[Past] Meet the Institute: When Ecological Care Meets Economic Resilience
Join Gabbie Ledesma on November 27 at 2:30 (NL) / 1pm (ET) / 10am (PT) to explore how Shorefast’s Environmental Stewardship Program is building connections between community, ecology, and economy on Fogo Island. Using examples of our Pilot Seaweed Farm and Island-wide Community Science Initiatives, she’ll showcase how projects are designed collaboratively to keep community at the center.
We’ll discuss how a place-based approach can strengthen local ecosystems. We’ll see how environmental stewardship practices impact our community businesses and can even spark new economic opportunities. Finally, we’ll learn how centering community can transform both environmental and economic outcomes.
Gabbie Ledesma
Program Manager of Environmental Initiatives, Shorefast Foundation
With a background in research and science communication, Gabbie joined Shorefast focusing on geographic information systems, developing an online tool to communicate information about the coastal ecosystems of Fogo Island. In 2024, she relocated to Fogo Island to lead Shorefast's Environmental Program.
With a focus on finding innovative approaches to caring for the coastal ecosystem, Gabbie manages multi-faceted initiatives, including the Seaweed Pilot Project, island-wide community science Initiatives, and on-island youth programming.
Gabbie holds a Bachelor's from Iowa State University and a Masters of Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and is committed to fostering stronger connections between academia, government, and community.
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