~ Nature Foundation’s In-No-Plastic Project Assistant ~
By Foresee Foundation
Zakiya Peterson, the assistant for the In-No-Plastic Project at Nature Foundation St. Maarten, is Nature Foundation’s first Spotlight for 2023. She was selected for Spotlight because she has a passion for the environment and marine animals.
Zakiya’s work with Nature Foundation is about safeguarding and enhancing the natural environment of St. Maarten for generations to come. The foundation wishes to remind the community of St Maarten that volunteers are still needed to help with various projects – and this includes the In-No-Plastic Project. The Nature Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that aims to preserve and protect the nature of St. Maarten for generations to come.
How does Zakiya contribute to making your organization better?
Zakiya was born in Connecticut (USA) and raised in St. Maarten and has always had a passion for the ocean, scuba diving, and learning about the environment. Zakiya went to St. Maarten Academy (Academic) and then furthered her studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at Florida Agricultural and Medical University (FAMU) Class of Fall 2021. She has contributed a lot of her knowledge and passion towards the environment and marine animals for the organization. She is also very enthusiastic to safeguard and enhance the natural environment of St. Maarten for generations to come.
Give some examples of activities or projects that Zakiya has participated in to make your organization more effective?
Some of the activities and projects that she has participated in include assisting with the In-No-Plastic water sampling, marine litter monitoring on and offshore, coastal and underwater clean-ups, and plastic education and events. When not working on In-No-Plastic – a three-year project funded with a 7.4 million Euro grant to be distributed among all partners from the European Union H2020 research project – Zakiya assists our field ranger in conducting marine park patrols, maintaining dive moorings, and responding to environmental incidents, while actively promoting and educating our community on the importance of environmental awareness.
What are Zakiya’s best qualities that help make your organization a success?
Besides her extensive diving skills in recreational, commercial, and scientific diving fields, Zakiya’s best qualities that help make Nature Foundation a success are her positive attitude, drive, and motivation to see a healthy change in St. Maarten’s environment. She is pleasant to work with, dedicated, and always willing to learn/help a fellow colleague.
How can someone sign up to volunteer or support your organization?
Nature Foundation can always use volunteers, specifically with beach monitoring and clean-up activities to assist Zakiya in her work.
Contact info for those who are interested in joining Nature Foundation as a volunteer:
Phone: +1 (721) 544-4267 / Website: https://naturefoundationsxm.org / Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Facebook: naturefoundationsxm / Instagram: Volunteer.sx.
