An experienced marine biologist from Mozambique, Yudmila has been studying local marine ecosystems and is currently finishing her master’s degree in marine science at Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo. Throughout her career she has been part of a wide range of conservation projects working with different ecosystems and species and thanks to her academic background in conservation and biology together with her interest in sustainable development and conservation, she has been able to work on projects that tackle not only biodiversity conservation problems but also the role of local communities in ecosystem protection frameworks. From the ecosystem dynamics of dugong feeding grounds, to predicting the effects of ocean acidification on marine life, Yudmila is now part of Love The Oceans, working to protected the marine life in Jangamo Bay using a holistic strategy. Through the prestigious PCLM (Mozambique Conservation Leadership Program) funded by Biofund Yudmila has been joined LTO as our intern and has since progressed to a full time staff member.

Mario is our in-country storyteller and a recent graduate from our Ocean Conservation Champion Program (read more about our OCCs on our Education and Capacity-Building page). After attending our marine resource management lessons in his free periods, Mario joined our swimming program and quickly moved through the ranks and joined our OCC program. A quick learner, Mario took up English lessons of his own volition as the qualifications we sponsor our OCCs are often sponsored by British companies with much of the materials in English. Since then, Mario has completed his PADI Advanced Open Water and is spending a lot of time behind a lens, learning the art of conservation storytelling to enable us to document our work and share it with the world.

Bento is our Conservation Officer and a recent graduate from our Ocean Conservation Champion Program (Read more about our OCCs on our Education and Capacity Building page). After joining our swimming program at age 17, with his determined and dedicated attitude he progressed quickly to our advanced swimming class. He enrolled in our OCC program, learning English, finishing high school, completing his PADI Advanced Scuba certification and he's currently training to become a swimming instructor to help teach younger children to swim. Bento's enthusiasm for the ocean is crucial in his work with Love The Oceans and influences everyone surrounding him. He's currently working towards enrolling in his Bachelors in Marine Biology.