People Taking Action – Details, episodes & analysis

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