I first became captivated by marine wildlife during a university field trip to a rocky beach in El Salvador. We set out to study marine invertebrates and I was enthralled by the biodiversity and beauty of the tiny creatures found in the intertidal pools. At that moment, standing under the hot sun with my feet in the warm Pacific Ocean and observing a colourful sea slug, I knew I wanted to focus my career in marine biology. After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I moved back to Belize and have worked in marine conservation ever since with the privilege to work on numerous environmental education campaigns, alongside several community-based organizations, researchers, multidisciplinary teams, and local fishermen in Belize.

In January 2017, I decided to have a more rounded approach to conservation by working more closely with communities whose livelihoods directly depend on marine wildlife. This led me to join Blue Ventures (BV), a marine conservation organization working to rebuild tropical fisheries with coastal communities. As BV’s Conservation Coordinator, my role includes coordinating the community, education, and outreach programs in the largest fishing community in Belize, Sarteneja, as well as in other stakeholder communities across the country. Through these initiatives I have been able to support community members in the conservation and sustainable use of our fisheries resources, while guiding them to lead conservation efforts in Belize.

As a Belizean, I am passionate about my country and I want Belize to be a stronger international leader in marine resource management and conservation. Moreover, I am committed to working in conservation with rural communities and forming stronger partnerships with the conservation community working in rural areas, as well as schools, fishermen, women’s groups, and community leaders to identify key projects that will combine conservation and community-based initiatives and trigger a change that will deliver lasting and meaningful benefits to both people and nature. In September I started a Master’s in Conservation and Rural Development offered by the University of Kent in hopes it will provide me with practical skills and knowledge to achieve my goals of community empowerment and sustainable use of Belize’s natural resources.

I am currently paying for my master’s through a student loan provided from the Development Finance Cooperation of Belize. However, this is not enough and I need further funds to help cover my remaining tuition fee. I am therefore asking for your help in raising £10,000 in order to continue my dream in the empowerment of coastal communities and the sustainable use of their natural resources, as well as the sustainable development of their community.

Thank you in advance for your support, any amount provided is greatly appreciated during this exciting journey of professional and personal growth.

Best,

Cecilia