, and it is very important that they grow into environmental leaders with the power of knowledge and the hope that we can still save our Amazon.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

I think the best thing we can do is spread our positive energy and knowledge to others. That involves identifying with your own culture, and standing firm with how you practice and teach conservation, environmental education, and culture. Many people do not know the biodiversity found where they live, nor its remarkable importance for life. If you are not aware, you are not going to conserve it. So, it is very important to establish education as the basis of environmental conservation and sustainability.

We should also develop and implement more sustainable activities that do not harm the environment. We have already identified many sustainable development practices, but we do not always execute them due to a lack of awareness about the importance of sustainability for the future of humanity. We should also take advantage of technological solutions, which will continue to grow in numbers, to encourage people to take on sustainable actions to solve our environmental problems.

We must remember that we are not alone, and we have to work in partnership with environmental organizations and local and regional governments. If we strive to involve more people in conservation, together we can make a difference. So, over everything else, I would recommend that we do not give up this effort to conserve the very thing that keeps us alive – nature. 

I have visited the rainforest of Madre de Dios hundreds of times. Even so, every day that I walk the trails, I am surprised by what I find along the path or in any other forest layer. Each day is a unique and incredible experience with each group that I bring with me. I have taken more than 3,000 children and hundreds of adults to the forest for environmental education activities with ACEER. Most of them had never walked under the forest canopy before, so they did not yet understand its importance or value for human beings. After learning from our teaching tours, many of them return home enchanted by the flora and fauna that they saw, from a tiny insect to 45-meter tall trees such as the Brazil nut and shihuahuaco trees. Some children enjoy this activity so much that they do not want to return to the city, and just want to spend more time in the forest. They tell me that they would like to live in the forest, next to the sounds of animals and in the fresh air. At the end of the program, the children present on what they learned, and at this point they are the ones teach me why we should protect our forest.

Who do you look up to as inspiration for your work?

I am inspired by Mr. Víctor Zambrano, a local environmentalist and conservationist who has received many regional, national, and international awards. Thanks to ACEER, he was also recognized by National Geographic as an Environmental Hero in 2017. He has planted more than 19,000 trees in an area that used to be a pasture for cattle, which today, after 32 years, is a beautiful forest with the wild fauna that once lived there. He also turned his own land into a permanent, private conservation area. In fact, it is this area where I bring children and their teachers to explore and learn about the rainforest and its conservation. It is now the perfect place to bring kids to appreciate native flora and fauna, including many large tree species that no longer exist near the city due to illegal logging, agriculture, and cattle ranching.
 
Conservation is hard work and very time-intensive. Not many people are able to do if they do not see any economic benefits. However, Mr. Zambrano is an example of sacrifice for conserving what is good, not just for him but for all of us. Sometimes, even his life was at risk as a result. He really motivates me to keep moving forward with conservation, with education as one of the most important tools to achieve our goals

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Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2020 EE 30 Under 30 Changemaker Grant Project
Urban reforestation and environmental education in 40 schools across Lubumbashi

Working with schools in Lubumbashi, DRC, an area largely degraded due to mining and population growth, the project will engage students in urban reforestation and educational activities about climate change, the impact of deforestation, and effective practices for planting, monitoring, and caring for trees. The schools will plant both fruit trees and copper-resistant species, and to foster student ownership the project will form student environmental committees in each school to help lead their educational and reforestation activities.

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EE 30 Under 30 Biography
Mariam works to blend education and reforestation in the Congo Basin.

Tell us about yourself!

I was born and raised in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and I am the foundress and national coordinator of Congo Environnement et Nature (CEN), an NGO working for environmental protection in the DRC.

At CEN, I launched a project integrating environmental education and reforestation in different schools across city of Lubumbashi, as deforestation is one of the main contributors to carbon emissions and climate change in the DRC. With this project, we chose to work with students since they have the greatest potential to drive sustainability for future generations and to change the mindset of people in the DRC. We use a practical education approach where the students are directly involved with reforestation, and become champions within their school. Their involvement ensures that their stewardship sticks with them for much longer than if they were to just listen to a lesson without direct involvement.

