AIS Ocean Warrior becomes National Geographic's young explorer of the year

AIS Ocean Warrior becomes National Geographic's young explorer of the year

Congratulations to our alumna Brigitta Maria Andrea Gunawan (Tata) was recently honoured by National Geographic as one of the 2023 Young Explorers Inspirational Changemakers. She's the youngest of the youthful explorers, at just 19 years old. She promotes meaningful ocean protection in Indonesia and beyond through innovative environmental education. In 2022, the National Geographic Society, The Nature Conservancy, and Paragon One provided seed financing to build the 30x30 Coral Garden in Tulamben, Bali, rehabilitating local reefs and offering a recreational site that promotes ocean protection. 

  

Tata founded 30x30 Indonesia in 2021 to promote marine protected areas in Indonesia and assist the worldwide aim of safeguarding 30% of the ocean by 2030. She has presented at the UN Ocean Conference, Asia Parks Congress, and UNLEASH Global Innovation Lab. She is a BOAT International/Blue Marine Foundation Ocean Awards Young Initiatives 2023 nominee. She studies conservation biology at Monash University in the K.C. Kuok Scholarship. She organises hands-on science-based programmes, including the three-part 30x30 Youth Ocean Conference, coral reef and mangrove restoration, and school-wide ocean education campaigns with stakeholders. Youth, Indigenous communities, local heroes, and specialists working to improve the globe motivate her.