Mario is a Marine Scientist in training at the University of Alicante, passionate about scientific communication and technical development. He has experience in field and laboratory procedures, as well as in education, project management, and event planning.
In his free time, Mario dedicates himself to learning various programming languages and developing skills applicable to future projects. He has basic knowledge of HTML and C++, but his specialties lie in statistical programming languages such as R, Python, and MATLAB.
Mario also enjoys organizing and collaborating on projects related to scientific outreach, ecosystem conservation, and restoration.
He is fluent in English and Valencian, holding C2 and C1 certifications respectively. Additionally, he has conversational proficiency in Russian and Italian.
Known for his adaptability and teamwork skills, Mario excels at responding to unexpected challenges by devising innovative solutions or improving existing ones. He is always open to personal growth and exploring new methods of learning.
Linda is a student from Ethiopia currently studying at UWC Atlantic in South Wales, UK. As a pioneer of the Systems Transformation Pathway, an innovative IB curriculum focusing on systems leadership, she is committed to addressing complex global challenges.
Her passion for biodiversity conservation has grown through her work with the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, where she created a booklet documenting local medicinal plants to raise awareness among students. This initiative allowed her to combine her love for research with a desire to preserve traditional knowledge. Linda has also conducted research on restoring eucalyptus-impacted areas in Ethiopia’s mountainous regions, further deepening her understanding of sustainable environmental practices.
She strives to bridge the gap between indigenous communities and scientific institutions to facilitate the exchange of traditional wisdom and modern practices for more effective conservation strategies. Linda strongly believes in the importance of integrating local knowledge into global biodiversity efforts.
As a Fellow at the Villars Institute, she participated in the Villars Symposium, where she helped facilitate intergenerational collaboration between experts and young people to tackle pressing global issues. This experience significantly strengthened her leadership skills and deepened her appreciation for systemic approaches to problem-solving.
Growing up in a landlocked country, Linda had limited access to the ocean. However, her time at UWC Atlantic, located near the second-highest tides in the world, sparked her interest in ocean conservation. She sees the ocean as a vital connector of people and is eager to contribute to its protection.
Through her studies and projects, Linda aims to preserve the environment, foster collaboration, and inspire others to take action for a sustainable future. to its protection.
Noah is a 17-year-old from the Far North region of New Zealand, where he has developed a deep passion for helping others and making a positive impact on both his community and the environment. From a young age, he has been dedicated to understanding and supporting the needs of those around him. During his high school years, he became actively involved with several nonprofit organizations in his local community, contributing through his unique perspective as a youth member.
His work extends beyond his local area, as he collaborates with national organizations across New Zealand that focus on health, mental health, sexual health, and overall well-being. He is committed to spreading knowledge and raising awareness about these crucial issues, ensuring that people are better informed and empowered to take care of themselves.
After finishing high school, he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree at university, following a year of study in Health Science. Alongside his academic pursuits, he has worked closely with the local district council to address the sale of harmful products in Kaitaia, particularly those targeting vulnerable demographics. He has been involved in shutting down stores that contribute to this issue, working towards a healthier and safer community.
Throughout his journey, Noah has remained focused on his passion for creating positive change and advocating for the well-being of others. Whether through his work with nonprofits, health organizations, or local initiatives, he is dedicated to making a difference and continuing to grow as a leader and advocate for those who need it most.
Catarina Lorenzo is a 17-year-old global socio-environmental and climate activist, as well as a professional surfer. She has roots in the Pataxó People of Southern Bahia but was born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. At just 12 years old, Catarina became a petitioner in the landmark Children vs. Climate Crisis case at the United Nations, where she joined 15 other children from around the world to advocate for action on climate change and children’s rights.
Catarina serves as a Global Youth Leader of Heirs To Our Ocean (H2OO), is a Fellow of the Nature Fellowship at Instituto Alana, and is actively involved with the S.O.S Vale Encantado collective. She is also a UNICEF Youth Advocate and delivered a speech at the opening of the UN Ocean Decade during the Brave New Ocean event. Additionally, Catarina is an alumna of the Young Ambassadors of the High Seas Program and a former member of the Child Advisory Team for Child Rights Connect.
As the founder of Eco Club Sustentare, Catarina leads initiatives focused on education and environmental innovation and sustainability.
Chloe McKenna is a recent graduate of the Marine Systems and Policies MSc Program at the University of Edinburgh. Her Master’s thesis focused on the socio-ecological and cultural impacts of marine plastic pollution on Scottish island communities. In 2023, Chloe graduated from Eckerd College with a BA in Environmental Studies and a BA in Animal Studies.
Chloe has been involved with Heirs To Our Ocean (H2OO) since 2017 when she founded the H2OO Orange County, California Chapter. She has been involved in various H2OO programs over the years, including Summit for Empowerment, Action, and Leadership (SEAL) and Regenerative Agriculture and Indigenous Systems for our Environment (RAISE) initiative. From 2020-2022, Chloe served as the Co-Chair for the 1st and 2nd Cohorts of the U.S. Youth Action Council for the UN Ocean Decade. Her experiences with H2OO starting at just 15 years old drive her continued advocacy for meaningful youth inclusion in ocean governance spaces.