I hold a Bachelor’s in Geology from the University of Lubumbashi, and a Bachelors’s in Environmental Management from the University of South Africa. In 2009, I started to work as a voluntary road mender as part of a project to clean the city of Lubumbashi. From 2010 to 2012, I then led public relations for the movement, Ecological Forum of Young Congolese, which created by university students in the sciences.

My interest in the environment started when I was in high school, when I noticed how the environment in my country is not manged well and how people can suffer as a result. There are many cases of diseases linked to mining activities and other unsanitary conditions, including respiratory diseases, birth defects, cholera, malaria, typhoid fever, and diarrhoea.

The DRC owns half of Africa’s forests and water reserves, but we have an alarming rate of deforestation, species depletion, heavy metal pollution, and land degradation. All of these contribute to the global problem of climate change, as you can see in DRC’s major cities such as Lubumbashi, Kinshasa, and Goma.

Climate change specifically affects farmers in my community, and increases poverty as many people cultivate their land for a living. My father, who is disabled, stopped cultivating his land when the nearest dam dried up due to rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns. This is what pushed me to start taking action, and I moved from being a geologist to become an environmental manager.

I then founded CEN, and through my work realised that if we don’t work to change peoples’ mentalities and don’t teach the younger ones, then we are working for nothing. This pushed me to reorient my objectives to really focus on environmental education and public awareness.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE? 

Youth engagement in environmental education efforts is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and for averting the worst threats to sustainable development. Young people are enthusiastic, motivated, and innovative, and when empowered they can take great actions and be excellent leaders for today and tomorrow.

My advice to the next generation is:

• Always work to touch others’ lives, as we live to serve.
• Work hard, and be humble, patient, and respectful to others. Don’t waste your energy with negative thoughts. With passion, humility, and determination, you can achieve your goal.
• Connect and partner with others to help achieve great results. Don’t be selfish. Share your ideas with others, and be ready to learn from others every day.
• Dream big and don’t let anyone discourage you. Always believe in yourself and don’t give up when something goes wrong.
• Don’t wait for big support and big actions. Start small – the sum of small actions will result in big actions.

My last advice is to my dear African women. You are the future leaders. Although women and children are the most vulnerable to environmental disasters, they are also the most instrumental in combating climate change. So, stand tall and take action, keeping in mind that to “educate a woman is to educate a nation!’’

Every time I read the quote of the late South African president Nelson Mandela about education I get more inspired: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” I strongly believe that environmental education is the most effective tool to combat environmental destruction, as education is a long process that will impact an infinite number of future generations.

I am motivated when I see children feel empowered to take action to keep their environment clean. There is always a solution for every problem, and that is why I’m hopeful for the future.

What pro-environmental behavior do you think would make a big impact if everyone in the world started doing it? 

Planting at least 12 trees per year. Trees are vital – they give us oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil, and give life to the world’s wildlife. The also provide us with the materials for tools and shelter. Whether as a family project or an individual one, the point is to plant.

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Kampala, Uganda                                  SEE OTHER BIOS HERE
Age: 28

Charles is a social entrepreneur, designer and tutor working at level national and global level, advocating for climate change adaptation and mitigation through permaculture education.

Tell us about yourself!

I am a permaculture social entrepreneur, tutor, designer, and innovator with 12 years of experience in permaculture eco-system design and a background in computer science. I have served at the national and global level, and I am a policy advocate for youth empowerment, gender equality, and transforming systems to be healthy and sustainable through efficient alternatives that are inspired by our environment. I am also a strong believer in adopting indigenous technologies using a permaculture approach.

