In this final episode of season three, we speak with Shuhei Tashiro, co-founder of the Sustainable Ocean Alliance Japan Hub, and Kokoro Watanabe, an integral member of the Hub with the title of Investigator. Shuhei is a masters student studying Anthropology at Heidelberg University in Germany, whilst Kokoro is a Biotechnology in Japan with a strong interest in marine biology, but they both have a deep passion for all things ocean! Together we talk about their journey in founding and working for the SOA Japan Hub, and reflect on the joys and challenges of spreading ocean awareness. Closing off the season in a meaningful way, Shuhei and Kokoro remind us of the love for our environment that we all experience in our own way.

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Shuhei and Kokoro, and their work:

Facebook 

Instagram 

Website 

This week we speak with Josphat Nguu, a marine ecologist working on the conservation of blue carbon ecosystems. His work with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Wildlife Conservation Society establishes blue carbon offset schemes for the conservation and restoration of mangrove forests. Josphat's SOA project focused on returning mangroves to the denuded shoreline of Gazi Bay on the southeast coast of Kenya using enhanced restoration techniques. Working with Mikoko Pamoja, a community-based organization, Josphat and his colleagues aim to plant 4000 seedlings yearly. His expert knowledge gives us a deeper understanding of the importance of mangroves as a natural solution to combatting the effects of climate change. https://linktr.ee/PTApod

This week for our final episode of season 2 we chat with Desmond Alugnoa about the Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO). Co-founded by Desmond in 2014, GAYO is leading a Sustainable Community Project employing women in low-income communities to collect and process domestic waste for profit. In a country facing severe issues with public waste dumping and mismanagement, Desmond's organisation is leading the way to a sustainable future. Tune in for some inspiration and to hear Desmond's call to action!

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Desmond and his work:

Green Africa Youth Organisation

Desmond's Instagram

Sources:

ATC Mask

This week we speak with Diane Bahati a member of the Rwanda Youth Alliance for Climate Action (RYACA). Her organisation raises awareness of environmental and social issues within Rwanda by organising community events and campaigns around issues like renewable energy, reforestation and infrastructure development. Diane and RYACA specifically target young people of all background to collaborate in activities aligned with the SDGs. We really enjoy Diane's insight into the state of environmental activism in Rwanda, and take some lessons from the conversation that reminds us to give our own time to volunteer organisations.

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Diane and her work:

Rwanda Youth Alliance for Climate Action

Sources:

World Economic Forum

United Nations

Environmental Help Desk

This week we speak with Ahmed Moumine, an environmental science student in Cameroon and the founder of Think Green. Ahmed’s organisation gathers hundreds of young people to collect and repurpose plastic waste from communities without a reliable waste management system. Ahmed describes Think Green as more than just an organisation, but as an ideology pushing for a paradigm shift across Cameroon.

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Ahmed and his work:

Think Green
Personal Facebook

Sources:

UN Environment

Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform

London School of Economics

This week we speak with Benjamin Von Wong, a viral creative focused on telling epic stories through photography and videography experiences. Benjamin builds beautiful, hyper-real installations showcasing major environmental issues and captures the moment using his photography skills. Starting from the meaning behind his work, we dive deep into a chat with our guest about the framework for positive impact and success that he has developed through his own experiences as an artist and an activist.

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Benjamin and his work:

https://www.vonwong.com/

Sources:

UNESCO 

Earth.org

In this episode, we chat with Marie about her journey to becoming the leader of the global youth constituency for the UN - YOUNGO. Starting from her personal story as a Swiss youth climate advocate, all the way to her international recognition as a leading climate champion, Marie inspires us with her advice for any young people out there wanting to make a difference. Our down-to-earth discussion leaves quite an impression.

