6 months in, and I’m figuring it’s time to introduce myself! I’m Eline, the new-ish Environment Officer and Marine Biologist at Soneva Kiri. Being Dutch-Thai, it is such a blessing to have been able to return to my home country and work on the things that matter to me most.
Growing up in Thailand and having dived from the age of 12, I witnessed the negative impacts of overfishing, climate change, and mass tourism on our fragile marine ecosystems firsthand. This inspired me to pursue a career in marine conservation, and it seems like my dream has come true sooner than I could ever have imagined.
After finishing my masters degree in Amsterdam, where I specialised in Science Communication, I got a job at a seal rehabilitation and research centre, where I worked in the education department and got to focus all my energy on raising awareness on marine pollution.
Two years, one recycled yoga wear business, and a plastic straw campaign later, I’m doing the exact same thing in the country of my choice, and more! From the moment I saw a Soneva brochure, I knew it was a company I wanted to work for. What inspires me most is the amount of community outreach we do. I truly believe that in order to create long lasting change, we need to start with education. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such an enthusiastic team, and hope to be able to inspire the youngest community members to be part of the change.
And perhaps the best part of being based on Koh Kood is that our bay is home to one of the healthiest corals I have ever seen in Thailand, and that the breathtaking national park of Koh Rang is only a 25 minute boat ride away. I look forward to showing you around!
By E.P.