EcoVybz Podcast

What If There Is Only One Ocean? Who Gets to Decide Its Future?

As the prospect of deep-sea mining moves closer, questions about critical minerals and the global energy transition are also questions about power, sovereignty and whose interests shape our shared ocean. In this special audio episode, Stephanie Leitch explores the politics of deep-sea mining through the Caribbean’s and Pacific’s histories of extraction, the legacies of colonialism and the challenges of regional cooperation.

Featuring conversations with Asha Challenger, a Caribbean diplomat; Laisa Nainoka of the Pacific Network on Globalisation; and Khadija Stewart, Founder of EcoVybz Environmental Creatives and Senior Campaigner at RISE UP for the Ocean, the story examines what is at stake when decisions about the seabed are made, who bears the risks and whether the regions most affected can shape their own futures.

Emerging from the Caribbean Deep Sea Mining Media Fellowship, an initiative involving Climate Tracker, Jamaica Environment Trust, EcoVybz Environmental Creatives and RISE UP for the Ocean, this special episode asks what it would mean to treat the ocean not simply as a resource to be exploited, but as a shared inheritance that demands accountability, solidarity and care.

In this episode, Khadija sits down with Rickeem Lashey for an honest conversation about belonging in ocean and climate work. They unpack why conservation efforts are stronger when communities are included from the start, and why young people should feel empowered to contribute even without a specific qualification or job title. Rickeem shares his growing confidence as a PhD student in sustainable transitions, focused on making environmental justice more meaningful and practical for communities.

Together, they reflect on the realities of showing up in global spaces like UNOC3, the barriers Caribbean organisations and British Overseas Territories face when it comes to access and representation, and why visibility matters for small island communities. The conversation also zooms into the Cayman Islands, touching on mangrove protection, development pressures, and the role of youth-led groups pushing for change. They close on storytelling, photography, and community as powerful tools to shift narratives and expand who gets to be seen, heard, and trusted in conservation.

In this episode, we sit down with Kevan Kalapnath Maharaj, Managing Director of IAMovement, an environmental NGO based in Trinidad and Tobago, to explore how vetiver grass is emerging as a practical, locally relevant nature based solution for building climate resilience. Together, we unpack what makes vetiver so effective for stabilising soil, reducing erosion, and supporting green infrastructure, and why projects like these deliver stronger, longer lasting results when communities are meaningfully engaged from the start.

Kevan shares how IAMovement, founded in 2014, works through education, empowerment, and public awareness activities that connect social, environmental, and economic issues across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. Drawing on his background in Chemical and Process Engineering (UWI St Augustine) and certification in Project and Facilities Management, he also reflects on co leading the Caribbean Green Infrastructure Conference in 2022 and 2025, a platform that brought together regional and international stakeholders to advance green infrastructure, nature based solutions, and innovative climate finance mechanisms for Small Island Developing States. This conversation is a grounded reminder that real impact sits at the intersection of strong science, practical tools, and community trust.

To learn more visit https://iamovement.org/

https://www.instagram.com/IAMovement/#

In this episode of the EcoVybz Podcast, Keron shares his journey in agricultural communications and digital content creation, and how he is using technology to reshape the way agriculture is taught and understood in the Caribbean. From developing an educational project with 360 degree video and VR headsets for schools, to reflecting on the role of AI, critical thinking, and storytelling, Keron highlights why innovation must be rooted in reality and context, not imported or imposed. This conversation explores the intersections of agriculture, education, and technology, and why staying grounded in lived Caribbean experiences is key to building resilient futures.

For more follow Tech4Agri onInstagram

In this deeply moving episode, Khadija is joined by Nigel Maduro, an Indigenous Caquetío community leader from Aruba, sustainability scientist, and frontline land defender. Nigel is a passionate advocate for climate justice, working at the intersection of conservation, indigenous rights, and community mobilisation across the Caribbean.

Together, they explore Nigel’s journey from childhood to activism, tracing how his connection to the land and ancestral knowledge shaped his path as a leader and protector of Aruba’s fragile ecosystems. Nigel reflects on the lasting impacts of tourism, colonialism, and cultural erasure in the Caribbean, calling for reforestation, greater regional unity, and the urgent need to amplify indigenous voices in climate spaces.

