June 8, 2023
SINGAPORE (June 8, 2023) – Conservation International has announced the appointment of Dr. Siti Maryam Yaakub as Director, International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI). In her new role, Dr. Siti will lead the newly-formed Singapore-based Institute that is helping mitigate climate change through the restoration and protection of coastal blue carbon ecosystems. She was previously head of projects for nature-based and climate solutions at DHI Group, where she led the implementation of digital products in nature-based and green-grey solutions and projects.
The International Blue Carbon Institute, with support from the Singapore Economic Development Board, Amazon and other funders, aims to serve as a knowledge hub to build capacity, expertise, standards and methodology for developing and scaling urgently needed projects and policy for blue carbon habitats, that are key natural solutions in climate mitigation and adaptation. The Institute will work with governments across Southeast Asia and the Pacific to integrate blue carbon into climate change mitigation policies at international, regional, and local levels.
Dr. Siti, specifically, is focused on identifying and addressing the research gaps in blue carbon science in Asia Pacific, Latin America and Africa. Additionally, she will oversee the strategic direction of programs and partnerships to facilitate science, research and policy efforts while building out IBCI’s resource and knowledge hub. “I feel extremely privileged to take on the role of director and drive forward blue carbon capabilities in climate mitigation,” said Dr Siti. “Given how quickly things are evolving, there is an urgent need to consolidate existing knowledge, identify gaps in research and encourage more practitioners to embrace blue carbon and other nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation.”
“The time is now to continue understanding and investing in blue carbon and its ability to help mitigate climate change. Dr. Siti has the knowledge, experience and expertise to lead the International Blue Carbon Institute through this period of growth while expanding education for practitioners, policymakers and communities,” said Dr. Emily Pidgeon, Vice President, Ocean Science and Innovation at Conservation International.
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ABOUT CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL: Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Go to Conservation.org for more, and follow our work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.