EWUBE Kelly Laure EGBE is an entrepreneur, water and environmental consultant, Ocean innovator, climate activist, policy analyst, community actor and development expert. She has over 11 + years experience in climate change mitigation projects and social sciences innovation. She acquired a BSc in Geography from the University of Buea, Cameroon, and MSc in Water Policy from a Joint MSc program between Abu Bekr Belkaid University of Tlemcen and the Pan African University Institute of Water and Energy Science-including climate change (PAUWES)-Algeria. She is the Founder and Program Coordinator of One Green Africa-OGA, the Coordinator of Water Data Bank-WADABA project, She is a member of the Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) Africa acting as one of the Capacity Development Leads within the team. She is the innovator of the “Empowering Ocean and Coastal Communities through Ocean Wastes Up cycling Project in Africa” and many other projects across Africa. She has attended high profile international conference all across the globe which has broadened her influence and capacities.

I love the ocean because the ocean gave me everything through surfing and i wanted to give back that’s why Bahri Association was created in 2010 to protect the ocean and raise awareness about environmental protection

Peter Teye Busumprah is the Ghana Ambassador for the Ocean Love initiative. He is founder and CEO of Ocean Rock Base and an expert member of the Vision 2030 process endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade for sustainable development coordinated by UNESCO/IOC.
Peter is Expert Member of the UN Regular Process for World Ocean Assessment III and He is founder and project lead of the Ghana Ocean Climate Innovations Hub, an UN Ocean Decade endorsed project.
He is affiliated with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (Government of Ghana).
Peter was awarded the Global Ocean Tribute award for 2024 in recognition of his contributions to the ocean economy.

Founder/President, Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), Nigeria.
National Coordinator, Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) Nigeria Network (https://www.ecopdecade.org/nigeria/). Member Nigeria National Ocean Decade Committee (https://www.nigoceanstakeholders.org/). OceanLove Nigerian Ambassador (https://oceanlove.news/) A human development and public policy specialist with B.Sc in Applied Chemistry (University of Uyo, Nigeria), and Post Graduate Studies Diploma in Water Management, with Specialization in Water Services Management (UNESCO-IHE, Netherlands), with over 20 years sector experience in human ecology and sustainable development issues, spanning NGO management, government, civil society, private sector and International development agencies relations. Other areas of expertise include fund raising, policy analysis, participatory research, advocacy, capacity building, project development and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, consultancy / public sector advisory, grassroots mobilisation, coalition building and stakeholder engagement.

The Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE) is a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) accredited Lagos based non- profit, non-political, non-governmental organization, established with the aim of promoting sustainable development through research, documentation, policy dialogues, workshops, advocacy and consultancy services. PAVE deals with development issues in their environmental and socio-economic aspects with emphasis on the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets regarding water and sanitation and other related human settlement issues including Agricultural Value Chain promotion, Gender, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate change and Clean Energy promotion, Waste Management including E-Waste, Chemical Management, Ocean Citizen Awareness and Literacy and Stakeholder Engagement. PAVE is registered (IT/NO: 26029) with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria.

The chosen mission of PAVE is to act as a catalyst, mobilize, mediate and act directly in several of society’s processes dealing with the improvement of quality of life and respect for cultural and biological diversity. As its basis, PAVE believes in promoting good governance at all level, across all sectors, be it public or private. PAVE also believes in a democratic system for managing human interests.

The fundamental objective of PAVE is to act, support and collaborate in the elaboration and dissemination of new approaches, policies and activities related to human development questions.

We have over 20 year’s experience in the development sector and work at the local, national, regional and international level. We have presented papers conducted researches and organized capacity building workshops on various sustainable development thematic areas in Africa, Asia, Europe, South and North America.

I am truly passionate about the Ocean and I am committed to promoting “Ocean Literacy” in Africa through the OceanLove initiative!!!

In Africa, most of us live our lives unaware of how our day-to-day actions affect the health and sustainability of the ocean and its many resources on which we depend. Nor do the majority of us recognize how the health of the ocean affects our daily lives. Most citizens are not aware of the full extent of the medical, economic, social, political, and environmental importance of the ocean and seas. However, what some scholars have called “ocean blindness” can be countered by improving access to accurate and compelling ocean education that strengthens the learner’s connection with the ocean. This is the essence of ocean literacy: an understanding of the ocean’s influence on us and our influence on the ocean.

Africa is a young continent with more than 60% of the population aged below 30 years. The continent should harness the demographic dividend by empowering this huge pool of human resource potential. The focus should be on getting them into ocean sciences through focused ocean literacy programmes, supporting skills development and mentoring to enable them fit in the job market and creating new opportunities for employment. This will facilitate the unlocking of scientific excellence and the creation of the new generation of ocean experts. This I will do through the OceanLove initiative!!!

Ocean literacy is more than just educating or informing the public and the marine and maritime stakeholders about the importance of oceans. Ocean literacy, via the use of behavioural change methods and by adopting a system approach, aims at facilitating the creation of an ocean literate society. Ocean Literacy is an essential component of the Ocean Science Decade. The fifth objective of the Ocean Science decade asks to transfer the scientific and technical capacity of the ocean use to marine technology, training and education, and increased ocean literacy so that all can participate in, and benefit from.

