Inez Alsagoff

I've always loved the ocean since I was young. My dad enjoyed kitesurfing and windsurfing, so we spent a lot of time at the beach. I wasn't particularly strong academically, and was interested in less conventional career paths. Since I’ve always been passionate about ocean conservation, it just made sense for me to get into marine biology. I've always wanted to be near the ocean, and thought, ‘How cool would it be to have that as a job?’ So, I undertook environmental studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), and embarked on my path in marine conservation.

As a freelance nature guide, I take members of the public to our intertidal shores to discover our local marine biodiversity. Here, visitors are amazed that Singapore has such rich biodiversity and vibrant marine life. This often sparks their passion and drive to do their part for nature. It's so important to mobilise people and educate them so that we can all take action for the planet together. Everyone has a part to play in conservation, regardless of their background.

While the reality of the climate crisis we're facing can be rather demoralising, especially with negative media coverage, I believe in staying positive and taking up the fight for the environment together. I previously worked at Indonesia-based environmental protection organisation Seven Clean Seas, which is focused on clearing trash from the ocean. Here, I worked closely with local communities in Batam and Bintan to clean their marine environment and create waste management facilities. It’s always important to work with local governments, communities and stakeholders toward a common goal. 

The same can be said for my current work as the Global Partnerships Coordinator at international social enterprise Coral Gardeners, which is focused on coral restoration efforts. Here, I’ve come to learn that marine conservation is a financially demanding endeavour that requires substantial support. While my main interest lies in science, I’ve also developed my strength in building partnerships with people, corporations and organisations to bolster support for our cause.

The work allows me to use my scientific knowledge and experience in forming meaningful partnerships to help restore marine ecosystems. For instance, we are working with community leaders, fishermen and surfers in Fiji, to build a reef restoration and conservation programme in the country. We can never underestimate the power of collaboration when it comes to making a tangible impact on the environment.