Group Y Content : Innovating For Impact

In this Week’s Group Y Content, Nick Strong-Cvetich, CEO of Save the Waves Coalition, talks about the intersection of surfing, conservation, and community empowerment—a journey that has transformed the organization from a small operation into a global force for protecting surf ecosystems across 15 countries.

Innovating For Impact

The Intersection of Surf Culture and Environmental Conservation

In this episode of Group Y Live, host Oli Russell-Cowan welcomes Nik Strong-Cvetich, the CEO of Save the Waves Coalition, to discuss his journey in conservation, the importance of surf ecosystems, and the organization's impactful work around the globe.

Nik shares his background, revealing that he grew up in Washington State, where his early experiences with nature and surfing shaped his passion for conservation. He explains how his upbringing, coupled with his professional experiences in ecotourism and water resource management, led him to Save the Waves, where he has been instrumental in expanding the organization from a small team to a robust coalition of 14 members working in 15 countries.

The conversation delves into the evolution of Save the Waves' flagship program, the World Surfing Reserve, which recognizes and protects outstanding surf breaks. Nik highlights the significance of these reserves in promoting both tourism and conservation, using the example of Portugal's surf culture and its successful integration into the local economy. He emphasizes the collaborative nature of their projects, noting that Save the Waves works alongside local communities, NGOs, and government entities to ensure the protection of surf ecosystems.

Nik also discusses the challenges faced by surf communities, such as the recent developments threatening Uluwatu in Bali, and how Save the Waves provides a voice for local advocates who may feel intimidated to speak out against powerful interests. He shares insights into the organization's approach to addressing these challenges, including the innovative idea of creating an insurance product for surf breaks to protect local economies from climate-related disruptions.

"I think it's exciting that people are starting to see it as a real next step as being kind of an important resource to protect."

Throughout the episode, Nik reflects on the importance of storytelling and data in advocating for surf conservation, as well as the need for a more integrated approach to ocean conservation that includes the growing surf community. He encourages listeners to get involved with Save the Waves through various initiatives, including their mobile app, fundraising efforts, and community campaigns.

The episode concludes with a discussion about Nik's new podcast, "The Lead," which aims to share leadership lessons from successful conservationists and inspire others in the field. He expresses his desire to open-source these insights to improve conservation outcomes and foster a collaborative spirit within the community.

Listen To Group Y Live Podcast on:
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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Importance of Community Engagement: You can engage with your own communities to raise awareness about local environmental issues and support conservation efforts.

• Innovative Solutions for Conservation: The development of tools like the Save the Waves mobile app and climate insurance for surf communities demonstrates the potential for creative solutions in conservation. You can think outside the box to develop innovative strategies in your own fields.

• Collaboration is Key: Successful conservation efforts often involve partnerships with various stakeholders, including NGOs, local governments, and community members. You can apply this collaborative approach in your own work by seeking partnerships that enhance your impact.

• Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Nik emphasizes the need for leaders to learn from their experiences and adapt their strategies. You can adopt a mindset of continuous improvement in your career, seeking feedback and learning from successes and failures.

ALSO WATCH / LISTEN

Group Y Live : Florian Klaass

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