Naomi Longa's Mission to Protect the Amazon of the Seas
Dive into the heart of the Coral Triangle with Naomi Longa, a pioneering biologist from Papua New Guinea, as she shares her incredible journey in marine conservation.
Download an episode transcript here.
In this episode, Naomi discusses her mission to protect one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems, Kimbe Bay, with an introduction by Edward Whitley and hosted by Kate Humble. Discover how Naomi is leading an all-female team of indigenous divers, known as the Sea Women of Melanesia, who are making ground breaking strides in reef conservation and community support across remote islands.
Episode Highlights:
- A Tropical Paradise Under Threat: Explore Naomi’s home in Kimbe Bay, a tropical haven teeming with marine life, where economic pressures and climate change are putting the fragile coral reefs at risk. Naomi’s passion for the seas was ignited by her father’s work as a fisherman, and she now dedicates her life to preserving these waters.
- Women Leading the Way: Naomi answers the question, “Why women, not men?” as she explains how the women of Papua New Guinea are natural resource managers, both in their homes and in the marine conservation space. These women are the backbone of the Sea Women of Melanesia, an organisation that’s empowering local communities to take charge of their marine reserves.
- Merging Traditional Knowledge with Cutting-Edge Technology: Learn how Naomi’s team is using AI, specifically the ReefCloud software developed by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, to monitor the health of the reefs. This innovative approach combines western science with indigenous knowledge to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
- Expanding the Mission: Discover Naomi’s vision for the future as she extends her work beyond Papua New Guinea, collaborating with coastal aboriginal women in Australia to protect the Great Barrier Reef. She hopes this model will inspire other communities to get involved in marine conservation.
- Community Support Beyond Conservation: The Sea Women of Melanesia do more than just protect the reefs. They also deliver essential supplies like water tanks, painkillers, and sanitary pads to families on remote islands, addressing the urgent needs of these communities.
How to Save It is a podcast by the Whitley Fund for Nature, highlighting ingenious solutions from the world’s leading conservationists. New episodes are available every Friday. Listen and rate on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
If you’re leading a grassroots conservation project in the Global South, apply for a Whitley Award today.
