Elsie Gabriel: Leading Ocean Literacy for Climate Action.
Women’s Day Special
By Special Correspondent
“When women lead, communities thrive. When women educate, generations transform. And when women protect the ocean, the planet breathes easier.”
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate Elsie Gabriel, an environmental educator, ocean advocate, and the founder of the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust and Ocean School India. As a UNESCO Green Citizen and National Coordinator for Oceans for Climate Reality Project India & Asia, Elsie has been a trailblazer in Ocean Literacy, ensuring that education and community action are at the heart of climate resilience.
Trained by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, she has dedicated herself to climate education and community development, empowering people with knowledge to combat climate change effectively.
“To fight climate change, we must put ocean conservation at the forefront. And to protect the ocean, we must educate, empower, and act—together.” Emphasised Elsie Gabriel.
Elsie Gabriel’s Contribution to the Venice Declaration on Ocean Literacy
Recognizing the urgent need for global policy integration, Elsie Gabriel has played a crucial role in shaping the Venice Declaration on Ocean Literacy and was invited to Venice to contribute for the meeting. This landmark initiative aims to bridge the gap between ocean education, policymaking, and local action, ensuring that Ocean Literacy is recognized as a fundamental tool for climate adaptation. Through her work, she has successfully influenced conversations at UN Climate Conferences and international marine conservation forums, bringing attention to the role of Ocean Literacy in sustainable development.
What is Ocean Literacy?
Ocean Literacy is the understanding of the ocean’s influence on us and our impact on the ocean. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about marine conservation and climate resilience. With climate change accelerating and marine ecosystems under threat, Ocean Literacy is no longer optional—it is a necessity.
Bringing Ocean Literacy into Schools and Colleges
Elsie Gabriel and the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust team have been at the forefront of integrating Ocean Literacy into mainstream education. Their work spans across:
- Interactive Curriculum Development: Engaging students through field trips, experiential learning, and hands-on marine science activities.
- Education Policy Advocacy: Contributing to international frameworks like the Venice Declaration on Ocean Literacy to make ocean education a policy priority.
- Global Training & Conferences: Collaborating with UNESCO, UN Climate Conferences, and international ocean conferences to drive Ocean Literacy at a systemic level.
- Youth Engagement & Leadership: Ensuring that schools and colleges actively participate in marine conservation programs, beach clean-ups, and climate action initiatives.
Women at the Forefront of Ocean Conservation
As a woman-led organization, the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust also focuses on uplifting indigenous women, disabled divers, and women-led coastal communities in marine conservation. Through partnerships with organizations like PHSA and HSA USA, Elsie has cordinated Ocean Accessible Scuba Diving training for the disabled for certified divers in Lakshadweep, Havelock Islands, the Philippines, Kerala, Goa, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, promoting sustainability, inclusion, and ocean resilience.
“Women play a vital role in sustainability and the fight against climate change. As divers, we have the power to protect marine ecosystems and advocate for stronger conservation policies. When we uplift women in ocean conservation, we are securing the future of our planet.” Outlines Elsie Gabriel
Championing Disability Rights in Diving
As a PADI-certified and HSA USA-certified scuba diver, Elsie Gabriel has led efforts to make diving accessible to people with disabilities as Director of PHSA. She has successfully launched HSA programs in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Kerala, the Philippines, Lakshadweep, Goa, and Havelock Islands in the Andamans, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are included in ocean conservation efforts. These programs have transformed the lives of countless individuals by providing training, employment opportunities, and a platform to engage in scuba diving and enjoy the healing powers of the sea.
Her Call to Action
As we celebrate women’s leadership on International Women’s Day, Elsie Gabriel’s mission stands as a powerful reminder: Ocean conservation is not just about science—it’s about citizen scientists and social scientists, coastal people, island communities, and education. Through her relentless efforts, Ocean Literacy is becoming a mainstream movement, inspiring young minds to protect our blue planet.
She can be reached at elsiegabriel@gmail.com
Website: Young Environmentalists Programme
