Youth Ambassador Program

Ratna Ayu Rahardini, also known as Ratna, is a passionate advocate for marine conservation and sustainable resource management in the Coral Triangle region. Currently engaged in the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Ratna’s role in the planning bureau allows her to contribute actively to developing strategies and initiatives that ensure the responsible use of marine resources. Her collaborative spirit and eagerness to learn from experts in the field make her a key participant in efforts to enhance online communication platforms, create educational materials, and foster an inclusive environment for sustainable conservation practices. 

Zahriani Alvina is a young activist from the east coast of North Sumatra, Indonesia. She is currently a student at the Dumai Polytechnic of Marine and Fisheries, pursuing studies in Marine Product Processing. Her love for the marine and fisheries field started at a very young age. As an activist, she thrives to contribute to sustainable fisheries management in the Coral Triangle region and beyond. During high school, Zahriani started to involve herself in several coastal protection efforts, including planting thousands of mangroves and regularly participating in the "Month of Love for the Sea" events. 

Originating from Malaysia, Agnes Saul's fascination with marine life was ignited by her homeland's stunning beaches and oceans. It led her to pursue a Bachelor's in Marine Biology from the University Malaysia Terengganu. An active member of the Johor Student Leaders Council's 10th cohort, she embodies the motto "to serve and to excel," engaging in international programs to foster global connections. Notably, she represented Denmark in the 2019 Johor Model UN, addressing UNESCO's environmental concerns and earning recognition as the best delegate speaker. Agnes actively participates in volunteer work, university clubs, and environmental and community projects. Driven to improve the nation and environment, she fearlessly embraces challenges, pushing her boundaries to make a meaningful impact. 

Nazirul Amin Azmi holds a bachelor's degree in Biodiversity Conservation and Management. After finishing his studies, he set off to Perhentian Island to work on a community-based sea turtle conservation project. In 2016, he joined Reef Check Malaysia to work on the GEF Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Project, where his primary role was to drive community involvement in the conservation of dugong and seagrass ecosystems in Sibu and Tinggi islands. He currently serves as a Programme Manager at Reef Check Malaysia, leading the Cintai Kepulauan Mersing programme to reduce threats to marine ecosystems and promote local stakeholders' participation in marine resource management in the Mersing islands. 

Phebe Ashley Marie V. Ventura is a third-year BS in Fisheries student at the University of the Philippines Visayas, and it is her great passion and interest to uplift the fisheries sector and conserve the rich marine resources of her country through sustainable fishing practices. She is a member of the University's Ichthyophilic Society, a socio-academic organization dedicated to giving back to local fisherfolk communities and promoting fisheries as a profession. She involved herself in many coastal clean-ups, community immersions, and a medical-dental mission for local coastal communities. With an unwavering dedication to marine conservation and an open-minded approach to learning, Phebe strives to empower fisherfolk in her country, ensuring sustainable practices safeguarding livelihoods and the precious marine ecosystems they rely on. 

Hiyas Crisostomo works at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Biodiversity Management Bureau as Ecosystems Management Specialist I. She also serves as one of the focal of the Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises, one of the components of the banner program of the Department — Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program. The program ensures that resource conservation and sustainable use in upland and coastal communities translate into tangible and sustainable economic benefits for the communities within and around protected areas and other conservation areas. In her view, communities play a significant role in shaping and implementing sustainable practices. Therefore, collaborative efforts in conserving and protecting the environment are critical. 

Rheena Wakii Kanombowas is an environment enthusiast who started at a very young age. She was introduced to the concept of nature by her cousin, and since then, she has become more involved in ocean activism. She is an active leader of the Sustainable Alliance PNG Hub and 350 PNG. So far, she has conducted beach clean-ups, art programs for children and recycling activities for youths. Recently, she led a group of students from different tertiary institutions to peacefully protest against the PNG Government's decision to allow Japan to dump nuclear waste into the Pacific Ocean. She is doing her second year at Port Moresby Business College. 

Nathan Tiotam holds a bachelor's degree in fisheries and marine resources from the Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resource and Environment. He is passionate about educating local coastal communities or resource owners to take good care of their marine resources and utilize them sustainably to benefit future generations. Currently, he is a Program Officer with the Wildlife Conservation Society in West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, Marine Program, where he works with seven coastal communities within Kimbe Bay to revive their locally managed marine areas. 

Timothy Vuria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marine Management. He works at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources under the Community Base Resources Management section within the Inshore Fisheries Division. His team engages with rural and coastal communities to advocate and promote marine-based ecosystem conservation (i.e., Marine Manage Area) like coral reefs and mangrove forests. He also conducts fisheries awareness and consultation and assists in developing simple Community Fisheries Management Plans. 

Philemon Akao is deeply passionate about environmental conservation. Since he was very young, he has been captivated by the beauty of nature and has felt a strong responsibility to protect it. He has participated in local clean-up initiatives, where he dedicated his time to picking up litter and restoring the natural beauty of beaches in his community. These experiences have reinforced his belief in taking small, tangible actions to impact the environment positively. In addition to his clean-up efforts, he has taken steps to reduce his ecological footprint. He has embraced sustainable practices in his daily life, such as recycling and choosing eco-friendly products. Through his involvement in environmental conservation, he hopes to inspire fellow youths and make a meaningful difference in preserving the planet. 

Ngoc Quang Nguyen, also known as Quincy, is an open-minded chemist on his way to a Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry at Hanyang University in the research field of nanomaterials in environmental issues, including wastewater treatment. He is a global changemaker following 17 sustainable development goals of the UN Agenda, particularly goals 14, 6, and 13. He is also a youthful entrepreneur in motivating early-stage social business and winning the Excellence Award of the 2021 Asia-Pacific Environmental Innovation Challenge. He is a member of ABG Alumni and founder of AYLE - ABG Alumni Young Leaders’ Empowerment Training Program since 2021. 

Vũ Ngọc Mai is a proactive GenZ who is enthusiastic about community activities. Accumulating 10+ years working in cross-cultural environment organizations through international exchanges and social projects, she proudly shapes herself as a "Generalist" with a liberal mindset deeply fascinated by Sustainable Development, Social Innovations, Education, and Policy. She sees her experiences and the remarkable endeavors of other social innovation as her inspiration to be a social impact change-maker through enhancing global understanding, fostering youngsters' empowerment, and leveraging public awareness to reduce inequality and bridge social stratifications that contribute meaningfully to challenging development issues in Vietnam and beyond. 

Mohammad Nur Sahibil is a youth fisher from the Bajau community, also known as the “sea nomads.” He currently lives in Tabawan, Tawi-tawi province, in the Philippines. He started fishing at a very young age. For him, the sea is his livelihood, so he practices responsible fishing. He also advocates not to use dynamite fishing in his community. He is one of the members of “Jaga Dilaut,”or Sea Patrol, in the municipality of Tabawan.