Nasya Jones, a graduate student in the Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the  West Indies, Mona participated in the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit in Panama. This summit, held from February 27 to March 1, 2023, brought together 70 young ocean leaders from over 40 countries. Throughout the summit, various discussions and panels were conducted, with a particular focus on critical topics such as climate change, marine pollution, and sustainable fisheries. These sessions provided a deep understanding of the intricate challenges facing our oceans and instilled hope in the capacity of young individuals to drive positive change. Furthermore, the summit facilitated invaluable networking opportunities with leaders in the field of ocean conservation, including representatives from government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses.

During the summit Nasya visited Panasea, a sea cucumber hatchery in Panama. She was deeply impressed by the sustainable ocean practices observed and learned about the remarkable efforts to breed sea cucumbers, which play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. Another outstanding achievement was Nasya's participation in and subsequent victory of the Our Ocean solution sprint challenge. Her team proposed an innovative solution focused on preserving the ocean ecosystem while promoting a sustainable blue economy. The winning concept involved the creation of a mechanism to filter harmful nutrients from Jamaica's coastal waters before they reached coral reefs, while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for local communities. This accomplishment culminated in Nasya and her team being granted the opportunity to present their winning solution on the main stage during the conference's final day.

 Reflecting on this transformative experience, Nasya shared, "The summit was an incredible journey that has fueled my commitment to protecting our oceans. I am deeply appreciative of the chance to meet numerous passionate and inspiring young individuals. I am enthusiastic about applying the knowledge and skills acquired at the summit to drive positive change. One of the most gratifying aspects was connecting with fellow youth from around the world who share a dedicated commitment to ocean conservation. These interactions allowed for the exchange of valuable insights, diverse experiences, and collaborative brainstorming on solutions to common ocean challenges."

 As a part of the Sasakawa-Peace Foundation delegation, Nasya also had the privilege of engaging with the Japanese Minister and a Senior Research Fellow from the organization. This provided her with valuable insights into potential avenues for further research and collaboration.

Nasya would like to extend her heartfelt gratitude for the support received and welcomes any inquiries or discussions regarding her enriching experience.

Photo caption: Nasya Jones at Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit 2023 in Panama.

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