Wild Tobago

  Hannah Lochan reports from the Youth Leadership Summit and the Our Ocean Conference in Greece.   “We may seem radical today, but it is just because we are ahead of our times.” Dr. Sylvia Earle, oceanographer and deep-sea explorer was addressing 100 youth leaders gathered in Athens, Greece. She was not only motivating but made me feel heard and understood. Climate anxiety is daunting and the threats to our ocean’s health are mounting. However, through it all, we have hope and we have action. Young people cannot be afraid, but must become steadfast champions for the ocean. “Tell the truth! There is no need to go beyond the truth. But do not stay quiet about the things that concern you,” Dr Earle said. SUSTAINABLE OCEAN ALLIANCE Historically, youth representation is low. Now, we recognize that the young need more input into goals and policies that affect their present and future. A Youth Leadership Summit was hosted before the main Our Ocean Conference through a partnership between

Dr Anjani Ganase talks with Tadzio Bervoets, Co-Founder of Caribbean Shark Coalition, about shark attacks in the Caribbean Sea. The news was terrible, Friday morning. The messages were flying in. Was it true? Was there a shark attack in Tobago? Can’t be, I thought, that’s not something that happens in T&T. But it was true. An unprovoked shark attack on a British tourist in the shallow water of Turtle Beach. Finally, a message I wanted to receive. It was from Tadzio: “I heard what happened. Terrible. Please let me know how I can help. I hope the victim is doing okay.” Tadzio is from Sint Maarten and has worked in marine research and conservation in the Dutch Antilles for 20 years. He is the former director of Sint Maarten Nature Foundation, and during his time there he managed to get the entire exclusive economic zone of Sint Maarten designated a marine protected area and shark sanctuary. He is currently the executive director of Dutch Caribbean Nature Allianc