Experiences and Growth in the Marine Conservation Action Fund Community

By Sarah Ater

The Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF) was thrilled to connect with Sarah Ater in-person at the seventh International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC7) in Cape Town, South Africa. MCAF has helped support Sarah’s work on conflict resolution in Kenya’s billfish fisheries in recent years. Here, she reflects on her experience connecting with other members of the MCAF community at IMCC7, where she served as safety officer in her capacity as Society for Conservation Biology Marine Program Board Member.

There is something phenomenal about putting a face to a name which instantly turns magical when you actually meet a person and shake their hand. This is probably why in-person rendezvous remain a significant component of conservation work. For communities, local people are key players in ensuring continuity of conservation work in the midst of new and ongoing challenges; whereas for conservation leaders, communication and interaction with allies and supporters cannot be downplayed. In both cases, physical and virtual interaction create a perception of knowing which is foundational in building of trust for further engagement and collaboration. The recently concluded IMCC7 provided an opportunity for me to meet different members of the MCAF community that I had only previously interacted with virtually.  

What a pleasant surprise it was to meet Yolanda Sanchez, another MCAF project leader, who I first encountered during a virtual Knowledge Sharing Meeting on Ocean Literacy Practices in 2023. She had joined the call to share with us her experience in Ocean Literacy work in schools and so I was excited that she volunteered to participate in the IMCC7 Education Event where we enjoyed beautiful learning moments with eighth graders from Cape Town.  

Next, I met MCAF Program Officer Christina Janulis and MCAF Program Manager Emily Duwan at a focus group discussion on Ocean Equity and Justice in Marine Research. My ears popped when Christina introduced herself before making a contribution. I quickly went to my email to confirm that it was indeed the same person I had exchanged emails with before. At the end of the session, I went to say hello and saw Emily’s name on her tag, quickly remembering that I had probably done tens of emails with her! So while I needed to remain somewhat calm and respectful of personal space and distance, this was the type of meeting that would have elicited some screams and multiple hugs in my local area. 

Finally, I met MCAF Fellow Dr. Issah Seidu as he chatted with a colleague. Our names rang bells in our memories even though we could barely recognise each others’ faces. Courtesy of MCAF, we had both participated in a 12-week Conservation Standards course in early 2024. However, most times we kept our videos off as the internet fluctuated. We were again together at an extremely stimulating Digital Branding and Communications Workshop in August which Yolanda also joined. 

As a member of the MCAF community, my work has benefited immensely from funding while I have attained personal growth as a conservation leader by making time to participate in capacity development opportunities that are available to members of the community. Delivered by highly competent facilitators, participants are equipped with practical skills and opportunity for individualised coaching. As a beneficiary, I have grown and been inspired to develop interest and take up leading roles within the marine space in my country and region.