The conversation touches on the erasure of Indigenous Caribbean cultures, the importance of visibility and reconnection, and how traditional knowledge can guide modern sustainability practices. Nigel and Khadija also discuss their shared vision for an upcoming webinar to spotlight Indigenous youth environmental defenders in the region.

This episode is a powerful reminder that climate justice must include Indigenous leadership, cultural resurgence, and a fundamental rethinking of how we relate to land and sea. It is both a call to action and a celebration of resilience.

Follow Nigel on Instagram @punky_xx

In this powerful episode of Karibe Speak, Khadija is joined by Reyad Mohammed, a passionate environmental advocate and communicator from Trinidad and Tobago. Together, they unpack Reyad’s journey from childhood curiosity to becoming an Environmental Education Officer at the Environmental Management Authority.

The conversation dives deep into climate change impacts in Trinidad and Tobago, the challenges of extreme heat, rainfall, flooding, and the urgent need for culturally grounded climate education. Reyad shares insights on his work with Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE), the Youth Climate Ambassadors programme, and the importance of simplifying science through storytelling to bridge identity, advocacy, and community resilience.

From personal reflections to policy discussions, Khadija and Reyad explore the tension between development and preservation, the importance of behavioural shifts, and the call for Caribbean-centric imagery and narratives in climate spaces. The episode is a rich tapestry of lived experience, science, and a shared commitment to shaping a more informed, empowered, and climate-resilient Caribbean.

In this episode of the EcoVybz Podcast, host Khadija Stewart sits down with Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, environmental scientist and CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), for a powerful conversation on Jamaica’s environmental journey. Dr. Moodie shares how her connection to the ocean shaped her career, leading her from consultancy into frontline advocacy. She reflects on the urgent need for state accountability, public access to environmental information, and meaningful community participation in governance.

The discussion delves into the threats posed by deep sea mining, especially given Jamaica’s role as host of the International Seabed Authority. Dr. Moodie critiques extractivist models that compromise marine ecosystems and calls on the Jamaican government to uphold its constitutional duty to protect the environment. Released in honour of June as Ocean Month, this episode is both a celebration of Jamaica’s rich natural heritage and a rallying cry for justice in ocean stewardship.

To Learn more about the Jamaica Environment Trust check out https://linktr.ee/jamentrust1991?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLKa3tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpyKAe7ekKqtlABikatMsliFzzXkZ2HPJOB8t0NISUMQduzyVi0_RBLS-_OI-_aem_7sxqVemD3dMbPt2IBxuoEw

In this episode of the EcoVybz Podcast, we dive deep into the critical conversation around decolonizing climate justice with our special guest, Damien Nicholas, a 23-year-old climate justice activist from Guadeloupe. As a co-founder of Observatoire Terre Monde (OTM), Damien is passionate about advocating for the dismantling of colonial structures that continue to shape the environmental and political landscapes of France’s overseas territories, including the Caribbean.

Together, we explore how colonization is not just a historical event but a present-day reality affecting climate justice. Many of the ecological challenges these regions face are deeply rooted in colonial legacies. To move forward, we must actively deconstruct these systems. Damien shares insights from his work at OTM, highlighting the need for climate solutions that reflect the voices and experiences of the most impacted communities, especially in regions like the Caribbean that continue to grapple with post-colonial realities.

Join us as we unpack the complexities of colonization in climate justice and discuss how decolonizing ecology is essential for a more just and sustainable future. To learn more visit here.

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In this powerful episode of the Ecovybz Podcast, we journey to St. Maarten to speak with Star Peterson, a passionate environmental activist and political advocate. Together, we dive into the complex dynamics of climate justice in the Caribbean, discussing how the region's colonial legacy continues to shape and hinder climate action efforts. Star provides deep insights into the systemic challenges facing the Caribbean and highlights the intersection of environmental degradation and political structures.

We explore the colonial presence in the region and its lingering impact on governance, climate policy, and community resilience. Star also shares his personal journey into environmental activism, his connection to nature and the ocean, and how his love for sports intertwines with his advocacy for climate action.

Tune in to hear a candid conversation about the need for systemic change, the fight for climate justice, and how Caribbean youth are standing up for their future in the face of political and environmental challenges. Be sure to follow @Ecovybz on all Social Media platforms.

