A 14-year-old teen from Tiapapata has been recognised and appointed as a global teen Ocean Ambassador by the prestigious Manta Trust. 

The appointment of Elei Clarke is not only a significant milestone for her but also for the Pacific island nation as a whole. 

The Ocean Ambassador programme, spearheaded by the Manta Trust, serves as a platform to unite passionate youths aged between 13-18 years from diverse backgrounds across the globe, all sharing a common goal of advocating for ocean conservation and marine science. 

Following a rigorous selection process, which saw a staggering 172 applications from 31 countries, Elei emerged as one of the 16 chosen ambassadors. 

Notably, she is one of only two representatives from the Pacific islands selected for this esteemed global team.

The primary objective of the Ocean Ambassadors is to utilise their creativity and communication skills to propagate positive messages regarding the ocean. 

They will be tasked with developing projects to promote ocean science and conservation within their respective schools and local communities. 

Moreover, the ambassadors will have the invaluable opportunity to directly engage with leading marine scientists, conducting interviews to address the critical challenges facing our oceans today.

Expressing her passion for ocean conservation, Elei remarked, “I love the ocean and everything in it. 

"Growing up in Samoa, the ocean is around us and sustains us. I'm passionate about ocean conservation and I want to help people understand how beautiful and important the ocean is for all of us.”

The Manta Trust, a renowned global ocean conservation non-government organisation headquartered in Britain, envisions a sustainable future where manta rays and their counterparts thrive in healthy, diverse marine ecosystems. 

With affiliated projects spanning across major oceans worldwide, including the Pacific, the Manta Trust remains committed to its mission. 

In the Pacific region alone, the organisation is actively involved in conservation efforts in countries such as Fiji, Palau, Guam, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Hawaii, and French Polynesia. 

Through its comprehensive education initiatives, the Manta Trust provides teaching resources, activities, and video materials, further nurturing a culture of ocean stewardship among the younger generation.

Elei, a former student of Vaiala Beach School and Brilliant Star Montessori School, is currently pursuing her high school education in New Zealand. 

She is the daughter of Supreme Court Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke and senior lawyer Fiona Ey.

Elei's appointment as a global Ocean Ambassador not only underscores her dedication to ocean conservation but also serves as a beacon of hope for the future of our oceans, showcasing the potential for positive change driven by the enthusiasm and commitment of young advocates like her.