Day 3 of BGIC 2018

Today marks the third day of the 14th annual BGIC. The day started off with a question and answer session with our two amazing speakers, Danni Washington and Anna Oposa.

The students were filled with buzzing questions to ask our speakers regarding the issue about life below water. When asked about what message they want to give to all the students present, Anna said that "It starts with individual actions and letting people know about what's happening in the ocean. Start off locally and within yourself, research and get your facts right."

Danni on the other hand stated that " I think the biggest lesson that I hope you get away from this experience is that your voice matters. Never think that it's too early to start making a change and difference. You can begin at whatever age. Its even better that you start now, you all have fresh ideas, you are not jaded by the world. We want you to take advantage of that right now and not to be afraid because we line in a beautifully digitally connected world and you have the power to share your voice and your opinions however you want to."

Interview with Danni Washington

She is a co-founder of 'Big Blue & You' and the host of TV show called 'Nature Knows Best'. This year she came to BGIC to be a one of he guest for this year's topic. She thinks that BGIC is an incredible experience that is meaningful to every student and it is an excellent idea for young people to talk about global issues. Her main focus of coming to BGIC was to share her journey as a science media host and an ocean advocate. To raise awareness about this year's theme, students can support by simply realizing that water is life. All the life below water is connected to us and it also helps to support our lives. Water provides peace, joy, recreation and all types of things that really enhance our lives everyday day. So, she definitely feels motivated to protect life below water.

A message for future marine biologists and ocean advocates. "Do something about a problem that you think needs to be solved and innovate. We need innovators to come up with new ideas of how we can solve these ideas. If we all tackle those problems to our gifts and talents we will find solutions."

Interview: Anna Oposa

The networks built amongst the Delegates were what was most interesting to Anna Oposa. In BGIC, students are put into forums where they're not familiar with anybody; they may come from different schools or classes, and the Delegates have to work together with them. There may be people that they will become friends with for life or attend college with, and at one point they may even work with some of them. Here ulterior motive in BGIC was to share what she has been doing in the Philippines and what young people can do especially to protect their oceans.

Her message to future marine biologists and aspiring environmentalist is that: "There are many ways to support life underwater, first look at your consumption patterns and ways to reduce it, especially with single-use plastics, there are many ways to reduce that so that you don't end up adding more trash to the sea and just learning more about stuff. Whether it's about marine animals in captivity or debris or seafood and looking it up online and what you can do to help that situation."