Meet the woman who struggled for five years to protect Cook Islands waters

Marine conservationist Jacqueline Evans recently won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her relentless five-year campaign to protect over 763,000 square miles of ocean from pollution, seabed mining, and overfishing.

She was instrumental in the passing of the Marae Moana legislation in the Cook Islands which was meant to protect the ocean territory rich with stunning array of marine biodiversity—including whales, sea turtles, manta rays, seabirds, several threatened shark species, and migrating humpbacks.

Despite how traditional Polynesian cultures have come to rely on large-scale commercial fishing, Evans spent five years tirelessly persuading, traveling, and advocating for the legislation’s approval.

Read more here: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/woman-wins-protection-for-over-763000-square-miles-of-ocean/