In this compelling episode of "Climate Injustice," we are joined by Kjelld Masoud Kroon, a dedicated activist born in the Netherlands and raised in Rincon, Bonaire. Kjelld is deeply involved in anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and community inclusivity projects in Amsterdam and The Hague. He is politically engaged with Bonaire's M21 party and the youth think tank BiT-lab, while also collaborating with various organizations in the Netherlands supporting the Dutch-Caribbean community.

Kjelld, a plaintiff in a climate justice case led by citizens of Bonaire and Greenpeace, highlights the minimal impact Bonaire has on global CO2 emissions compared to major emitters like the Netherlands. Together, we delve into the pressing demand that the Netherlands, as a colonial overseer, takes its fair share of responsibility in protecting Bonaire and the other Dutch-Caribbean islands.

Join us as we discuss the whitewashing of the climate movement, the pervasive eco-colonialism and racism that undermine genuine environmental justice, and the crucial need for inclusive, equitable climate action. This episode sheds light on the intersection of climate justice and colonial legacy, offering insights and inspiring stories from the frontlines of the fight for a sustainable and just future.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Isiah Cruz, a trailblazer passionate about leveraging technology and community to drive regenerative environmental projects. With a unique blend of AI/Data Science expertise and a fervor for grassroots initiatives, Isiah's work with Litter Token and his new venture, Ama Earth Group, has sparked environmental action across the globe.

Join us as Isiah shares his journey of blending indigenous wisdom with modern solutions for planetary healing. We delve into the importance of spirituality and environmental grounding, exploring how these elements are crucial for becoming effective advocates for a sustainable future. Isiah's insights highlight the intersectionality of technology, spirituality, and environmental advocacy, offering a profound perspective on how we can all contribute to the planet's healing.

Tune in to discover how Isiah's innovative approach is fostering a new era of environmental action, driven by both cutting-edge technology and deep-rooted spiritual wisdom.

To connect with Isiah follow him on Linkedinor email him at cruzisiah@gmail.com

Also be sure to connect with us @Ecovybz on all social media platforms

Join us on this episode of the EcoVybz Podcast's Karibe Speak Season as we sit down with Jevanic Henry, a distinguished climate and development professional from Saint Lucia. Jevanic has an impressive background, having served as the Climate Change Special Envoy for the Caribbean Youth Environment Network and as a Foreign Service Officer with the Government of Saint Lucia. His extensive experience in the multilateral space includes roles such as United Nations Foundation’s Next Generation Fellow, a position with the climate change unit of the Commonwealth Secretariat, and co-authoring a practical guide on enhancing access to climate finance.

In 2023, Jevanic became Saint Lucia’s first Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Fellow, working at the Permanent Mission of Saint Lucia to the United Nations in New York. He also achieved the milestone of being appointed the first Caribbean representative to the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.

Throughout the episode, we delve into the climate realities facing the Caribbean, particularly in Saint Lucia. We discuss the critical importance of climate finance, the intricacies of climate finance negotiations at COP 28, and the progress being made on Loss and Damage. Additionally, Jevanic shares his insights on the significance of community engagement and his ongoing efforts to support community-based youth entities in Saint Lucia. These efforts include building capacity, developing bankable project proposals, and accessing relevant financing facilities for climate change resilience projects.

Tune in to hear from Jevanic Henry and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in climate advocacy within the Caribbean. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about climate action and the empowerment of local communities.

Check out Jeo on LinkedIn

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Join us for an insightful episode featuring Trinidadian multimedia journalist Ryan Bachoo, hailing from Princess Town, Trinidad and Tobago. With 13 years of experience at Guardian Media, Ryan has become a prominent figure in the industry, rising from an intern to a junior reporter, producer, and anchor for various news and current affairs programs. His extensive coverage includes politics, sports, social news, and climate change.

In this episode, we delve into the significance of climate journalism in the Caribbean region, reflecting on Ryan's experiences, including his participation in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt and Dubai 2023. Ryan shares his insights from COP 28, highlighting the critical role of climate journalism in addressing regional and global environmental challenges. Additionally, he offers valuable advice for aspiring journalists looking to cover climate change. Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the Caribbean's leading voices in climate journalism.

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Danielle Clear Seales, an inspiring marine conservationist who has dedicated her life to protecting our oceans. After completing a BSc in Ocean Science and Marine Conservation at the University of Plymouth, Danielle is now pursuing an MSc degree in Marine Environmental Management. Her journey into sea turtle conservation and research began with a pivotal internship at the Department of Environment, which ignited her passion for marine life.