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Marie and her work:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Sources:

YOUNGO

Swiss Climate Info

In this weeks episode, we speak with Juanjo Martinb, co-founder and President of Cverde - a Chilean NGO that professionalises environmental activism through community-based projects and leadership training for young activists. Juanjo speaks with us in detail about Operaciones Cverde, a project close to his heart that also won the National Environmental Award of Chile. Our chat takes us from on-the-ground projects to Juanjo's role in negotiating the environmental policy of Chile at COP25, and his current campaign to take part in rewriting Chile's constitution.

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Juanjo and his work:

www.instagram.com/juanjo.martinb/

www.twitter.com/JuanjoMartinb

https://linktr.ee/cverde

Sources:

https://earth.org/global_sustain/chile-ranked-27th-in-the-global-sustainability-index/

https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/chile-takes-action-air-pollution

This week we chat with Silvia Cantu, an activist who uses wildlife and underwater photography to raise awareness about environmental issues. Silvia tells us about her experience sailing the world aboard the Peace Boat and she shares her knowledge of Mexico's coastal environment. Drawing on her vast experience in interdisciplinary academic research, cross-cultural communication, and inclusive youth teaching, Silvia inspires us to take action for environmental conservation.

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Silvia and her work:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/silviacantub/

Instagram: @silviacantub

This week we speak with Jeff Rotmeyer, the Founder and CEO of two charities based in Hong Kong. Love 21 empowers the Down syndrome and autistic community to reach their full potential through sport and nutrition programmes, whilst Impact HK seeks to provide a stepping stone for homeless individuals that is filled with love, kindness and opportunity. We speak with Jeff primarily about Impact HK and the work his team does to rehabilitate and support homeless people through counselling, financial advice, mentorship, nutritional advice, physical activity, language learning and job opportunities. Chatting about Jeff's personal journey, we come to understand the situation in Hong Kong, and take his call to action to heart.

People Taking Action

Find out more about Jeff and his work:

https://www.facebook.com/impacthkcharity

Kasha Slavner is inspiring action by sharing real stories of young peace and climate changemakers. The Sunrise Storyteller, her award-winning documentary, highlights stories of resilience in the face of adversity around the world. In our chat with Kasha, we dig into the journey that made it all possible and we ask about her next big project - 1.5 Degrees of Peace. Join us for an uplifting discussion about all the inspiring stories there are out there, and what Kasha is doing to document the people living them.

Kimberly Worsham is the founder of FLUSH, a consulting and edutainment organisation based in New York that works with businesses and the public alike to not only teach best-practice principles for sanitation and hygiene but also raise awareness around a topic that is so often stigmatised. Kim chats with us about the deep-seated issues facing the WASH sector and how she is creating change for the better. Our down-to-earth and detailed discussion is sure to inspire you, and maybe even think about toilets in a way you never have before!  

peopletakingaction.org 

Find out more about Kim and her work: 

www.flushwash.org

This week we speak with Catarina Abril, an MSc Marine Biology and Conservation graduate from Portugal with studies focused on sharks and rays. Her passion for ocean literacy shines through as we discuss her role as Science and Conservation Manager of the Ocean Hub Portugal. In 2020 the Hub was given two microgrants. The first grant went towards a series of courses teaching ocean literacy and entrepreneurial skills for implementing ocean solutions and the second grant went towards support for SOA's #Defendthedeep campaign against deep-sea mining. Beyond these achievements, Catarina and her team have developed their own podcast! We were very inspired by their story and hope you are too!

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Catarina and her work:

Ocean Hub Portugal Podcast

Facebook

YouTube

Instagram

Ndéye Marie Aïda Ndiéguène is the founder and CEO of 'Ecobuilders Made in Senegal', a social enterprise that constructs crop storage space using recycled and natural materials. Ecobuilders crop storage solution drastically reduces the loss of crops due to unsafe storage conditions and improves the wellbeing of rural communities. In this final episode of season one, Marie shares her relentless drive for impacting her community. Listen-in for a relaxing and inspiring discussion!  peopletakingaction.org Get your own copy of 'United We Are Unstoppable': bit.ly/united_we_are_unstoppable Find out more about Marie and her work: https://www.facebook.com/EcobuildersMadeinSenegal/ https://changemakerxchange.org/changemaker/ndeye-marie-aida-ndieguene/ Sources: https://www.adaptation-undp.org/explore/western-africa/senegal

