COVER STORY
MARINE Conservation Specialist Emily Cunningham has been recognised as one of 30 global leaders under the age of 30 for her work. Emily, from Stafford, has been selected for the accolade by The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE).
Emily is a Trustee of the Marine Conservation Society – the UK’S leading marine charity – which works tirelessly to inspire people about the wildlife in UK seas and encourage them to take action to protect it. To date she has secured £5.1million of funding for marine and coastal projects in the UK.
Among the projects to benefit is Seascapes, a major marine education and conservation project in North East England and the first project of its kind in the UK which creates opportunities for people from all walks of life to enjoy the sea locally and take action to protect it.
Emily, who now lives in Cornwall with her partner Dr Daniel Moore, also a marine biologist, said: “I’m truly honoured to have been selected. When I found out, I was speechless - which doesn’t happen very often - to know that someone thinks the work I’m involved in is so valuable.
“Growing up I held the perception that nothing much lived in UK seas, but when I learnt to dive my mind was blown.
“From seeing humpback whales to exploring some of the best rock pools in the world, I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced how amazing the UK seas are first hand.
“I’m now on a mission to enable more people, particularly those from underserved communities, to share this awe and take action to protect our marine wildlife.” Emily continued: “After graduating, I tried a few different jobs before finding my passion in environmental education and advocacy. “Since 2016, my focus has been on the development of pioneering and inclusive community engagement projects.
“I am proud to now be working on a national initiative which aims to remove barriers to coastal engagement and catalyse a more sustainable and equitable future for coastal communities.”
Since 2016, NAAEE’S 30 Under 30 programme has recognised 150 individuals from 34 countries who are making a difference through environmental education.
The programme is made possible by Wells Fargo, the Global Environmental Education Partnership, and the US Forest Service.
Emily will join the global 30 Under 30 community of leaders and receive ongoing support to expand her impact. The former Walton High School pupil said: “My lifelong ambition has always been to help deliver positive environmental impact. “No matter where you are in the UK, you’re never more than 70 miles from the sea and each and every one of us can take small actions to help protect our amazing British marine wildlife. Buy sustainably-caught British seafood, avoid single-use plastic and use environmentally-friendly washing and cleaning products.”
■ To follow Emily’s adventures as a marine biologist on social media, search Marine Biology Life on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.