In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Carlos Mallo, the founder and CEO of Innoceana, an innovative marine conservation organization. Carlos shares his journey from being an engineer to a marine conservationist, highlighting the pivotal moments that led him to launch Innoceana.

Carlos grew up in Spain, surrounded by the ocean, which instilled in him a deep love for marine environments. He initially pursued a career in engineering, focusing on construction projects related to harbors and marinas. However, after a transformative trip to Thailand, where he volunteered at a marine conservation center, Carlos realized he wanted to dedicate his life to ocean conservation. This experience ignited his passion and prompted him to leave his stable engineering job.

Upon returning to Spain, Carlos faced the challenge of starting a non-profit organization without a clear plan. Encouraged by a contact from the Ministry of Environment, he gathered friends and family to help establish Innoceana. With limited resources, he relied on his savings and small grants to fund the organization in its early years.

Carlos's engineering background played a crucial role in shaping Innoceana's approach. He identified a gap in the conservation field where engineers could contribute significantly, particularly in assessing environmental conditions and developing innovative solutions. His first project involved collaborating with local dive centers in Thailand to measure water quality, which laid the groundwork for future initiatives.

Innoceana has since expanded its reach, focusing on community engagement and capacity building. Carlos emphasizes the importance of working with local communities to empower them in marine conservation efforts. The organization has launched various projects, including coral restoration, whale monitoring, and plastic cleanup initiatives, while also establishing a marine conservation center in the Canary Islands.

Overall, Carlos Mallo's journey illustrates the power of passion, innovation, and community collaboration in driving marine conservation efforts through Innoceana.

Website: https://innoceana.org/