My name is Laura Zaldívar and I grew up on the small island of Guanaja in Honduras, in a community of artisanal fishermen. I started diving about two years ago, and during my dives, I can see the difference between healthy, diseased, and over-exploited reefs. This experience helped me work better as coordinator of the environmental education and community development program, and involved the community in marine activities where they can immerse themselves and know the reality of the ecosystem on which they depend. My objective with this award is to secure new coral colonies through nurseries and restore areas affected with coral disease, involving volunteers and fishermen for conservation activities empowering communities.

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