Sea Ranger Service Founder On Thinking Big And Acting Bold

credit: Blue and You Foundation Arkansas Official Website

"They call it sea blindness because we turn our backs to the sea," says Dutch conservationist Wietse van der Werf.

"We're inward looking as our lives and the world happens on land."

So he decided to do something about it.

As an engineer on ships in Antarctica, van der Werf witnessed the effects of climate change and found himself "witnessing the effects of climate change with my own eyes," he tells the New York Times.

So he founded Sea Ranger Service, "a business in fields in which traditionally only charities and philanthropic funds have made an impact," he says.

Instead of focusing on one issue at a time, Sea Ranger Service focuses on multiple issues at once.

For example, it aims to restore 1 million hectares of ocean biodiversity and train 20,000 young people for maritime careers by 2040.

It also deals with unemployment in the marine industries and illegal activity in protected areas.

"I spent a few years investigating the dark corners of the fishing industry and noticed high unemployment in the coastal areas with very few opportunities for young people," van der Werf tells the Times.

So the idea of a tiered service was born.

"These problems access each other's solution," he says.

Read the Entire Article

A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.

How's Your Community Doing?
Check Out it's
Community Vital Signs

€�world Calls on China to Lead”: Urgent Climate Demands Escalate Ahead of Pivotal Global ...

"World Calls on China to Lead": Urgent Climate Demands Escalate Ahead of Pivotal Global Sustainability Transition Conference.China is positioned to lead global climate action with its dominance in...more

New Report Calls For Collective Action to Combat Asia's Growing Antimicrobial Resistance Threat

Report outlines four high-impact intervention areas from education and prevention to surveillance and treatment to guide funders and partners.AMR could cost Asia up to US$700 billion by 2050 and...more

Mcgregor Lakes Area Foundation Awards $8,000 in Local Grants

The McGregor Lakes Area Foundation (MLAF) continues to make a meaningful impact by investing in the people and programs that strengthen the region.MLAF is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in...more

Leuven's Lighthouse Districts: Illuminating Pathways to Green Heat

Leuven's Pilot City Activity aims to decarbonise heating in the city.The new heating systems will rely on green heating technologies that minimise environmental impact by reducing fossil fuel...more

Government Urged to Focus on High Impact Investment

National Planning Secretary Koney Samuel says the government must focus on high impact investments to transform the economy in the next five to 10 years.Mr Samuel said the country cannot afford to...more

Abc Impact Closes Fund II At Over Usd 600 Million, Doubling Fund Size With Commitments ...

ABC Impact, the Asia-focused impact investment firm, has successfully completed the final closing of its second fund at over USD 600 million.ADB's investment in ABC Impact Fund II reflects our...more

Catalyst Partnership Grants Showcase

Game-changing heart health innovations pitched live at inaugural Catalyst Partnership Grants Showcase.The two-day event, held at the Grand Hyatt on 25 26 March, brought together more than 300 people...more

'Crucial For Climate Impact': Ag Startups From Apac Sought For New Accelerator Programme

'Crucial for climate impact': Ag startups from APAC sought for new accelerator programme.Ten founders will be selected, with the programme culminating in a demo day on Thursday, November 6 in...more

ABC Impact Unveils 2024 Impact Review, Transforming Tomorrow: Investing in Real-World Solutions

ABC Impact's 2024 Impact Review highlights the firm's continued growth and strategic focus across sectors vital to Asia's sustainable development.The firm remains committed to deploying capital into...more

Impact in Listed Equities Can Deliver Competitive Returns, Report.

Impact in listed equities can deliver competitive returns, report says.Report by Schroders and the Said Business School.Findings challenge the assumption that purpose-driven investing requires...more