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Help Support Marine Conservation & Launch My Career in Ocean Restoration
I’ve been accepted into a six-month Marine Conservation Apprenticeship with Global Vision International (GVI), where I’ll receive professional training in marine research, sustainable ocean management, and professional diving. This program will take me to Fiji and Mexico, where I’ll contribute to vital conservation efforts and gain the skills to launch a career in marine science and diving.
Why This Matters
Our oceans face climate change, pollution, and overfishing, threatening marine life and coastal communities. This apprenticeship will allow me to:
Restore marine ecosystems, including coral reefs.
Support sustainable fisheries and community conservation.
Conduct research to inform ocean protection strategies.
What I’ll Be Doing
Fiji: I’ll begin by training in tropical waters, where I’ll earn my PADI Divemaster certification and gain the skills to conduct marine conservation surveys. I'll participate in coral reef restoration efforts, contribute to biodiversity surveys, and work on community conservation programs.
Mexico: After my training in Fiji, I’ll move to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, where I’ll work at a world-class dive center. I’ll gain experience leading dives, conducting surveys, restoring coral, and educating others on marine conservation.
Independent Research: I’ll also conduct my own research project focused on marine ecosystem resilience, contributing valuable data to global conservation efforts.
Program Highlights
- Complete a PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Rescue Diver certification.
- Earn a PADI Divemaster qualification and gain extensive diving experience.
- Participate in fieldwork training to learn species identification, survey research, and data entry.
- Support community conservation initiatives in Fiji and Mexico, including water security and sustainable fishing practices.
- Receive leadership training in project management, effective communication, and team management.
- Work on a personal research project aligned with my interests such as coral restoration and marine conservation/restoration in general.
About Me
As the son of an immigrant, I’ve traveled the world since I was 16, living in Colombia and Barcelona. I’ve always been drawn to the ocean—not just its beauty but its vital role in sustaining life. A lifelong rock climber, outdoorsman, and tree lover, I believe in empowering communities to interact harmoniously with their environment. Now, I’m dedicating myself to protecting the ocean and everything it connects to—mountains, rivers, estuaries, and the people who are supported by these biomes. This journey isn’t just about me—it’s about all of us. It’s about giving back to the world that has given me so much, and I hope you will join me on this mission. Your support means the world to me, and together, we can make a difference for the oceans, the communities that depend on them, and the generations to come.
How You Can Help
I’ve secured a $15,865 grant, but I still need to raise $10,000 to cover the remaining costs. Your support will directly fund my training, research, and conservation work.
Donate – Every contribution makes a difference.
Share – If you can’t donate, spreading the word helps immensely.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Together, we can heal our oceans and protect the communities that depend on them.