Liyana Yamin is a Ph.D. Candidate at the Institute of Marine Affairs and Resource Management in Taiwan, researching potential adaptations of small fishing communities in Eastern Malaysia to sea level rises. She is a dedicated climate advocate, working with the International Climate Development Institute and founding U-Inspire Malaysia, a network dedicated to disaster risk reduction. Liyana joins us this week for a very relaxed discussion touching on her work and taking a deeper dive into the personal challenges she faces. www.peopletakingaction.org Get your own copy of 'United We Are Unstoppable': bit.ly/united_we_are_unstoppable Find out more about Liyana and her work: https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/3017124 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7OnaRILnV0 https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2018/11/434577/counter-climate-change-effects-all-countries-must-be-involved https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/st-podcast-climate-of-change-power-to-young-people sorry for the late reply. https://www.linkedin.com/in/liyanayamin/ https://www.facebook.com/liyana.yamin/ https://twitter.com/liyanahikes https://www.instagram.com/liyanahikes/

Alexa Goodman is the Project Coordinator for Coastal Action’s Coastal and Marine Team in Atlantic Canada. Their work into understanding the difficult problem that lost and discarded fishing gear, known as ‘Ghost Gear’, poses for marine life and fisherman alike has been fundamental in Canada’s efforts to reduce such pollution. They are also the founder of the ‘Stop Trashing It’ network for people wishing to commit to a low-waste future. Alexa’s expert knowledge and passion for stopping marine plastic pollution made this episode a pleasure to record. It’s a long one, but a good one!   www.peopletakingaction.org Get your own copy of 'United We Are Unstoppable': bit.ly/united_we_are_unstoppable Find out more about Alexa’s work: https://www.stoptrashingit.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexajgoodman

Muhammad Sarim Raza is a serial entrepreneur who loves analyzing social problems and designing community-centric solutions for them. His most recent startup, Retex, is a sustainable textile sourcing platform which allows users to source local, sustainably produced textiles online from a selection of thoroughly vetted producers. In this episode, we talk with Muhammad about overcoming the fast fashion industry and how both Retex and his more socially-focused startup, Riayat, help change the lives of Pakistans most vulnerable people.

 

www.peopletakingaction.org

Get your own copy of 'United We Are Unstoppable':

bit.ly/united_we_are_unstoppable

Find out more about Muhammad's work:

www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-sarim-raza-a444b0135/

www.retexpk.com/

www.riayat.org/

Sources:

Assessing and Prioritizing the Climate Change Policy Objectives for Sustainable Development in Pakistan

Pakistan achieves UN climate action goal 10 years ahead of deadline

Clean Green Pakistan

Jeremy Raguain is the Communications and Outreach Coordinator at Seychelles Islands Foundation, the leading environmental conservation organisation of the Seychelles Islands. In this episode, we talk to Jeremy about the conservation work he and his team have led in two UNESCO World Heritage Natural Sites - the beautiful coral atoll Aldabra, and the famous nature reserve named Vallée de Mai. Jeremy's insights and stories about these two other-worldly locations get us excited about conserving them.

www.peopletakingaction.org

Get your own copy of 'United We Are Unstoppable': 

bit.ly/united_we_are_unstoppable

Find out more about Jeremy's work:

www.sif.sc/

www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-raguain-a0b8b1bb/

Get in touch with Jeremy:

Twitter: @mahesituated 

Facebook: Jeremy Sadler 

Instagram: @Turtlecommuter

SIF's New Documentary: Island Under Seige

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf3PcL8gUpU

Hatim El Otmani is the founder of Atlas for Development, a youth organisation leading climate action in Morocco. We talk about Atlas for Development's new awareness-raising initiative, 2063 Academy, which aims to connect the SDGs to the African Union's 'Agenda 2063' plan for regional development. Hatim shares with us his passion for localising the SDGs and intergenerational cooperation, with some wise words for those who want to do the same.

