Aimee Boisselle, final year Bachelor of Science in Coastal and Ocean Management student of UTT’s Centre for Marine and Ocean Studies (CMOs) Sciences programme, recently presented at the very first High-level Archipelagic Island States (AIS) Youth Conference hosted by the UNDP of Indonesia in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Aimee was one of thirty delegates chosen to present at this conference which ran from October 6^th- 10^th , 2023. The theme "AIS Youth: Bridging the Waves for the Ocean Future We Want", focused on four key thematic areas: Ocean-based Climate Action, Sustainable Blue Entrepreneurship, Marine Pollution Eradication and Good Ocean Governance. Each delegate was required to choose one thematic area within which they are expected to execute a project that will aid in the development of their country.

During the opening ceremony, Aimee’s virtual presentation outlined her action plan within the theme of Ocean-based Climate Action. She articulated her vision for the restoration of coral reef ecosystems in Trinidad and Tobago in the face of rising sea surface temperatures (SST) brought on by climate change. She also expressed her commitment to increasing awareness and education of our local youth towards the value of coral ecosystems and the effects of coral bleaching, in hopes of invoking action towards the development of ocean climate solutions via the conservation of our marine ecosystems.