Kovalam & Vizhinjam, India

After extensive research and planning we chose Kovalam & Vizhinjam in southern Kerala as the location for our inaugural Global Program for a number of reasons. Two of the driving factors in this decision were the enormous pollution, over-fishing, and waste management issues facing the ocean in the region; as well as the fantastic community work of Sebastian Indian Social Projects, who we believed would make the perfect Global Partner.

The team assessing the polluted estuary, Gangaya , in Vizhinjam Harbour. — The team assessing the polluted estuary, *Gangaya*, in Vizhinjam Harbour.

One of our waste management Ambassadors, Liberty, teaching the kids about marine pollution at our partner school; Sebastian Indian Social Projects . — One of our waste management Ambassadors, Liberty, teaching the kids about marine pollution at our partner school; *Sebastian Indian Social Projects*.

Our first Global Ambassador Adventure took place in February / March 2017. Our 6 Ambassadors and 2 PCFML staff brought with them extensive experience in a wide variety of fields, which contributed to the development of our Marine Conservation Masterplan, (released in February 2018), as well as the opening of our on-ground Marine Conservation Centre in Eve's Beach (opened in April 2018) by our 3 Global Program Coordinators. The centre is a hub for locals and tourists to share ideas, learn more about the ocean and how to conserve it, whilst developing new skills to move toward a more sustainable future where conservation is worth more than exploitation.