I am the CEO and director of Broadfield Enterprises Uganda (BEU), focusing on creating, implementing, and using innovative climate change adaptation strategies through the ethics and principles of permaculture. For example, our Sabina Food and Water Security Permaculture Project works to improve the diets of 385 students at the Sabina Home & School. Additionally, we offer permaculture classes for children, and have developed excellent facilities where we teach and implement the essentials of permaculture design – including food forests, rainwater catchments, and other features – to turn it into an ideal training center.

Finally, we offer a Permaculture Design Certificate, which consists of an 80-hour intensive training program that develop permaculture teachers and environmentally sensitive leaders. In this way, permaculture is an effective tool to enable and empower individuals who can be catalysts for positive change in their own communities, setting a positive example for social, ecological, and economic leadership through the daily practice of permaculture.

What inspired you to become a champion for environmental education?

I am inspired by studying and teaching integrated permaculture because it connects to a wide range of programs. Professors at universities, specialists, and practitioners around the world express interest in working with us towards climate resiliency and making a positive change for nature. I believe that it is possible to live in a free world – one with improved livelihoods, food security, universal peace, and healthy soils, water, rivers, lakes, and oceans for all species. Together we can realize this. I believe in permaculture – every problem is a solution.

What keeps you motivated, inspired, or hopeful for the future?

All of the following keep me inspired: the success of my work with young people, improved livelihoods through permaculture solutions around the world, and positive examples of exchanges between students, universities, and communities. All to make this world a better place.

Who do you look up to as inspiration for your work?

Bill Mollison, founder of the permaculture movement, and others who implement development solutions that are socially, ecologically, and economically balanced to make this world a better place for all species.

What pro-environmental behavior do you think would make a big impact if everyone in the world started doing it?

Here are just a few!

• Cooperatively planting permaculture food forests at big and small scales
• Composting and reusing waste
• Respecting nature and all species
• Renewable energy production
• Ecological systems of waste water cleaning and rainwater harvesting
• Eliminating plastic pollution on land and in rivers, lakes, and oceans
• Going vegan
• Eliminating pollution from travel and transport
• Using ecologically grown bamboo instead of wood

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Masohi, Indonesia                                            SEE OTHER BIOS HERE
Age: 20

Winny leads ISEC Indonesia, a national movement to inspire climate action and build future climate education leaders.

Tell us about yourself!

I come from Indonesia, but am currently living in Russia. I am the founder and National Director of International Student Environmental Coalition (ISEC) Indonesia, which is a national movement for climate education and action. With ISEC Indonesia, we are implementing education campaigns across three regions, focusing on climate change and plastic pollution.

My biggest project so far was organizing a three-day eco-camp in Sumarorong, Indonesia, where we had 430 students successfully plante 2,100 trees in one day. We also organized a two-day intensive activism workshop for 50 high school students, where we trained participants on how to lead their own environmental education campaigns. And yes, we can do more! Our 2019 agenda is more focused on plastic pollution, since Indonesia is the world's second largest contributor to the ocean plastic problem!

I’m now a third-year student majoring in Energy Conservation and Resource Saving Processes in Chemical Technology, Biotechnology and Petrochemistry at the Northern Arctic Federal University (NARFU) in Arkhangelsk, Russia. Here in Arkhangelsk, I am also involved with the local environmental group, “42.” I speak five languages (Bahasa Indonesia, English, Russian, German, and Norwegian) and I have traveled a lot in my life, which makes me fall in love even more with this planet!

What inspired you to become a champion for environmental education?

I would say my fear. I am frightened about our planet's condition, and all the emerging problems that are now arising due to the effects of climate change. I live in a society where environmental problems are still a taboo to talk about. For example, when I explained my work to a woman in Indonesia, and we started talking about climate change and the warming planet, she believed that planet has been always hot (we do live by the beach, so, yes, the temperature there is tropical). However, I don’t understand why many people are still unaware, and if they are, they don’t necessarily pay attention to it. Instead, they often focus on other issues, such as our poor economy. But what if money means nothing, when our future is vanishing?

