Mexican Conservationist Andrea Saenz-Arroyo Awarded 2011 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation

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• Latin America - español

Project Focuses on Ocean Stewardship in Mexico and Other Countries

WASHINGTON, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Andrea Saenz-Arroyo, Ph.D., a science director at Comunidad y Biodiversidad A.C. (COBI) in Mexico, has been awarded the 2011 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. Her project will analyze what leads some communities to become more engaged than others in marine conservation initiatives. She also plans to create a science book and website on ocean stewardship, as well as hold a workshop with communities who have shown strong examples of dedication to conservation.

"With the support of the Pew Marine Fellowship, I will be able to further understand what conditions foster a strong marine preservation ethic, and share those findings with a wider audience," said Dr. Saenz-Arroyo. "I hope that my research will encourage others to begin protecting our world's oceans."

The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation is a prestigious program that gives recipients U.S. $150,000 for a three-year scientific research or conservation project designed to address critical challenges facing our oceans. Dr. Saenz-Arroyo will use her fellowship to examine cases of community stewardship for ocean conservation in Mexico and other countries and to promote these successes through popular media. She will hold a workshop with communities and foundations interested in furthering their efforts for ocean protection, with a focus on the financial aspects of establishing marine reserves. She will also release a popular science book and create a website on her findings.

"Dr. Saenz-Arroyo is taking a fascinating look inside why some communities choose to dedicate their time and resources toward conservation more than others," said Joshua S. Reichert, managing director of the Pew Environment Group. "Through her book, website and other channels, she will be able to reach a larger audience and inspire more communities to increase their efforts to protect ocean resources."

Dr. Saenz-Arroyo obtained a bachelors degree in marine biology from Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur, a masters in research in marine and coastal management from The University of York in the United Kingdom and a Ph.D. in environmental economics and management in 2005, also from The University of York. She joined COBI as an associate researcher in 2000. As of 2006, she is recognized as a researcher within the Mexican National Research System. In 2007, she was appointed to the position of adjunct professor at the University of Arizona and visiting professor at Universidad Nacional Autonoma Mexico (UNAM). She has published her work in prestigious scientific journals, as well as Mexican newspapers and magazines.

The Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation has awarded 119 fellowships to individuals from 30 countries. The Pew Fellowships in Marine Conservation fund science and other projects that address critical challenges in the conservation of the ocean, including communication of project information to increase awareness of global marine issues. Through a rigorous nomination and review process, an international committee of marine specialists selects Pew Fellows based on the strengths of their proposed projects, including their potential to protect ocean environments. Unique and timely projects led by outstanding professionals in their fields are chosen annually, targeting individuals who are mid-career. The program is managed by the Pew Environment Group, which is based in Washington, D.C.

More information about each of the 2011 Pew Fellows in Marine Conservation, including photographs and a video about the recipients, is available at www.pewmarinefellows.org.

The Pew Environment Group is the conservation arm of The Pew Charitable Trusts, a non-governmental organization that works globally to establish pragmatic, science-based policies that protect our oceans, preserve our wildlands and promote clean energy. www.PewEnvironment.org

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SOURCE Pew Environment Group