Sylvanna Antat is a social scientist with experience in protected area management, scientific research, coastal and marine science, strategic planning, policy, environmental education, leadership and management, capacity building and networking. She holds a Master of Philosophy in Conservation Leadership from the University of Cambridge. She is an EDGE Zoological Society of London Fellow, Mandela Washington Fellow and Earth-Watch alumni. She is also a trainer in stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, negotiation and capacity building.
Her vision as the Seychelles Country Coordinator, is to encourage the development of a vibrant and collaborative regional community that gives priority to the sustainable management of the western Indian Ocean. She will support the strengthening of regional capacity for marine research, promote innovation within scientific initiatives and ensure that Indigenous and local knowledge are inherent in WIOMSA’s efforts. She will support the building of strong partnerships among scientists, policymakers, stakeholders and local communities across the region; facilitating knowledge exchange and network-building and promoting policies and strategies informed by robust scientific data.