Photo courtesy of Joshua Prentice
Joshua Prentice is an ecologist from Trinidad and Tobago with a keen interest on how public policy can limit the harmful effects of climate change and industrial activities on the environment. He is also a global coordination team member of the UNEP Major Group for Children and Youth as well as the UN Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform. He also served as the Deputy National Coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network for Trinidad and Tobago. In an interview, he shared his hopes for the Seventh GEF Assembly and offered a message to today’s political and business leaders.
What does your work entail?
I am heavily focused on the fields of geospatial technology and climate change adaptation, which aided by my educational background in ocean and environmental sciences/management.
I have worked on multiple environmental projects, mainly focused on mapping the density of marine debris within coastal ecosystems, and building capacity about the risks of coastal erosion.
Currently, I am conducting research on forest fire mapping and working on a forest fire risk index for Trinidad and Tobago.
If you could say one thing to today’s political and business leaders, what would it be?
"We owe it to future generations to achieve current economic and development goals sustainably."
What are your other interests and hobbies?
Outside of my professional pursuits, I enjoy engaging in intellectual challenges such as chess and finding solace in nature through activities like fishing, free diving, and hiking. I also take joy in writing and reading science fiction.
What are you looking forward to at the GEF Assembly?
I am looking forward to making professional connections as well as examining the state of biodiversity projects and programs. Most importantly, I am eagerly awaiting the launch of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund.