The focus of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) is to develop a global partnership to raise the awareness on the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of our ocean and its resources and to build an improved public knowledge base across the world’s population regarding our global ocean. An equally transformational part of the Decade is about us and our relationship with the ocean, understanding of the value of the ocean can be nurtured through ocean literacy efforts among diverse stakeholders groups. This I will do through the OceanLove initiative!!!

www.pave-nigeria.org

www.ecopdecade.org/nigeria

www.nigoceanstakeholders.org

Ph.D Student, Marine Biology Department, Institute of Marine Research, Red Sea University, Sudan. M. Sc Environmental Studies, Post-Diploma Zoology and B.Sc Honour Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, Red Sea University, Sudan.

I am deeply captivated by the beauty and complexity of the ocean, a force that has shaped my personal and professional journey. With an honors degree in Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, my connection to the ocean is both scientific and soulful. From nurturing kelp cultures at Kelp Blue to breeding tilapia and catfish at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, I have been privileged to witness the intricate balance that sustains life beneath the waves.

My passion lies in exploring innovative solutions to protect our marine ecosystems while ensuring they remain a source of life, culture, and inspiration for generations to come. Being an OceanLover is more than a career, it is a profound calling, a lifelong commitment to the stewardship of our oceans – serving as a guardian of the blue heart of our planet.

Kelvin B. Karnue is a climate Activist from Liberia, who currently volunteer with the Liberians Youth for Climate Actions -LYCA- Where he coordinates the Biodiversity Working Group. He’s also the Co- Founder of the Climate Activist Association of Liberia- an Umbrella Organization for climate activism in Liberia. He’s a graduate of the University of Liberia, with a Bachelor of Science in General forestry with an emphasis on Biodiversity Conservation. He is currently the Focal Point for Mock Cop( a global youth organization that seeks to address climate literacy in various high schools across the world) Kelvin is also member of the Global Youth Biodiversity network( GYBN) Over the years, he’s served as an Ambassador for the International Youth Conference on Climate and people( edition six, seven, and eight). He’s a member of the UNESCO Youth- a youth network of global community leaders

Over the years, he’s acquired various certificates in the following:

Leadership and Personal Development – T. Wonkpah School of Leadership and Personal Development.

Mentor an African to the Global Stage- IT – TRAIN Africa .

Green Academy – One Billion Strong .

Climate Activist Training – LYCA

Entrepreneurship and Business Planning – Orange Digital Center.

Career Development – Orange Dig

He’s also a passionate young man who believes in entrepreneurship and the founder of the KBK Enterprise- a venture that focuses on Sustainable Agriculture .

He’s loves spending time with family and friends in nature doing his free time.

His work focuses on SDG

I am a passionate marine conservation advocate from Madagascar, driven by a deep love for the oceans. Growing up in a coastal region, I developed an early connection to the sea, fascinated by its biodiversity and the vital role it plays in the planet’s health. This passion led me to pursue marine science at the ” Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines (IH.SM) ” , where I gained the knowledge and skills to actively contribute to ocean preservation. Through my work on reef restoration and sustainable fisheries management in southwest Madagascar, I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for conservation and the positive impact of community-driven initiatives. I believe in empowering others, especially young Malagasy people and women, to join the cause and take action for a sustainable future. I am thrilled to join the OceanLove Africa team, where I will continue to advocate for the protection of Africa’s oceans and inspire others to protect our blue planet.

I’m ADAM FADILAH MOITAPÉOUH, a young woman from Togo with a passion for the oceans and marine biodiversity. I’ve always been fascinated by the vital role the oceans play for our planet. This led me to study oceanography to deepen my knowledge of marine ecosystems and their conservation. I’m involved in raising awareness of pollution and overfishing issues with associations, while also taking part in research. Being an *OceanLover* means defending these precious resources and inspiring respect for the oceans. I firmly believe in the importance of education and activism to preserve the beauty of the seas for future generations.

I am an Adjunct Professor of Water Quality and Environment at Ibn Tofail University, Morocco, with a deep-rooted passion for understanding and preserving our oceans. My journey into marine science was inspired by a lifelong fascination with the interplay between natural systems and human activity, particularly along Morocco’s coastlines.

Holding a Ph.D. in Geoscience and Environment from Ibn Tofail University, I have dedicated my career to studying coastal erosion, sediment dynamics, and the impact of climate change on marine environments. My research combines advanced techniques, such as isotopic analysis, to unravel the complex stories told by coastal and marine ecosystems.

As a recipient of the prestigious NF-POGO scholarship, I trained at the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany, further sharpening my expertise in ocean observation and modeling. My work bridges the gap between science and society by highlighting the importance of ocean literacy, aiming to foster a deeper connection between communities and the marine world.

