Oceans

JD’s Story: Transforming Alaska’s cold-water diving into a force for marine conservation and community resilience

As part of the Climate Champions’ Ocean Breakthroughs, Edges of Earth spoke with JD Stimson, Operations Manager and Freediving Instructor at Dive Alaska, who is building a resilient ecotourism community by connecting locals and visitors to Alaska’s underwater world while championing marine conservation.

Oceans

Porfiria’s Story: Redefining shark conservation by turning fishermen into ocean guardians in Baja California Sur

As part of the Ocean Breakthroughs initiative, Edges of Earth spoke with Porfiria Gómez, Director of the ocean conservation nonprofit Orgcas in Baja California Sur, Mexico, who is working with local fishing communities to transition from shark fishing to sustainable tourism, blending traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices to protect marine ecosystems and support coastal livelihoods.

Oceans

Ruth’s Story: “Instead of thriving marine life, our elders see dead fish washing up on shore. My generation needs to be the reason this comes back”

As part of the Climate Champions’ Ocean Breakthroughs, exploration team Edges of Earth spoke with Naw Rutha, the only female Karen scuba instructor in the Andaman Islands, who is preserving her community’s ocean heritage by training future divers, protecting marine ecosystems, and learning from past generations to combat climate challenges.

Oceans

Tara’s story: A 26-year-old’s fight to unite a community to save Belize’s vital marine ecosystems

As part of the Climate Champions’-led Ocean Breakthroughs, the Edges of Earth team spent time in Belize to learn from and spotlight the incredible efforts of local leaders, including Tara Scarborough. Through interviews dives, and deep conversations, Tara shared her commitment to uniting her community to safeguard Belize’s precious marine ecosystems.

Impact Makers: Deepa Lama

Meet Deepa Lama, Co-founder and President of Kalpavaatika Society Nepal, who is championing urban sustainability by transforming kitchen waste into compost and using rooftops for farming in Kathmandu. Her project, “Enhancing Urban Sustainability through Nature-based Solutions,” empowers over 500 community members to address waste management and food security challenges by composting organic waste and cultivating rooftop gardens.

Impact Makers: Pablo Castellanos Ramelli

Meet Pablo Castellanos Ramelli, Co-founder and COO of BATx, who’s transforming energy sustainability in Latin America by giving EV batteries a second life. Through repair, refurbishment, and repurposing, his initiative is reducing waste, creating economic opportunities, and advancing a circular economy in Colombia and beyond.

Impact Makers: Reyhan Jamalova

Meet Reyhan Jamalova – an Azerbaijani innovator transforming the way communities in rain-prone areas tackle energy poverty. Harnessing the power of rain through her organization Rainergy, Reyhan is creating renewable solutions for communities with limited access to reliable electricity