Oceana Belize is rapidly growing into becoming a very strong advocate for the protection and preservation of the country’s natural resources, in particularly on ocean conservation, protecting marine ecosystems & endangered species. Just recently they have added two strong and intelligent Belizeans to its team who will surely strengthen the non-profit organization’s mission.
Alyssa Carnegie is Oceana Belize’s Communications Director
Carnegie to start in January 2015
Oceana, the world’s largest international ocean conservation group, announced in a press release that effective January 12, 2014, Alyssa Carnegie will join their team in Belize as its Communications Director. “We are ecstatic that Alyssa has decided to join us,” enthused Oceana Belize Vice President, Janelle Chanona. “Alyssa’s ability to be simultaneously articulate and ardent will be significant assets in helping Oceana achieve policy victories that protect Belize’s amazing barrier reef and the marine resources on which so many Belizeans depend.”
Carnegie’s work experience, which includes service to Belize as the Director of Marketing and Industry Relations for the Belize Tourism Board, bolsters her impressive educational background. At the BTB, Alyssa managed both local and global relationships, interacted with media from across the world and implemented marketing strategies which focused on online platforms and improved general trade relations. She has also previously worked in the public sector as the Director of the Government Press Office; in the private sector as a project coordinator for the Belize Chamber of Commerce, the largest private sector membership based organization; and as a news reporter for Great Belize Productions, News 5. Carnegie holds a Master’s Degree in International Political Economy from the University of Warick in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies and Political Science from Wheeling Jesuit University in the United States.
“I am excited to start a new challenge by working with Oceana and look forward to becoming a member of the team to further develop their already extensive platform on ocean conservation in Belize. I am fortunate to be joining such a respected organization that prides itself on being solution oriented.”
In January, Carnegie will immediately begin to work on the office’s three campaigns: banning offshore oil in Belizean waters; banning destructive fishing gear such as gillnets and increasing protection for juvenile fish. “Having worked in tourism, where much of our country’s allure and market positioning stem from the diversity of experiences country wide, it is apparent and imperative that we preserve these experiences not only for visitors, but locals alike, for generations to come. Being a part of this movement is important not only for conservation purposes, but also for sustainable economic growth and development.”
Belizean Marine Scientist joins Oceana
Dr. Isani Chan Relocates from Taiwan to Assume New Role
Just last week Oceana also announced that Dr. Isani Chan joined their team as the Marine Scientist. Originally from Punta Gorda Town, Toledo, Chan’s experience and expertise will bolster Oceana’s efforts to protect Belize’s precious marine resources.
“It is my honor to return to Belize after eight years of being overseas to continue my personal commitment to protecting the world’s oceans,” says Chan. “Being a part of a dynamic team that is dedicated to both protecting and restoring the world’s oceans has always been one of my utmost goals. Our marine environment continues to be negatively impacted by an increase in anthropogenic activities including overfishing and carbon dioxide emission. In my new role as Oceana Belize’s marine scientist, I will work to enhance the policies governing Belize’s unique and economically important marine ecosystems.”
Chan holds doctoral degrees in both Marine Biology and Philosophy from the National Taiwan Ocean University in Taiwan as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Belize. For the past eight years, he has been working in Taiwan in the field of natural resource management and conservation. Chan has also worked as a Marine Biologist for the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute and as a Fisheries Officer and Marine Biologist at the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve for the Belize Fisheries Department. Chan’s work has been published in several respected science based platforms and his most recent projects include studies on the impact of polluted environments on coral as well as the population and growth of the Queen Conch.
“To say that we are excited to have Isani on board would be an understatement,” shared Oceana’s Vice President for Belize, Janelle Chanona. “His impressive educational background, extensive field work and patriotic passion to advocate for the sustainable management of our marine environment are the perfect trifecta of talent we’ve been looking for in a staff scientist.”
