Chief Mermaid Anna Oposa recognized as a Global "30 under 30" by leading environmental edu

Thirty (30) young leaders from around the world are being recognized by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) as the top young change-makers in environmental education for 2018. Each year, the Environmental Education (EE) 30 Under 30 program highlights the work of young professionals, under the age of 30, representing diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, who are using environmental education to create change in their communities and forge a sustainable future. SPS Chief Mermaid and Co-Founder Anna Oposa joins a group of thirty awardees who are leaders in their communities across five continents.

Anna with the 2018 Mindanao SEA Campers

The program is made possible by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) and the U.S. Forest Service. Now in its third year, EE 30 Under 30 has honored 90 young leaders from across the globe, shining a spotlight on their efforts and providing them with resources and a network to advance their inspiring careers. This year’s awardees will be honored at NAAEE’s Annual International Conference in Spokane, Washington, on October 10-13, 2018, where a number of them will share their stories and perspectives on how to develop leadership in the field of environmental education.

The 2018 honorees are bringing new insights, ideas, and talent to the field of environmental education. They are champions of energy, water, climate resilience, the Arctic, environmental health issues, and more. Through a variety of approaches including journalism, music, and gardening, they are working to create change in their communities and on the global stage. Many have founded programs that engage audiences such as indigenous communities and those in less affluent areas, who historically have not been served through traditional environmental education opportunities.

“We are thrilled with the incredible talent, passion, and leadership of these dedicated young individuals who join a growing community of environmental education champions. They are not only working towards a sustainable future, but also inspiring the next generation of leaders who will follow in their footsteps. NAAEE is excited to support their diverse efforts and their continued growth as exceptional environmental education leaders," said Judy Braus, Executive Director of NAAEE.

"This puts a spotlight on the environmental education programs we've worked with, but most importantly, the community leaders who have emerged from them," shared Anna.

To learn more about Anna, visit her NAAEE profile here.