2026

Biography: Asiem Sanyal is a marine biologist and conservationist interested in the overlapping spheres of biodiversity research, sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities dependent on ecosystem resources, and environment-focused education. He has lived and worked on different islands around the world, from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in India to Cabo Verde, Madagascar, Timor-Leste, and more recently, Príncipe Island on São Tomé and Príncipe. Asiem employs a holistic approach to his work, collaborating with local communities to develop and implement long-term strategies for conservation. He holds a master’s degree in marine science, another in ecology, evolution, and conservation, and has been a member of IUCN’s Sirenia Species Specialist Group and a 2024 Kinship Conservation Fellow. As well as being a PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor, Asiem is also a creative, and utilizes his nature-themed creative writing and artwork to communicate natural science and the importance of conservation to a wide range of audiences.

Biography: Abrar Shahriyar Mridha is an impact finance and systems transformation practitioner working at the intersection of entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development across emerging markets. He has built his career from the private to international development across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He has spent the past decade bridging the gap between communities, enterprises, and capital, with experiences spanning blended finance, catalytic capital, enterprise development, and innovation ecosystems and a focus on designing systems that foster both livelihoods and environmental resilience. Abrar’s work is rooted in a simple question: how can financial systems better serve the people and ecosystems on which economies depend? He is particularly interested in the intersection of climate innovation, blue economy development, and community-centered finance. At BPA, he hopes to explore how place-based investment and regenerative finance models can translate community aspirations into long-term ecological and economic prosperity. 

Biography: Julie  Kuchepatov is the founder of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) where she develops the organization’s strategic vision, spearheads fundraising efforts, and uplifts and amplifies women in the global seafood sector. She has expertise in two global movements: sustainable seafood and fair trade and has spent her career working to address some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges in global seafood production. Her career in fisheries and conservation began in the remote Russian Arctic in 1994 as  part of a team running one of the most successful Atlantic salmon sport fishing lodges in the world.

Biography: Ruby has over 20 years of experience in ESG, sustainability, social innovation, and impact investing. She has served dozens of multinational corporations as well as state-owned and central enterprises, with a track record of investing in and incubating various social enterprises. Before co-founding Impact Hub Shanghai, she served as Partner of SynTao. Ruby is Fudan Lin-gang Industrial Innovation Platform Mentor. She graduated from Wuhan University. Founded in 2017, Impact Hub Shanghai is dedicated to supporting innovations that address the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ruby's preferred SDGs are No Poverty, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Responsible Consumption and Production.

Biography: Alejandra V. González is a Chilean marine biologist, associate professor from Universidad de Chile, working at the intersection of science, innovation, public policy, and coastal communities to advance climate-resilient ocean restoration. Her research explores how conserving local genetic diversity can strengthen kelp forests as nature-based solutions for biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and socio-ecological resilience. Through interdisciplinary partnerships with artisanal fishers, women-led organizations, governments, and international networks, she co-produces actionable knowledge that connects research with real-world impact. Passionate about outreach and capacity building, she promotes collaborative approaches that integrate scientific innovation, local stewardship, and evidence-based policy to build resilient coastal futures.

Biography: Joy Endraca is an entrepreneur and Founder of Man.Grove Collective, an enterprise based in Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines. She works with coastal communities to develop nature-based enterprises that support livelihoods and ecosystem health, with a focus on eco-tourism, regenerative seaweed farming, mangrove conservation, and environmental education. Her work builds on nearly a decade of experience in community development, including Sustainable Integrated Area Development approaches that connect conservation, livelihoods, and local enterprise. As a 2025 Blue Pioneers Accelerator fellow, she was part of the Circle of Hope team, which received seed funding to advance community-led approaches to coastal resilience.

Biography: Growing up in cities, but focusing on rural China, LUO Yi, the founder of the "Lao Tu" social enterprise, is committed to urban and rural sustainable development, especially consumer and youth education. Laotu uses storytelling to promote rural sustainable development and leading green lifestyles. Yi graduated with a master's degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago and BA of History and Environmental Analysis from Claremont McKenna College in the US. Yi is 2018 UNEP China Youth Champion, 10 Excellent Youth of Shenzhen City, 2019 China Top 10 Under 30 Social Innovator, 2020 G20 Young Global Changer, Homeward Bound Antarctica Global Women Leadership member, and 2021 GenT. Yi is also a documentary filmmaker, curator, and lyricist.

Biography: Nakita is a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship, she has spent the past decade advancing conservation across the region, with a particular focus on protecting marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Her career spans a diverse range of roles—from marine and terrestrial conservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable infrastructure development, to managing waste, water, and energy systems within the hospitality industry. At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to driving meaningful behaviour change through education, outreach, and inclusive engagement. Nakita thrives on building strong partnerships across sectors and cultures, believing that holistic collaboration and clear strategic direction are essential to tangible impact. As a 2025 BPA fellow, she is keen to be part of the upcoming Zanzibar Oasis Investing Program in order to deepen practical understanding of how a high-impact conservation accelerator is designed, delivered, and funded in a different regional context. She hopes to identify best practices and lessons that can be adapted to a Caribbean Accelerator.

Biography: At Fundación Capital Azul, Rodrigo leads the development of Chile’s first network of TURF Reserves in partnership with artisanal fishing organizations and Indigenous associations. His work combines science, community governance, and market-based solutions for conservation to restore coastal ecosystems, strengthen local economies, and build long-term financial sustainability. With more than eight years of experience in marine conservation, Rodrigo has also led scientific and documentary expeditions across Chilean Patagonia. A former university lecturer and Kinship Conservation Fellow, he brings an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach to complex coastal challenges. Outside the office, his preferred commute involves a drysuit and a dive boat.