Volunteer in the spotlights: Esmee

My name is Esmee and I am currently 21 years old. I met Frank and Vera about two years ago during a meeting of my other voluntary work at the Sea First Foundation, and I was immediately convinced by their enthusiasm. During my study forest and nature conservation I’ve learnt a lot about the degradation of nature and at the same time how important natural processes are for both animals and humans. The way how CoralGardening works together with local people appeals to me and is, in my opinion, a sustainable way to restore natural areas. Consequently, I try to help CoralGardening wherever I can and strengthen the CoralGardening team in The Netherlands. Currently I am specializing, through following a master’s degree at Wageningen University, in the science of how to combine nature conservation and local development in third world countries to create a sustainable future.

Esmee is on of our volunteers
Esmee

I mostly help CoralGardening by providing information at events and by occasionally giving lectures about Coral Gardening. I like to involve ‘the next generation’ in ocean protection. For example, together with other students, I organized a charity concert for other students of Wageningen University in the benefit of CoralGardening and we raised awareness and 1600 euros.

Besides this, I like to be on the water and look for and participate in the counting of whales. I am probably the only one of the Coral Gardening team that does not dive but fortunately you can see a lot of beautiful things under water by snorkelling! That always keeps on inspiring me.
There is still a lot of work to do concerning nature conservation but with enough initiatives such as Coral Gardening, I have faith that we can make the world a better place, and I’d like to continue to strive for that!

Do you want to put your talents to good use? Get in contact through our contact form.