That is how I decided to become a climate change activist, to educate my people about the effects of climate change and other environmental issues. My dream is to help everyone understand that taking care of this planet is one of our most important responsibilities and should be made a priority. This planet will be fine without us, however we need to keep our planet in good shape because it’s our home. We can't go anywhere else – this is the only home we have – and as such we need to take action to preserve our planet.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

I remember the first time I tried to persuade my friends in my dormitory to separate their waste. We have a large pipe for general waste on every floor, but to separate waste you have to walk outside, which is less convenient. However, I knew the positive impacts of recycling would be worth it, so I began talking to everyone about the importance of recycling. I started with my roommate. Then, the people in my block. Since separating waste is not a very common practice in Arkhangelsk, Russia, my blockmates that once couldn’t find enough information about recycling could now do it themselves and understood the importance of it. I was once ignorant, as almost all of us were at one point in our lives, but I believe that as human beings we naturally have intentions to do good deeds. Being ignorant is a result of not having enough information. Once we find out what we are facing right now, our natural instinct will guide us.

Just like heroes, when don’t understand how to use our power, we can easily destroy everything we have been blessed with. But after we figure it out, we can save the world. We are all heroes in my eyes. The most important thing is to just get started. Believe me, doing good things is addictive, as you will understand once you get started. Or have you? 

My admiration for the beauty of nature itself is what motivates me. This planet has provided us with everything we need, being the best and most beautiful home we could ever ask for. Sometimes I feel tired and exhausted, but since I am fighting for the most precious and essential thing in my life, I can always find the spirit to keep going. The thought that we could soon lose the beauty of this planet, if we remain ignorant, encourages me to do more and more. 

If you had to live in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?

East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This place is a complete package with its incredible nature and cultural heritage, with hundreds of ethnic groups and beauty in diversity. My country, Indonesia, has a lot of beaches, but in my opinion East Nusa Tenggara’s are the best. In East Nusa Tenggara, you feel really close to nature. If you love surfing, you can go to the popular Nemberala Rote. If you prefer diving, heaven is in Alor. If you love hiking, you have Mutis Mountain. You can literally do everything here. Not to mention that Nusa Tenggara has one of the “New7Wonders” of the world, Komodo Island!

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Oakland, CA, United States                                            SEE OTHER BIOS HERE
Age: 27

Niria Alicia works to awaken the remembrance that we are all connected and all have a responsibility to care for the land.

Tell us about yourself!

For the past 4 years, I have been one of the lead organizers of Run4Salmon, an indigenous women-led 300-mile prayerful journey and campaign in the state of California. In the face of climate change, ecological collapse, and mass extinction, Run4Salmon is designed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting waters, restoring endangered salmon runs, and revitalizing indigenous lifeways. The prayer run and year-long campaign is meant to inspire people of diverse backgrounds and ages to envision, pray for, and take action to achieve complete ecological restoration of rivers that can support all life forms in surviving and adapting to climate change.

This prayer run began in the fall of 2016 with a handful of people, and over the past three years the run has grown to a following of more than 14,000 people on social media. In 2017, I also led a successful GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to move forward with the salmon restoration project of the Winnemem Wintu. The campaign was successful, and through leveraging strategic partnerships spread awareness across the nation about the need for ecological protection and the value of indigenous-led species restoration.

What inspired you to become a champion for environmental education?

It is my responsibility to tend to the lands, waters, and animals that make my life possible. I come from a lineage of farmworkers and land defenders, and as a seed keeper it is my responsibility to make sure that our rivers are cared for in an indigenous way, as they had been for thousands of years before colonization.

