Francklin Barbier

I have my entire life in Petite Riviere de Nippes, growing up with my family close to the ocean. Since childhood, I was passionate about the sea, but had no opportunities to learn about the marine environment until I became involved in Haiti Ocean Project in 2012. I always loved fishing and had an interest to learn more about the underwater environment and felt a need to want to help marine life. Since becoming a part of Haiti Ocean Project, I quickly realized my compassion would be a strength. From the first time I helped rescue a sea turtle, I decided to take on the role of sea turtle coordinator, which I have become recognized for. This year I have already saved over 150 sea turtles, many of them juvenile green sea turtles, which are the future generation of their species.

I am working as a coordinator and in partnership with Loggerhead Marine Life Center to create a Creole book written by seven Haitian youth about sea turtle conservation. I was awarded the North American Association for Environment Education (NAAEE) EE 30 Under 30 Class of 2021. I was the coordinator for Adobe Youth Voices program organizing workshops with youth to create digital storytelling using Adobe Photoshop and Premier Elements. I am a contributor to four abstracts accepted at four different conferences. I am a PADI advanced open water scuba diver and will be involved with a major coral reef restoration project in Haiti. Most recently I was named a fellow at the New England Aquarium's Marine Conservation Action Fund.

April 2023