Kristal Ambrose | |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Bahamian |
| Alma mater | Gannon University (BA) Dalhousie University (MS) |
| Occupation(s) | Marine biologist, environmental activist |
| Awards | Goldman Environmental Prize (2020), Environmental Youth Leader Award (2014) |
| Website | https://www.kristalambrose.com |
Kristal Ambrose is a Bahamian marine biologist and environmental activist. [1] In 2013, she founded the Bahamas Plastic Movement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing plastic pollution. [2] She was awarded the 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize for her work in convincing the Bahamian government to ban single-use plastics, including common disposable items like bags, straws, and containers. [3]
Ambrose's passion for conserving marine life began due to experiences she had in her early life. She would go swimming every day with her father and later worked at an aquarium. [4] Ambrose studied Fisheries Management and Aquaculture at Hocking College and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Gannon University. She also has a Master of Science in Marine Affairs from Dalhousie University. [5] Ambrose began studying for a Doctor of Philosophy at the World Maritime University in 2020. [6] [7] Her doctoral thesis is entitled "Contextual Barriers Facing Caribbean SIDS in the Global Governance of Plastic Pollution: Assessing the need for harmonised marine debris monitoring and contextual equity to support participation in the global plastics treaty negotiations by Caribbean SIDS". [8]
In 2013, Ambrose began working on a citizen science initiative called the Plastic Beach Project, studying the amount of plastic on beaches. [4] In 2014, she started a summer camp to educate young people about plastic pollution. [9] Alongside the Plastic Pollution Education and Ocean Conservation Camp, Ambrose also runs a Junior Plastic Warriors Environmental Program. [4] Ambrose is the founder of the Bahamas Plastic Movement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing plastic pollution. [2]
In April 2018, Ambrose successfully convinced the government of the Bahamas to ban single-use plastic bags, straws, cutlery, and expanded polystyrene cups and containers. The nationwide ban came into effect in January 2020. [3] She gained international recognition for her efforts to combat plastic pollution in the Bahamas, culminating in her receipt of the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2020. [10] Ambrose's initiatives have notably engaged local youth in environmental advocacy. [11]