EcoWB Board Member, Dr. Sylvia Rivera Valle, Recognized by French Senate for Sustainable Development Contributions
July 12, 2024

Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) is pleased to congratulate Board Member Dr. Sylvia Rivera Valle, who was recently awarded the Medal of the French Senate. The prestigious award was presented to Dr. Rivera by Mr. Gérard Larcher, President of the Senate, at Luxembourg Palace on May 30th, 2024, for her work in sustainable development.  

For over 25 years, Dr. Rivera has shared her expertise in sustainable development as a consultant to public sector agencies, non-governmental and non-profit organizations, international bodies, and private sector corporations. She is currently an expert auditor in fisheries management responsible for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, and she teaches at both Excelia Group, a higher education business and tourism school in France, and at EIGSI La Rochelle, one of the country’s four major private engineering schools. A dual citizen of Costa Rica and France, Dr. Rivera obtained her PhD in Management Science from La Rochelle University in France, following the award of a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Costa Rica. 

The recent award of the Medal of the French Senate recognizes the immense body of work and admirable contributions of Dr. Rivera to the field of sustainable development, the human right of access to water and sanitation, sustainable fisheries management, and public policies for coastal areas. The award also recognizes her commitment to rural and indigenous Costa Rican territories and the linking of students with Costa Rican organizations and companies, promoting professional and cultural exchange. 

Dr. Rivera was presented with the award as part of France’s Latin American and Caribbean Weeks, which recognized the work of Latin Americans to unite France and the different countries of the region under the theme: “Together Facing Contemporary Challenges.”    

Congratulations to Dr. Sylvia Rivera Valle for this great recognition of her work and the contributions she continues to make to improve the environment and the lives of the people and communities touched by her work.    

To learn more about Dr. Rivera’s work, visit our Board of Directors page. To learn more about EcoWB and our mission to empower environmentally vulnerable communities worldwide, visit https://www.ecowb.org

EcoWB’s Ian Hendy Helps Capture the Hidden Beauty of Kelp Forests

February 13, 2025
EcoWB’s Technical Advisor, Dr. Ian Hendy, has helped bring the mysteries of the UK’s underwater forests to life in a stunning new documentary, Forests Beneath the Waves. Commissioned by Natural England and produced by a team of filmmakers led by Dr. Hendy from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), the film offers a rare and breathtaking look at the kelp forests surrounding the Isle of Wight, Devon, and Cornwall.  Kelp forests are some of the most productive habitats on the planet, supporting a vast array of marine life and playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. The documentary, now available on YouTube, highlights the importance of these ecosystems and the threats they face. “When Natural England approached me to make this exciting film, I was thrilled. I immediately realized the significance and impact this could have for policy, protection, and outreach,” said Dr. Hendy. “We encountered everything from beautiful sharks, stunning juvenile rays, mesmerizing cuttlefish, and even tuna fish! The vibrant life in our UK kelp forests rivals that of tropical coral reefs.” The film captures a hidden world beneath the waves, showing undulate rays and gobies sheltering from predators, a nursehound shark securing her egg, and a seal hunting for food. These forests provide essential nursery grounds and shelter for marine species, while also buffering coastlines from storms, increasing oxygen levels, and absorbing carbon dioxide. Despite their resilience, kelp forests are under serious threat from warming oceans, pollution, coastal development, and overfishing. Their decline is already being observed in the UK, making conservation efforts—and awareness—more urgent than ever. “Climate change is a big factor,” said Marina Rees, Marine Higher Officer at Natural England. “I have witnessed the increase of bleached kelp during heat waves, and escalating storms destroying entire parts of kelp forests. In the film, we even captured the crystal jellyfish—normally found in the Pacific—now appearing in UK waters due to rising temperatures.” With its stunning visuals and powerful message, Forests Beneath the Waves showcases why protecting these ecosystems matters—not just for marine life, but for the planet as a whole. Watch the full documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iOQSjtVsLs

A Game-Changer for EcoWB: $150k Grant Strengthens Our Future

November 25, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation has awarded Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) a $150,000 capacity-building grant to be distributed over the next two years. This incredible support follows a $50,000 grant from the Foundation last year, which helped us make significant strides in strengthening our organization. This renewed and increased commitment is more than just financial backing—it’s a profound vote of confidence in the work we do. It shows that the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation believes in the impact EcoWB has made so far and sees the potential for us to grow and evolve. While volunteers will always be at the heart of everything we do, this grant helps us build the dedicated team of staff we need to meet the growing demands for our work and make an even greater impact. What Does This Grant Mean for EcoWB? This funding will help us build a strong foundation for EcoWB’s future, allowing us to plan thoughtfully and grow in a sustainable, meaningful way. Here’s how: • Laying a Solid Foundation The grant will enable us to build strength behind the scenes, refining the systems and securing the expertise needed to keep EcoWB running smoothly. By bolstering our internal capacity, we can deliver more for the communities that rely on us. • Answering the Call With the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s support, we can respond faster and more effectively to urgent environmental challenges. From fundraising and coordinating volunteers to managing complex projects, this funding will ensure we’re ready to act when we’re needed most. • Growing Sustainably This investment isn’t just about today—it’s about tomorrow. By focusing on long-term growth, we’re ensuring EcoWB remains a trusted, reliable partner for communities working to protect their environment for generations to come. Reflecting on Last Year’s Success The $50,000 grant we received last year laid the groundwork for the exciting progress we’re making today. With the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s support, we were able to bring on a Development Director, who helped shape a clear strategy for fundraising, introduced systems to better manage our relationships with donors and volunteers, and launched our first-ever year-end fundraising campaign. We also worked to refine EcoWB’s public profile, updating our messaging and website to better reflect the impact of our work and connect with our growing community. This progress would not have been possible without the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s belief in our potential, and their continued support builds on the success of their initial grant, allowing us to achieve even greater impact. A Bright Future Ahead The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation grant signals an exciting new phase for EcoWB. It demonstrates not only the Foundation’s belief in our work but also the value of collaborative, community-driven approaches to environmental challenges. As we look to the future, we see a stronger, more connected EcoWB—one that can rise to meet the growing ecological needs of communities around the world. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation for their generosity and trust. Together, we’re proving that when communities and ecologists come together, we can create solutions that truly make a difference. Stay tuned for updates on how this transformative funding shapes EcoWB’s next chapter!
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