Sea Star of the Month: Dany Ko

Dany is currently working on Cross-Canada Conservation Collaborations, also known as 4CE.  Through this initiative, they hope to connect folks to eco-action wherever they are by highlighting eco-action initiatives across Canada and encouraging people to take action wherever, whenever, and however they can.  They are collaborating with different eco-action organizations and initiatives to host experiences that prioritize historically marginalized science enthusiasts. This includes shoreline cleanups, birding, whale watching, and more! 

In all of their science communication work, it’s been impossible for Dany ignore the elephant in the room: that science has historically been exclusionary and exploitative of various groups of people, including BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIAP+ folks, and disabled folks. They identify as all three and, even as a financially privileged, landed immigrant with a Bachelor’s degree, Dany has faced both hostility and barriers in the marine and environmental sectors. Their project aims to not only bridge and mend gaps in trust, but to include historically marginalized people from the get-go in building those relationships.  That way, people can use their self-defined relationships to the land, the sea, and each other to inform their paths to ocean conservation while also bringing others into it.  Because we all deserve a say in our waterways! 

Through the Ocean Wise Eco-Action Accelerator (EAA) program, Dany has already had the opportunity to attend a four day retreat full of lovely teachings and amazing folks. This opportunity has also provided them with the time and space needed to reflect on what they really want to do with 4CE and how they can acheive it!

Thanks to their participation in this microgrant program, they’ve already been able to make meaninglful connections, and will be hosting tons of events from the end of July into October. 

When asked if they had advice to other youth in environmental spaces, Dany shared, “Take care of yourself! It’s not uncommon to burn yourself out, to get demotivated, or to face barriers. It’s more common, indeed, if you’re at the intersections of various identities that have historically been oppressed; we have to work much harder for much longer. The reality is, you matter too.  Take a break, drink some water, and build your community! People have your back, even if it’s hard to believe sometimes. You’ve got this—it’s only a matter of time, and you’ve got more of it than you realize.” 

Outside of EAA, Dany has spent a lot of time sighing over programs they wish they could be a part of!  They hope to continue working with Ocean Wise in some way after 4CE wraps up.