My passion for the ocean extends beyond academia. I am driven by a commitment to inspire sustainable practices that protect marine biodiversity, mitigate flood risks, and ensure the resilience of coastal communities against environmental challenges. Whether through research, teaching, or public outreach, I embody the spirit of an ocean advocate, constantly striving for a harmonious relationship between humanity and the sea.

I am Hala Ben Hamda, a passionate oceanographer, activist, and environmental advocate from Kerkennah Island, Tunisia. With a background in oceanography, marine biology, and environmental management, I have dedicated my academic and professional journey to protecting the marine environment. My PhD research focuses on climate change, planktonic foraminifera, and deep-water studies in the Mediterranean, areas where I aim to pioneer scientific contributions in Tunisia.

From leading initiatives on plastic pollution and ghost fishing gear to organizing clean-up campaigns and promoting biodegradable materials, I have always believed in the power of collective action for a better planet. My first dive with sea turtles in 2021 cemented my love for marine life and motivated me to drive projects like LifeMedTurtles and international climate change collaborations with Germany, Italy, and Morocco.

As a member of the Kantara Save Earth Association, I work to empower local communities, raise awareness about climate change, and advocate for sustainability. Whether it’s hosting seminars on environmental biology or integrating eco-literacy into public awareness, my goal is to inspire action and instill a love for the ocean in everyone.

For me, being an ocean lover means embracing our responsibility to protect our planet’s blue heart. It’s not just my career—it’s my life’s purpose.

Pauline Mwangi, is a graduate holding a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from Chuka University and presently serving as an intern at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute. Her research works primarily focus on blue carbon ecosystems and coastal changes which play a pivotal role in the formulation of informed regulations for coastal development initiatives and the establishment of early-warning systems associated with climate change. She is passionate in ocean literacy programs for youths and women especially from vulnerable communities.

Passionate about ocean, my background is in Oceanography my experience include marine conservation, project management, ocean innovation. I love the deepsea area and tecnologhy and my mission is to ensure the great relationshit between the human and ocean using the local and scientific knowledge to serve as cataliser center of briliants solutions.

Hadeer Elkhouly is a marine professional with expertise in aquaculture, ocean sustainability, and environmental education. Growing up along the Mediterranean, she developed a deep connection to the sea, driving her commitment to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree, focusing on ocean and aquatic ecosystem sustainability. Through research, education, and advocacy, she works to enhance ocean literacy, support coastal communities, and promote responsible aquaculture practices. Her collaborations with international organizations and stakeholders reflect her dedication to a resilient and thriving marine environment.

Since I was a child, I always felt that I had a connection with animals. I’ve been in several environmental projects and activities related to be the agent, that kind of person who speaks for the nature. I fell in love with the ocean by watching documentaries, going once to the National Aquarium of Cuba and that passion grew to the point of creating my own project, called Proyecto Acuática, about marine biology to understand more about what I love.

I am a passionate marine biology researcher holding a PhD in marine ecology. I’m assistant professor specializing in marine biology and zoology. My work centers on understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change, marine pollution, and unsustainable resource management.

Growing up near the coast, I developed a profound connection with the sea—a connection that has driven me to explore its rich ecosystems and address the challenges they face. To me, the ocean is not only a source of natural wonder but also a powerful symbol of resilience and interconnectedness. This perspective fuels my commitment to advocating for sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and the protection of marine life.

Through my research, teaching, and conservation efforts, I aim to inspire others and spread a deep appreciation for the ocean, encouraging collective action to preserve and restore our marine ecosystems for future generations.

I am a passionate advocate for the blue economy, food security, and climate resilience, dedicated to fostering sustainable ecosystems and empowering vulnerable coastal communities. My background in Natural Resources Management with Honors in Fisheries and Aquaculture Management has shaped my deep commitment to marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and climate-smart livelihoods. Through research, advocacy, and on-the-ground implementation, I strive to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, ensuring that our oceans remain a source of food and income for future generations.

I am a development practitioner driven by collective action and the belief that global challenges require innovative, localized solutions. Over the past four years, I have worked closely with communities, policymakers, and stakeholders to implement projects that enhance coastal resilience, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation. From mangrove restoration efforts to financial inclusion initiatives for fisherfolks, my work emphasizes community-driven development and social inclusion, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

I am a climate action enthusiast committed to a just and equitable transition to sustainability. I believe in the power of knowledge-sharing, partnerships, and policy influence to drive global change. Whether through advocacy, research, or hands-on project implementation, I remain steadfast in my mission to create a more resilient planet and a thriving blue economy for all.

I am a dedicated ocean advocate with a deep-rooted passion for marine conservation, shaped by my diverse professional background. As a practising lawyer at FIDES LLP Chambers, I have honed my skills in navigating complex legal frameworks, which I now channel into championing policies aimed at protecting our oceans. My tenure as Programme Manager for FAMBULTOK International allowed me to engage with communities, fostering dialogues that emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship. Additionally, my experience as a news anchor and TV presenter for Star Television and AYV Television has equipped me with the communication prowess to raise awareness about oceanic issues effectively. My multifaceted career reflects my unwavering commitment to preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.

As an islander, ocean is everything for us