Hi, I'm Veta Wade.

 

I'm a dedicated blue economy advisor, committed to working with forward-thinking and pragmatic organizations. My work focuses on developing holistic ocean management models that empower local communities, conserve ecosystems, and generate equitable economic opportunities. 

 

As the founder of Fish 'N Fins Inc., a non-profit  "think + do tank," we specialize in community-led approaches to ocean conservation. Our mission is to empower local communities to take an active role in protecting their marine environments, ensuring that conservation efforts are both sustainable and impactful. By integrating cultural heritage with modern conservation strategies, we create initiatives that resonate with the people and the places they serve.

 

Our expertise lies in:

 

Biodiversity Conservation: Designing and implementing strategies to protect and restore marine ecosystems, ensuring the survival of diverse species and habitats.

 

Marine Protection: Advising on policies and practices that safeguard our oceans from overexploitation and pollution, promoting sustainable fishing and marine spatial planning, that puts people first.

 

Circular Economies: Developing models that minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, fostering a shift from linear to circular economic systems.

 

Regenerative Tourism: Designing conservation and regenerative tourism offerings that have nature at the heart. Her goal is to develop a model that acts as a catalyst for destinations, promoting a systems approach to tourism where equal weight is given to people's well-being, the environment, and the economy.

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Community Engagement and Capacity Building: Empowering communities to lead in conservation efforts, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to make a lasting difference.

 

I find my greatest joy and purpose in nurturing the next generation of change-makers. I believe that empowering young leaders is essential for creating a sustainable future, and I am committed to sharing my knowledge and experiences to inspire and guide the next wave of environmental stewards.

 

My achievements include conceptualizing and delivering the Aqua Caribbean Blue Economy Conference, where I shared insights on innovative approaches to ocean governance. Additionally, I authored a white paper titled "Framework for the Equitable Caribbean Blue Economy," which highlights strategies for fostering community-led governance in ocean and coastal management.

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I've had the privilege of collaborating with awesome organizations like, Ocean Disvovery League, Environmental Defence Fund, Future of Fish, Bezos Family Foundation and Adoptacoastline, as well as local governments such as the Government of Montserrat and the Government of Barbados ( Fisheries Unit).

 

Through my work with Adoptacoastline, I've championed effective coastal stewardship practices, and my experience curating community empowerment initiatives is evident in my collaboration with Fish'N Fins Inc., and my ongoing project with the Montserrat Tourism Authority. In 2020, I was named finalised in the Global Ocean Awards, and in 2017, I was named Montserrat's Adventure Ambassador by the Caribbean Tourism Authority. I'm an advisor to the Government of Montserrat's Conservation and Environmental Management Act. 

 

If you’re interested in following my journey, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter or check out Micronews on my website. There, I share regular updates, insights, inspiration, and random thoughts about my work and the world of ocean conservation from a the perspective of a small, volcano island with big ocean space.

 

Why Work with Me?

 

Choosing to work with me means partnering with someone deeply committed to creating a sustainable and holistic future for our oceans and coastal communities. I make a real effort to highlight the critical human elements that are wrapped into our blue economy work that otherwise may go unmentioned. My approach is collaborative, community-focused, and rooted in humility and a genuine respect for the environment and the people who depend on it.

 

I bring a wealth of experience, a proven track record of success, and a passion for innovation to every project I undertake. Whether you're looking to develop sustainable tourism initiatives, implement marine conservation strategies, or build capacity within your community, I am here to help you achieve your goals while making a meaningful impact.

 

Let's work together to create a future where our oceans thrive, and communities are empowered to lead the way in conservation efforts.

 

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my work. I look forward to the opportunity to connect and collaborate in making a meaningful impact together.