Marine Program Lead, Emirates Nature - WWF

With more than 15 years of experience in nature conservation and environmental policy, Marina is Head of the Marine Programme of Emirates Nature-WWF, the UAE’s leading non-profit organisation linked with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) global network. An avid diver, she developed an early passion for the marine environment and coastal communities. She holds an Environmental Science Masters’ Degree with the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and a Diploma on International Oceans Law and Policy with the University of Virginia. Marina’s experience ranges from field-based conservation, environmental planning, to government and policy engagement in the UAE and MENA region. Since joining Emirates Nature-WWF in 2010, Marina has been instrumental in reshaping its marine conservation strategy placing a stronger focus on the importance of marine ecosystems for the long-term sustainability of the UAE’s society and economy. She has represented Emirates Nature and WWF International in various international policy fora; such as the Convention of Biological Diversity, the Ramsar Convention for the Conservation of Wetlands, and the Convention of Migratory Species. Her ambition is to drive awareness of businesses and policy makers towards the socio-economic benefits of healthy marine ecosystems.