Lucia McKinnon is an 18-year-old student from Maui, Hawai’i. With a passion for wildlife conservation, she has involved herself in numerous environmental endeavors since the start of high school. By volunteering weekly at the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute since 2022, she dedicates her time to rescuing and rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles as well as contributing to the restoration of coral reefs. As a World Wildlife Fund Panda Ambassador and club president, she strives to promote and practice environmental stewardship. Additionally, she works to enhance ecological biodiversity as a beekeeper, expressing her love for all creatures. Her extensive experience with wildlife conservation organizations has led her to become a dedicated proponent of the preservation of animals and their natural habitats. Lucia joined the Earth Echo International Ambassadorship program to deepen her knowledge of the natural world around her and engage youth to take action to foster ocean conservation, aspiring to achieve the 30% of protected ocean by 2030 campaign.

Campaign Impact

Lucia McKinnon worked to increase awareness and support for Marine Protected Areas, specifically the proposed Pacific Remote Islands and Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuaries through educational outreach for the duration of her fellowship. Lucia collaborated with the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute to engage 10 summer groups in July, youth ages 12-20, and from 19 U.S. states to create statements and art pieces that support protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. Before the art activity she gave 20+ minute presentations about the 30x30 campaign for each group. Throughout July the MOCMI posted pictures and information about Lucia’s project on their Instagram page. After collecting 137 ocean-related paintings on 4x4 canvases and 100+ statements supporting ocean protection, Lucia held three presentations open to the public at the Maui Ocean Center to speak about 30x30, the Pacific Remote Islands and Papahānaumokuākea proposed National Marine Sanctuaries, and her project. The statements and art pieces are displayed on a website, which is accessible to the public and will be sent to decision-makers to express youth commitment to advancing ocean protection.

“My time as an Ocean Protection Ambassador with EarthEcho International has truly been an incredible experience. From participating in Capitol Hill Ocean Week to working on my campaign, I have learned so much that has allowed me to give back to my community. I am even more inspired and motivated to make change and protect the ocean as a result of participating in this fellowship.”

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