Without water, earth, wind and fire we have nothing. It is foundational to everything and somehow our society seems to have forgotten that. To me, environmental education isn’t just education, it is awakening the remembrance that we are all connected and that we all have a responsibility to care for the land. Environmental education is remembering that we are all children of the Earth and we must know the seasons, the plants, and the names of the rivers that feed us so we can take care of them for our lifetime and for the next seven generations to come.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

You are your ancestors’ dream come true. Thousands of grandmothers and grandfathers prayed for your existence, and you must also pray and protect that which gives us all life for the generations to come. Listen to your elders, the wise ones who have carried out this work for decades, and don’t be afraid to dream and visualize a better future. It is all possible.

What keeps you motivated, inspired, or hopeful for the future?

Every time I see a flower bloom and the smile of a child, I am reminded of why I do the work that I do. We are working to protect the light of joy in the eyes of our children. We are working to protect the smell of blooming flowers, the sounds of buzzing bees; we are working tirelessly to restore and protect our rivers, our mountains, and our people. I stay strong in this commitment by knowing that the love for Mother Earth exists in all of us, and we must continue to pray and awaken that love in everyone's hearts.

What pro-environmental behavior do you think would make a big impact if everyone in the world started doing it?

If we all started looking with the eyes of our hearts towards Creation, recognizing the spirit inside and the love that we all are, we would change the way we walk on this Earth. Life is sacred, and we all are blessed to be a part of this beautiful existence. If we recognized what a miracle our life and all the life that surrounds us is, our Mother Earth would heal exponentially.

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2021 EE 30 Under 30 Changemaker Grant Project
Reef Spawn: Broadcasting marine environmental education in Malaysia and beyond

Reef Spawn is a youth capacity development program brought to you by Reef Stakes®, the first marine-themed role-playing card game in Malaysia. Through four practitioner-led virtual sessions followed by a three-day, two-night hands-on bootcamp, Reef Spawn will equip 12 budding conservationists with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the marine environment in Malaysia. The 12 selected participants are expected to broadcast the lessons learned and empower other youths in their communities to champion the marine environment.

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E 30 Under 30 Biography

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia                                
Age: 27

Yew Aun shares his passion for education and the marine realm through Reef Stakes® - the first marine-themed role-playing card game in Malaysia.

Tell us about yourself!

I am the co-founder of the Reef Stakes® card game – the first marine themed role-playing card game in Malaysia. The game is designed to mimic real-life stakeholder relationships, introduce some of Malaysia’s most iconic marine species, and highlight threats to coral reefs.

As for my day job, I am a marine biologist by training but am currently in the Malaysian civil service working on biodiversity conservation policy. I have been involved in a variety environmental education and outreach programs, and  was previously a Conservation Officer for the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT). I am also a regular columnist for MalayMail Online, writing specifically about environmental issues.

My interest in biodiversity first manifested as a love for the great outdoors. Although I grew up in the city, I was an active boy scout and would often go camping in the tropical rainforest. Aside from that, my personal experience with conducting outreach programs spurred me to think about more effective methods of delivering environmental education.

“Sir, the reason why you shouldn’t use styrofoam and plastic is that it does not biodegrade, affecting marine organisms and their food chain thus leading to an ecosystem imbalance.” This is an example of a standard outreach script. Because there is often much negativity and jargon attached to environmental messaging, people are easily turned off. In the past few years, I have been lucky enough to explore the gamification of basic environmental concepts through the Reef Stakes® card game, as my co-founders and I believe that games can be an effective medium for environmental education

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

Positive change requires sacrifice. You must be willing to contribute time, money, and effort if you believe in a cause. And if you have an idea, pursue it, but seek out collaboration if you think you can’t do it alone. Often, we get too caught up with whether an idea is feasible or not, that it just remains an idea.

To make Reef Stakes® a reality, my team members met very often to discuss concepts and plan the development of the game. It was a grueling process, but seeing our efforts pay off made the sacrifices worth it in the end.

I am motivated by the efforts of people around me. As someone who has played the role of leader and team player in many projects, I truly believe in finding the right people to achieve a collective goal.