Danielle's commitment extends beyond the Cayman Islands, having represented her home at COP28. There, she highlighted the intricate connections between culture, heritage, and climate change, and advocated for vital climate finance in British Overseas Territories. Her main mission is to raise environmental awareness in the Cayman Islands, promote sustainable living, and foster collaboration among Caribbean islands for a more sustainable future.

Join us as we delve into Danielle's experiences and insights. We discuss the climate realities of overseas territories, the harsh impacts of climate change in the Caribbean, and her valuable advice for Caribbean youth eager to take climate action. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about marine conservation and climate resilience. Tune in and be inspired by Danielle’s journey and vision for a brighter, more sustainable world.

If you enjoyed this episode follow Dani on Instagram @dani.seales and EcoVybz on all platforms @ecovybz

Meet Amy Harff, she is a Force of Nature consultant, climate researcher and artist. She was recently selected to be a Youth Ambassador for the UN Ocean Decade, where she led workshops and gave speeches to over 2,000 participants aboard the Peace Boat. In August 2023, she completed the prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship to conduct one year of independent research on how creativity can catalyze climate and environmental action. For her research, she spoke and worked with over 350 scientists, community leaders, academics, CEOs and artists to see how creativity and storytelling can be tools for change. Amy has been an art judge for Bow Seat Ocean Awareness and Chas also spoken at Goldsmiths’ Art and Ecology Conference and at NYC Climate Week. She is currently creating an illustrated book from personal interviews with 25 international female climate leaders including: Christiana Figueres, Dr. Kim Cobb, Xiye Bastida, Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner and Melati Wijsen. Her creative pursuits include: facilitating community murals in Zambia, New Zealand and Indonesia, creating costumes from trash for Taiwan’s Dream Community festival, and drawing large illustrations about projected climate impacts in her community.

Together we dive into the importance of creative tools to drive the circular economy, protect our oceans and drive climate action.

Connect with Amy Insta: @amyspencerart www.amyspencerharff.com

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Continue with the Youth for The SDG's Series in partnership with Peace Boat US for the UN Ocean Decade of Science meet our next youth scholar Rigoberto Amaya!

Rigoberto is a third culture individual born in the countryside of Panama who moved to Southeast Asia at the age of thirteen to complete his middle and high school studies. Through his experience abroad, he developed a passion for cross-cultural exchange and recognized the disparities in access to quality air, water and natural resources.

Rigo is a firm believer that problems are best tackled through a multi-perspective approach and that current global issues need international collaboration and science-based actions in order to generate change. With a background in Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering focused on sustainability and process efficiency, Rigoberto has experience working in the energy sector at the regulatory level advancing the Energy Transition Agenda. He believes individuals must be lifelong learners and open-minded to be able to come together and mitigate the climate crisis. In his free time, you can find him playing sports, video and board games, as well as enjoying nature through hikes or scuba diving trips.

Together we explore SDG 7, the energy transition in Panama, the role of youth in achieving SDG 7 and the youth for the SDG's Program. If you would like to connect with Rigo be sure to follow him on

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Welcome to season 5 which is the Youth for the SDG’sspecial edition series in partnership with Peace Boat US dedicated towards the UN Ocean Decade of Science.

The Youth for the SDGs program is a unique experiential learning and capacity-building program for young activists and scholars engaged in SDG-related initiatives from the US and worldwide. Youth Programs take place onboard voyages conducted by Peace Boat, travelling on a large passenger ship that sails regionally and globally running education and advocacy programs focusing on nuclear disarmament, climate action, and sustainability, with partner organizations and communities around the world.

Youth for the SDGs programs average two weeks in length where participants visit three to five countries and all programs include Onboard activities such as presentations, workshops, cultural activities and port activities where we participate in specialised experiential study programs with NGOs, academic institutions, governmental entities, and communities working to address SDG-related issues such as climate change and sustainable development.