www.peopletakingaction.org

Get your own copy of 'United We Are Unstoppable': bit.ly/united_we_are_unstoppable

Find out more about Hatim's work:

www.Atlas4Dev.org

Jhannel Tomlinson is a PhD researcher studying community-based climate change adaptation and is also the Sustainability Lead for Jamaican Women in Coffee (JAWiC), a grassroots organisation championing women coffee farmers through community dialogue and training to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Tune in to hear how JAWiC is overcoming the many challenges facing women farmers in Jamaica. Jhannel's extensive knowledge and passion for climate change adaptation inspires us all to do more! 

www.peopletakingaction.org 

Get your own copy of 'United We Are Unstoppable': bit.ly/united_we_are_unstoppable 

Find out more about Jhannels work: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhannel-tomlinson-92378779

Sources:

The Plight of Jamaica’s Small-Scale Coffee Farmers to Climate Change

UNDP

Ricardo Pineda is a lead researcher in the decarbonisation of Honduras and the founder of Sustenta Honduras, an NGO dedicated to connecting young people eager for ambitious climate action. In this episode, we discuss Ricardo's own call to action when he realised Honduras was failing to meet its decarbonisation targets, and the effect it was having on sustaining deep socio-economic inequalities in the country. Ricardo's inspiring journey from activist, to researcher, to policy writer is a fantastic example of what anyone can achieve with enough motivation and determination. www.peopletakingaction.org Get your own copy of 'United We Are Unstoppable': bit.ly/united_we_are_unstoppable Find out more about Ricardo's work: http://bit.ly/sustentahonduras https://ricardo-pineda-climate-leader.jimdosite.com/publications/ Sources: The World Bank - Honduras Human Development Index Sustainable Development report - Honduras

Aushim Merchant is an entrepreneur and founder of Florence Energy, a business using modular waste processing factories to transform waste plastic into fuel for energy production. In this episode, we discuss what called Aushim to action, how his business creates a valuable byproduct from consumer waste, and the broader benefits of the circular economics he is putting into practice. Aushim plans to expand his portfolio in the years to come but wants to keep people at the centre of his work.

www.peopletakingaction.org

Get your own copy of 'United We Are Unstoppable': bit.ly/united_we_are_unstoppable

Find out more about Aushim's work: https://youtu.be/dsIuxtTAAB0

Sources:

Thailand's secret weapon in climate change battle

Thailand needs a more ambitious action plan on climate change

Climate Change and Thailand: Impact and Response

Thailand – Ranked 154th in the Global Sustainability Index

· Strategic Plan on Climate Change (2008)

Maximo Mazzocco is an environmental activist and founder of Ecohouse, an organisation dedicated to greening his country through environmental education. We discuss the story behind the success of Ecohouse amidst the many environmental challenges facing Argentina and the difficulty of urging the government to take action. Maximo shares his personal inspiration and plans for a sustainable future. 

www.peopletakingaction.org

Get your own copy of 'United We Are Unstoppable': bit.ly/united_we_are_unstoppable

Find out more about Maximo's work: https://ecohouse.org.ar/

Sources:

The environmental story that wasn’t: advocacy, journalism and the asambleísmo movement in Argentina

Environmental activism on rise in Argentina amid climate emergency

Environment drops off radar after four years of contradictions

COP25: What are Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia doing?

Argentina - Environmental Progress

The critical condition of environmental education in Argentina

Climate Action Tracker - Argentina

This week we speak with Iryna Ponedelnik, a master’s student in Science Communication and founder of the Youth for Sustainable Development in Belarus. The initiative promotes SDGs and tries to encourage young people to actively participate in SDG implementation in Belarus. With the help of an SOA microgrant, Iryna is rolling out a youth engagement program for ocean literacy. We chat with Iryna about her upcoming program and what it's like to be an ocean activist in a landlocked country. Iryna's challenging and rewarding experience opens our eyes to why we should all care about ocean issues.

