Elsie Gabriel, a small-town country girl from West Bengal, India, grew up surrounded by ecological wilderness. Pursuing her Education Honours at Loreto College in Kolkata, she developed a strong foundation for her future endeavors. Today, she is a wilderness outdoors gypsy at heart, having dived in Galapagos, Malapascuya, Great Barrier Reef, Maldives, Philippines, Mexico, Caymans and Bahamas, Havelock and Lakshadweep islands she’s in love with the ocean, who says, “Without blue, there’s no green.” Her passion for marine conservation is greatly influenced by her hero, Dr. Sylvia Earle.
In an age where climate change looms large and the health of our oceans hangs in the balance, few voices resonate as powerfully as that of Elsie Gabriel. Her transformation from a writer and journalist to a dedicated social worker was catalyzed by the devastating 2005 Mumbai floods, a calamity that deeply affected her and motivated her to take action against plastic pollution and marine debris. She founded the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust (YEPT) with a handful of community women, and the organization has since grown to educate students and communities on environmental and ocean conservation. Today, Elsie is a member of the Women Climate Collective and part of the first cohort of Fondation L’Oréal’s Climate Women Champions, promoting citizen scientists, social scientists, and engaging ordinary coastal communities in the fight against climate change.
Elsie’s journey took a pivotal turn when she was trained as a certified climate leader and social scientist for community climate action by former Vice President Al Gore in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This transformative experience ignited her passion for environmental advocacy and fundamentally changed her life’s trajectory. Inspired by the potential for grassroots action, she returned home with a mission to empower youth to engage in climate action.
The Importance of Ocean Literacy
The oceans are not just vast bodies of water; they are the lifeblood of our planet. They regulate climate, support biodiversity, and provide livelihoods for millions. For coastal communities and island states, the health of these waters is synonymous with survival. Yet, as climate change exacerbates the challenges faced by these regions—rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events—the need for a comprehensive understanding of ocean dynamics becomes increasingly urgent. Gabriel advocates that educating youth about these issues is not merely an academic endeavor; it is a necessity for future resilience. “When young people understand the connection between their environment and their actions, they become catalysts for change,” she asserts. She was a speaker at the plenary session of the UN Ocean Conference in 2022, Climate Week, G20 and numerous COPs and most recently at the Climate Week in New York invited by New York Times and Foundation L’Oreal. She has been trained by UNESCO on ocean literacy. Her project on ocean literacy has been recognized as an Ocean Decade Action Plan and a UNESCO Green Citizen initiative. Additionally, she has been invited to contribute to the Venice Declaration on ocean literacy, which will lead up to the UN Ocean Conference 2025. By embedding ocean literacy in the academic curriculum, governments and education departments can equip students with the knowledge needed to advocate for sustainable practices and policy changes in their communities.
Empowering Youth for Climate Mitigation
The potential for youth to contribute to climate mitigation is immense. As the next generation of leaders, they can innovate, inspire, and implement solutions that prioritize environmental health. Elsie emphasizes that careers in the ocean environment sector—ranging from marine biology to sustainable tourism—offer not only opportunities for personal growth but also the chance to effect meaningful change. Through YEPT’s programs, students are engaged in hands-on activities, such as beach clean-ups, marine conservation workshops, and community awareness campaigns. “These experiences not only build their skills and confidence but also instill a sense of responsibility toward their natural surroundings. “, Elsie believes that this connection is vital; “When youth experience the ocean, they form a bond that compels them to protect it,” she explains. As the National Coordinator for Oceans with Climate Reality Leader Asia, Elsie has mentored hundreds of youth leaders on climate action initiatives, further amplifying her impact. Through workshops and training sessions, she empowers young individuals to take on leadership roles in their communities, fostering a generation ready to tackle climate challenges head-on.
Commitment to Inclusive Diving
In addition to her advocacy for ocean literacy, Elsie Gabriel is an advanced PADI certified diver and a member of PADI Aware. Additionally as a certified HSA diver, she helps train disabled divers to enhance their ability to dive, promoting their rights to recreation and happiness. These divers also gain essential knowledge about ocean literacy and disaster management, creating a more inclusive diving community. Elsie is particularly focused on researching and promoting female divers to bridge the gender gap in this field. She has taken a lead role in launching Accessibility Ocean Tourism programs in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Kerala, Havelock islands and the Lakshadweep Islands, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability or gender, can experience the wonders of the ocean.
A Call for Policy Change
Despite the clear need for ocean literacy, it remains an underrepresented subject in many educational systems. Elsie advocates for policy reforms that integrate ocean education into school curricula worldwide. This approach is particularly crucial for developing countries, where limited resources often hinder environmental education efforts. By prioritizing ocean literacy, governments can foster a culture of sustainability that empowers future generations to protect their maritime heritage. To further this mission, Elsie has authored a book titled Introduction to Ocean Literacy, for which the Governor of Maharashtra has written the foreword, promoting ocean conservation and environmental education. In her advocacy work, she has collaborated with various stakeholders—governments, NGOs, and educational institutions—to promote ocean literacy as a vital component of environmental education. Her efforts have garnered recognition globally, placing her at the forefront of marine conservation advocacy.
Elsie Gabriel’s vision is clear: to create a world where youth are equipped with the knowledge and passion needed to safeguard our oceans. Her work serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a sustainable future for coastal communities and island states. As we face the mounting challenges of climate change, the importance of ocean literacy cannot be overstated. It is a vital investment in our planet’s future—one that begins with educating and empowering our youth. In addition to her many roles, she is a consultant for the LCAP and a member of the MCAP. Elsie is also involved with various organizations, including the Ocean Plastic Alliance, Ocean Society of India, APSW, Ocean Quest Global, PHSA, and the Blue Ocean Alliance, and has established the Ocean School India in Lakshadweep, igniting community action in plastic pollution mitigation among island residents especially during the pandemic. She mentors surfers and divers to be agents of change for climate action particularly working with the Lakshadweep Surf Club.
By embracing this vision, we can ensure that the next generation is not only informed but inspired to protect the precious oceans that sustain us all. As Elsie often reminds us, “The Ocean is our shared heritage, and it is our collective responsibility to protect it.” Through her unwavering dedication, she is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
www.youngenvironmentalistsprogramme.org
Elsie Gabriel
Ambassador for India Ocean Quest
Founder Young Environmentalists Programme
National Cordinator Oceans Climate Reality
Director PHSA USA
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www.youngenvironmentalistsprogramme.org
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