As for inspiration, if I could point to a single person, it would be Dr. Louisa Ponnampalam from MareCet Research Organisation. I met her in my teens, and it was a turning point in my decision to pursue a career in marine science and biodiversity conservation. She was very encouraging and gave me a realistic view of this career field. I am thankful that she still offers me great advice to this day, and am proud that she continues to make waves in marine mammal conservation in the region.

What pro-environmental behavior do you think would make a big impact if everyone in the world started doing it?

Minimalism. Earth has finite resources. With the rapid expansion of the human population, there is bound to be a strain on our environment, leading to problems such as pollution, water shortages, and deforestation. I believe that the simple act of consuming less and within one’s means can collectively reduce this strain.

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Stanford, CA, United States                                        SEE OTHER BIOS HERE
Age: 25

Veronica works with environmental educators, learning scientists, designers, and technologists to co-design engaging and equitable learning experiences for young children and families.

Tell us about yourself!

I work at the nexus of the learning sciences, computer science, and environmental education, and am currently a PhD candidate in Learning Sciences & Technology Design at the Stanford Graduate School of Education. I first came to research through the Wellesley College Human Computer Interaction Lab, where we designed, developed, and studied innovative technologies to understand their potential to change how people collaborate. Combining my interest in technology with my passion for working with kids (my first job, at 14, was teaching kids to swim!), my research immediately centered around how we might use technology responsibly, ethically, and in engaging, interesting, and creative ways to engage young people in learning. 

My own experience as a woman of color in computer science (CS) led me first to CS education, where I worked to create learning experiences in robotics and engineering for hundreds of boys and girls in locales around the world – including Boston, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil. Being in these varied environments and understanding the lived experiences of local students, teachers, and parents showed me the power of technology to transform how people learn, interact, and interpret their world, while simultaneously highlighting issues of equity in how and for whom our technologies are designed. Co-design, a practice that includes stakeholders in the design process, plays an important role in my efforts to connect computer science and environmental education. One of my current projects examines how augmented reality can be co-designed for redwood park settings to strengthen climate change education in an equitable and sustainable way.

Family influence played a huge part. We lived in Boulder, Colorado, for my first ten years, and my fondest childhood memories are from our backyard: digging for worms with my older brother, helping my mom pick strawberries, and incessantly tracking the size of our cucumbers. I’ll also never forget our drive to school, which featured the Rocky Mountains perfectly framed in the front window of our van. As we grew older, countless family vacations were spent at national parks – Zion, Yellowstone, and Banff rank among my favorites. There was something new to see at every corner, and since my two brothers and I were all competitive athletes, we appreciated the limitless opportunities to expend some energy. 

My college years temporarily hid me from the outdoors –  New England was freezing for much of the year, and my studies kept me busy at a desk – but a 10-week stay in Cape Town, South Africa, reconnected me with nature. Cape Town is a stunning mix of mountains, beaches, and plains, boasting incredible biodiversity, and it was there that I learned to appreciate species ranging from the king protea to the rhino. My nature experiences left me in awe, and it’s that sense of wonder that I keep coming back to as I integrate environmental education into my research.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

Always seek out ways to put things into perspective, whether that’s visiting dinosaur skeletons and reflecting on timescale, or connecting with people who think differently than you. It’s so easy to get lost in our own work and our own worlds, and it’s important for us to be able to step back and get a balcony perspective. There is no single reality in our world – virtual reality applications aside, everyone has their own reality and perceptions. We can’t create change without acknowledging this, and as educators, particularly in the environmental realm, we need to understand what these different realities are in order to facilitate effective and engaging learning experiences for all.

What keeps you motivated, inspired, or hopeful for the future?