To kick things off meet Kneyone Murray, an Entrepreneur, Renewable Energy Consultant, and self-taught Abstract Artist from the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a Master of Science in Renewable Energy Technology from The University of The West Indies with a focus on the implementation of a biodigester in the educational system to promote waste management. He is also the founder of KneyzusEnergy a company focused on the energy transition in SIDS, a Global Ambassador for Blue Planet Alliance, a young ocean leader with Sustainable Ocean Alliance and now a youth for the SDG’s scholar. Additionally, Kneyone had the opportunity to participate in the UN Water Conference in New York and The Our Ocean Conference in Panama sharing a panel as the only youth with industry experts at the closing plenary. Presently he is completing a program on Project Management in Canada. His research is focused on sargassum seaweed and developing innovative solutions using bioenergy to reduce its negative impacts in the Caribbean.

Together we dive into his environmental journey, the program and his future plans!

To connect with Kneyone follow him on

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Linkedin

If you enjoyed the episode be sure to give the ecovybz podcast some love with a 5-star rating and follow us @ecovybz on all platforms.

Meet Saeed Hamid a Guyanese attorney-at-law with a keen interest in maritime law, environmental law, and human rights law. Driven by his experiences in the Caribbean region, he is constantly pursuing opportunities to contribute to the development of policies and legislation which target social and environmental issues. Saeed holds a Master of Laws from the University of Aberdeen, where he completed courses on international law, politics, environmental regulation, and human rights. Following private practice, Hamid served at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Guyana for two years, during which he participated in several national and international conferences and policy dialogues on numerous environmental matters, including Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). He is currently the international plastics fellow at New York University's Guarini Center and Plastics Advisor to the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the plastics pollution issues plaguing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and discuss the upcoming sessions on the road to a global plastics treaty. For more on Saeed be sure to follow him onInstagramand check out the additional resources below. 1. Recording of SIDS Talk Plastics: Part 1: Remediation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9glU9E7-Cdo&t=1087s2. Guarini Center's research on SIDS and Plastic pollution: https://guarinicenter.org/issues/oceans/plastics/ 3. Paper on States Submissions ahead of INC-2: https://guarinicenter.org/document/survey-of-state-inc-2-submissions/

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Meet Javier Pardo Díaz is a thesis student at the Biology School with an orientation in Marine Biology and Limnology at the University of Panama. He is currently working at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on long-term projects on water quality monitoring and mangrove restoration in the Bay of Panama. Since the beginning of his career, he has been part of different NGOs such as Sustainable Ocean Alliance Panama, Reef 2 Reef Foundation, and the Ghost Net Removal project with the Panama Aquatic Resources Authority, among others, and is an active volunteer for many other foundations that they seek a more sustainable future for all. Javier was one of the 77 young people selected to participate in the Youth Leadership Summit and the Our Ocean 2023 conference, he also participated as a delegate to CITES COP 19 in 2022, both held in the Republic of Panama. In addition to being part of research projects, he works as an underwater cameraman focused on environmental education, educating the civil community, young students, children, and adults.

In this Episode, Javier and I take a deep dive into the importance of coastal ecosystems in Panama and some of the issues the country faces when it comes to marine conservation. If you are interested in learning more about Javier be sure to follow him on Instagram.

Be sure to also follow @ecovybz on all platforms and if you would like to be featured on the podcast shoot me an email ecovybz@gmail.com and lets create some magic!

Meet Bodhi Patil! Bodhi is a 19-year-old ocean climate solutionist passionate about the interconnection between Ocean Health and Human Health (OHHH). As the founder ofInner Light and co-creator of@oceanuprise, Bodhi believes in the power that young people have to create impact at scale. He is a second-year student in the Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Management program at the University of British Columbia studying oceans, environmental action, and business. He co-founded Sea Dragon Studios (SDS), creative arts and digital media platform supporting youth-led, ocean-climate action and launchedOne World Breath. With a team of 4 fellow young impact makers, he co-won theUN Oceans Conference Youth & Innovation Forum with project INVASEA - Innovating with Invasive Species. Along with the 130 other incredible delegates of the forum, he is especially recognized by the United Nations as an esteemedocean activist. As an avid surfer, diver, kelp-lover, marine science nerd, ocean-climate solutionist, and hopeful realist, he loves mother nature deeply and truly believes that like the ocean, we are powerful creators that can make waves of positive impact.

In this episode, we dive into several things

• His Marine Conservation Journey
• Key Ocean and Climate takeaways from COP27
• The power of Kelp
• UN Ocean Conference
• Goals and Aspirations
• Advice

To learn more about Bodhi check out his linktree and be sure to connect with him!

As always be sure to follow @ecovybz on all platforms and I shall see you at the next one!