Hi, I’m Sophie. I live in London and am in year 12, studying for my A-levels. I am interested in volunteerism as a way of helping people.

The people of Tianyar rely on the marine ecosystem for their livelihood. Unfortunately pollution and global warming has negatively impacted the ocean in their village. Their bio-diverse, flourishing coral reef has now been reduced to very poor health due to unsustainable fishing practices and lack of incentives to protect the marine environment. They urgently need to protect and restore this reef as it is vital for Tianyar to continue to thrive.

I am asking for donations to assist with my travel and accommodation costs to Tianyar. Once I am there, I am determined to support these people.

A few things I would do to help would be constructing artificial reef structures, marine conservation education and helping to organise beach and reef cleaning as well as participating in them. I will also be responsible for building a fish dome that will be let out into the sea, as well as clean up diving on the reef to remove plastic from the reef. I will also help with local education and raise awareness in Tianyar about environmental issues.

To increase the impact of your donation, for every £300 raised I will also write a letter on behalf of all who donate to a government agency, encouraging them to increase marine conservation. I will share updates in the run up and photos of my journey.

My fundraising deadline is July 1st!

Thank you in advance for your help.

sophie