EarthEcho International is empowering the next generation of ocean stewards through its new Blue Carbon Ambassador program. This paid program, designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the ocean restoration space, has selected 16 BIPOC youth aged 17-20 from frontline coastal communities across North America.
The program provides a unique opportunity for these young leaders to delve into the critical role of blue carbon ecosystems – including kelp, seagrass, mangroves, and salt marshes – in mitigating the climate crisis. Participants will gain hands-on experience and learn from experts about the potential of regenerative ocean aquaculture, a sustainable approach to ocean farming that restores coastal habitats while generating economic and environmental benefits.
The Blue Carbon Ambassador Program is made possible by the generous support of La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund and The Estée Lauder Companies Travel Retail division. “EarthEcho understands that access and connection to the ocean, and the opportunity to pursue careers that contribute to climate solutions, is a privilege that all do not enjoy equally,” said EarthEcho International founder Philippe Cousteau. “This dynamic group of young leaders bring passion, vision, and unique perspectives to the growing movement bringing ocean-based solutions to the climate crisis.”
Throughout the year, the Ambassadors will engage in field experiences, expert-led workshops, and peer-to-peer learning exchanges to deepen their understanding of blue carbon ecosystems and regenerative ocean aquaculture. The program culminates with the development and implementation of community-based projects that will support blue carbon ecosystems in their local areas. These projects will be developed throughout the summer and executed between August 2024 and March 2025.
The 2024 Blue Carbon Ambassadors are: Amaya Morene (Jacksonville, FL), Amber Josfin Pineda (Dededu, GU), Ana Baquedano (Houston, TX), Arjun Birdi (Port Moody, BC), Clara Park (Morganville, NJ), Eduardo Rosado Caquías (Ponce, PR), Elisa Lilou Francisca De Oliveira Riondet (Laguna Hills, CA), Gabriel Caraballo Rodriguez (Ponce, PR), Jenny Zing (Walnut, CA), María José (MJ) Jiménez Orozco (Mexico City, Mexico), Naimul Islam (Evanston, IL), Nikitha Sivaram (Richmond, BC), Nya Washington (Colonial Heights, VA), Sanjana Bhatta (Hillsborough, NJ), Tariq Kupferberg (New York, NY), and Yanfei Jia (Puyallup, WA).
To learn more about the Blue Carbon Ambassadors, visit https://www.earthecho.org/blue-carbon-ambassadors. For additional information about EarthEcho International, visit www.earthecho.org or follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/earthecho, Instagram: www.instagram.com/earthecho, and Twitter: www.twitter.com/earthecho.