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Iryna and her work:

Climate Adaptation Summit 

UNICEF

Instagram

In this weeks episode, we speak with Komal Narayan, the Pacific Island Representative for the Sustainable Ocean Alliance. Komal was integral to the founding of the SOA Pacific Hub based in Fiji, and with the help of an SOA grant, she organised the Youth Ocean Leadership Conference. The two-day conference centred around 4 areas of ocean health - coral restoration and conservation, plastics in the ocean, activism through art and seabed mining. Diving briefly into each of these issues, we have a lovely discussion with Komal that reminds each of us how connected we are to our environment.

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Komal and her work:

Facebook

This week we speak with Fabio Cresto, a climate scientist focused on elaborating climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, with a particular focus on Nature-based Solutions. We speak with the help of SOA and in collaboration with his partners Ana Giró from Healthy Reefs and Ángela Mojica from Pixan'ja, Fabio is studying the impact of extreme weather events on a newly discovered reef off the coast of Guatemala - The Cayman Crown. Fabio's knowledge and passion shine through in our discussion, and he reminds us how much we all rely on our ecosystems for a happy, healthy life.

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Fabio and his work:

Cayman Crown Webinar

More info on the Cayman Crown

Fabio's article on "Smart Coasts"

This week we speak to Marian Paiu, Project Manager at Mare Nostrum, a Romanian NGO that serves to protect the ecosystem and biodiversity of the Black Sea. As an expert on Cetaceans, Marian's depth of knowledge on the Black Sea and the effects that plastic pollution has on the animals within it is eye-opening and touching. With the help of an SOA Grant, Mare Nostrum has expanded their science-based beach clean-ups in which they not only collect trash with the help of trained volunteers but also gather detailed records of the types and sources of the collected waste. Marian and his colleagues were also able to start the SOA Black Sea Hub. Marian's story reminds us to do whatever we can in our own lives to help protect the ecosystems we rely on. https://linktr.ee/PTApod Find out more about Marian and his work: Facebook Beach Clean-Up Project

This week we speak with Magda Cebrian, the Co-founder and CMO of Go Zero Waste, an app promoting zero waste and circular economy living. We speak with Magda about her and her team's inspiration for the app, which provides tips for a zero waste lifestyle and a map of zero waste businesses worldwide. Their SOA microgrant is helping them build more robust community features and create a stronger network for people at all stages of their zero waste journey. The app is now available in more than 30 countries, so check it out and start your own zero waste journey! https://linktr.ee/PTApod Find out more about Magda and her work: Go Zero Waste Twitter Instagram YouTube

This week we speak to Innandya Irawan, Chief Growth Officer and Co-founder at Carbon Ethics. Carbon Ethics is a not-for-profit organization that aims to decelerate the climate crisis through climate education and blue carbon ecosystem conservation. Innandya tells us her personal story of starting and growing her organisation and inspires us with the entrepreneurial work ethic she applies to everything she does. Innandya and her team received an SOA Microgrant to support the work of Carbon Ethics in their newest project - Project Tumbuh. 

https://linktr.ee/PTApod 

Find out more about Innandya and her work: 

Carbon Ethics

Instagram

For our first episode of this special edition season, we are featuring Brandon Levy, Chief Program Officer of Sustainable Ocean Alliance. Brandon is a community builder, systems thinker, and mission-driven professional with experience working with leading sustainable enterprises. He is passionate about equipping young leaders with frameworks for strategic thinking and conscious leadership, which he believes are the necessary skill sets to achieve maximum social impact and personal fulfilment. Together we dive deep into Brandon's personal aspirations and he shares some of his brilliant thinking to help us all recognise our own potential.

https://linktr.ee/PTApod

Find out more about Brandon and his work:

Sustainable Ocean Alliance

LinkedIn

Sources:

Find out more about the RAIN framework Brandon mentioned