Talking to, and really listening to, people of different backgrounds, from different places, with different perspectives. For me, this happens in two ways. First, I’m privileged in that my professional experiences have spanned not only academia, but also the non-profit, public, and private sectors. Everywhere I’ve been, I have had the opportunity to meet phenomenal, hard-working individuals who aspire to make change through their unique roles and organizations. Second, working with kids is easily one of the most motivating, inspiring, and hope-inducing things I get to do. Their insights are often hilarious, but also humbling and thought-provoking, and seeing the world through their eyes enables me to approach my work with creativity and excitement. 

Definitely a sea otter! I grew up swimming, so I absolutely feel at home in water (especially on my back!). I very much enjoy eating, just like sea otters – they consume over a quarter of their weight daily in order to stay warm. I can totally get on board with their need to stay clean, and simply the fact that they sleep holding paws! Finally, sea otters are incredibly resourceful by using rocks as tools for hunting and feeding, and laser cutters, computers, and colored markers are among my favorite tools for creating learning technologies.

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Vancouver, BC, Canada                                          SEE OTHER BIOS HERE 
Age: 18

Stephanie founded and leads a youth organization focused on promoting all aspects of sustainability.

Tell us about yourself!

Two years ago, I started the Sprout-Save-Share initiative, a project focused on youth environmentalism and minimizing waste.

Through this initiative, and specifically focusing on environmental education, I started the Straw Pledge project. Through this project, we hand out free reusable straws to people in the community, with the goal of having an open conversation about sustainability and helping others become more aware about the plastic they are using. I believe some lifestyle changes are often presented in aggressive ways, and people can feel annoyed or uncomfortable from activists pushing their beliefs upon them. As these methods are not encouraging to members of the community, I find giving them the gift of a reusable straw is a great way to start promoting personal sustainability. Most people respond kindly to our offers, and are even excited about using less plastic. At the end of our conversation about plastic pollution, we ask the person receiving the straw if they will pledge to stop using disposable straws altogether. Through a $1500 grant, we have purchased and distributed 2,250 reusable straws across Canada!

In my senior year of high school, I also co-chaired the Vancouver School Board Sustainability Conference, an event that brings together over 200 students annually for a day of workshops, speakers, and networking. This fall, I will be studying engineering at the University of British Columbia, and I hope to major in a sustainability-related field and be able to create impact on a larger scale!

What inspired you to become a champion for environmental education?

Growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia, and being surrounded by mountains and green spaces made it easy for me to fall in love with nature. However, I can pinpoint one particularly transformational moment from the summer of 2017 when I attended Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability Toolbox, a sustainability leadership program for high school students.

On our camping trip, it was late one night and a few of us were feeling restless. We decided to go on a short walk down to a nearby bridge. I remember lying down on the creaky planks of wood, feeling the fresh air against my skin, and looking up at the night sky. I had never seen that many stars before! It was so quiet, with only the wildlife stirring and river humming. The only things that mattered in that moment were the trees and the stars, and I felt a sense of peace and wonder that I had not felt in a very long time. I feel selfish keeping that experience to myself and not allowing future generations to experience it too, so I decided I wasn’t going to sit idle any longer, and I started Sprout-Save-Share!

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

Don’t be afraid of doing something big, but also don’t worry about not doing enough! Climate change and the environment are huge topics, so don’t feel too overwhelmed by all the problems. A few years ago, someone told me, “If people aren’t doubting your dreams, they aren’t big enough,” and I’ve tried to live by that saying!

What keeps you motivated, inspired, or hopeful for the future?

While many aspects of our lives segregate us, I believe our passions are what bring us together. Through sustainability, I’ve been able to be part of a kind, caring, and motivated community of environmental activists, which always keeps me hopeful and inspired!

If you had to live in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?

I have lived in Vancouver for my whole life and I love it here! Although I would love to explore and travel, I still see myself settling down in Vancouver. I just don’t think I can leave the mountains and the water in the Pacific Northwest. With a question like this, it sounds like I would be forcefully tied down to one place, but in reality it’s my hope that I can live in Vancouver long-term!

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