ANNA OPOSA

The Impatient Optimist

Read time: 10 minutes

Portrait by Geloy Bernal

Kind, smart and funny, Anna doesn't let anything get in her way. Originally destined for the arts, Anna couldn't resist the pull of activism and left dreams of Broadway aside to protect the sea. Born and raised in the Philippines, her passion for the ocean is fuelled by her love for the archipelago. In her view, environmental conservation needs to be a part of everyone's lifestyle. It should not only be the preoccupation of NGOs, scientists and government alone but should be accessible, empowering and citizen-led. This approach has led her work to be recognised and awarded more than once. She co-founded 'Save Philippine Sea' (SPS), a non-for-profit organisation that works on shark conservation, community empowerment, and environmental education. In 2012, the Future for Nature award enabled her to start working on establishing the first sharks and rays sanctuary in the Philippines. In addition, Anna is a researcher and consultant on circular economy and waste management at the United Nations Development Program Philippines (UNDP) and she also advises the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the partnerships and engagement specialist for their Healthy Oceans program. As a communicator, storyteller and community leader, Anna has carved her place in the field of conservation. 

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