International Women's Day: How women are leading the charge in marine conservation

Khaleej Times

07-03-2025

A sense of purpose is a powerful motivator, particularly when it comes to forging your career path. When you pursue meaningful work, motivated by the desire to make a real difference in the world, the impact is immeasurable. This is particularly true when it comes to a career in the marine conservation space, something I have experienced first-hand as Director of Aquarium at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and through the establishment of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Programme (DTRP) in 2004.
Back then, there were far fewer women working in the marine conservation field and we still have some way to go to achieve true gender equality. Globally, women make up only 37 per cent of the ocean science workforce and 39 per cent of oceanographic researchers. This year's International Women's Day theme of Accelerate Action is an urgent reminder of the need to address gender disparity across sectors, including sustainability and conservation.
For young people, there has never been a better time to build a career in marine conservation, with more opportunities and a greater need than ever for the next generation to drive change. Between 8 and 10 million metric tonnes of plastic ends up in the ocean each year, and plastic waste accounts for about 80 per cent of all marine pollution. Sea surface temperatures are at record highs due to climate change, and ecosystem decline and biodiversity loss are rife, with just five years left to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 14 — the target to 'conserve and sustainably use the oceans'.
There is also real hunger among young people for purpose-driven careers, with a recent study reporting that 37 per cent of Gen Zers say that meaningful work is the most important factor when choosing a career, and 26 per cent stating that failing to find a job that excites them is one of their biggest fears.
I would encourage all young people, particularly women, to consider a career in marine conservation. Every day brings new challenges but also a renewed sense of satisfaction, purpose and pride in seeing the impact of our work — in my case, when it comes to the rescue and release of rehabilitated sea turtles back into the wild.
Since the establishment of the DTRP in 2004, we have found, nursed, and released 2,196 turtles back into the ocean, with 89 monitored by satellite tracking. We also recently rescued a baby loggerhead turtle in Dubai, not previously known to nest in the Gulf, marking a breakthrough for sea turtle conservation.
Across Jumeirah's properties, we're now seeing more women blazing a trail and carving out careers that channel a lifelong love of the ocean, driven by the desire to make a positive impact and build a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
For example, one of our newest properties, Jumeirah Thanda Island, which is set within a protected marine reserve in Tanzania, has its own on-site marine biologist. Rianne Laan began working for the marine reserve in 2017, providing guidance for the conservation of the reefs surrounding the island. Today, she pours her passion for the ocean into her role, exploring and monitoring the reef and its inhabitants, finding the best snorkel spots and cultivating a coral garden to replenish the marine environment.
Rianne also leads the resort's partnership with Sea Sense – a non-governmental organisation dedicated to marine conservation in Tanzania – to protect the Green and Hawksbill turtles. Supported by a network of 60 conservation officers, the programme has made meaningful progress in monitoring and protecting these endangered species, with four Green Turtle nests successfully laid and hatched on the island in 2023 with 105 hatchlings. At the same property, the boathouse manager Captain Maya de Villiers leads marine excursions, using her vast knowledge and love for the ocean to educate guests and raise awareness of marine conservation.
Further afield, another trailblazer is Andreia Tami Akaki, the on-site marine biologist and dive instructor at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island. She also takes a hands-on approach to teaching guests about the local ocean ecosystems, from leading coral planting workshops and snorkelling tours to spearheading restoration projects.
Each one of these women inspires me with their passion for the ocean and their determination to make a difference. Not only do they work daily to make a real impact in marine conservation and raise awareness of urgent issues; they also represent what is possible for other women who want to pursue rewarding careers in marine conservation. They are no doubt inspiring the next generation to step up, dive in and make waves.