In episode 12, we heard about the changes our ocean has faced in recent years and why it’s important to remain ‘ocean optimists’ in the fight against climate change. One ocean optimist is Sebastian Yancovic Pakarati, who is from an indigenous community – the Rapa Nui - on Easter Island. In 2014 the Rapa Nui lobbied the Chilean government to create a marine protected area in the waters around Easter Island. Four years later their campaign was successful and the MPA is now one of the world’s largest.
 
Sebastian speaks with producer Izzie Clarke about creating positive change, the important role indigenous communities play in ocean conservation, and shares his advice for listeners wanting to make a difference. 
 
Ocean Matters will be taking a short break to bring you season two. In the meantime, do listen and share the series so far. You can also visit the Bertarelli Foundation’s website marine.science, as well as @Marine_Science on Twitter to share your ocean enthusiasm.
 
Ocean Matters is a Fresh Air Production for the Bertarelli Foundation. Follow or subscribe now for free, wherever you get your podcasts, and we’ll be back in spring 2022.