British SCUBA Diver, Emily Cunningham has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for services to marine conservation and coastal communities.
Emily, a marine biologist from Staffordshire, has worked at the frontline of ocean conservation for over a decade, both in the UK and overseas. She has led the development of two pioneering coastal conservation projects – securing over £5m in funding, served on the Board of the UK’s leading marine conservation organisation, and was named a Global 30 under 30 Environmental Leader in 2020. She previously managed a national dive survey programme which contributed to the designation of Marine Conservation Zones in England.
Emily says “I learnt to dive whilst at university in 2008 and it opened my eyes to the wonders of the underwater world, particularly the amazing life we have in British seas. It was that experience which led me to wanting to protect and conserve UK marine wildlife and I’m truly honoured to be awarded an MBE for my services to marine conservation and coastal communities.”
“Marine conservation is more than just my job, it has been my life, passion and mission for more than 20 years. It can be a tough and thankless task given the scale of the challenges facing our ocean, so to be recognised in this way means the world!”Emily’s work has taken her from Antarctica to the Amazon, but UK seas are still her favourite.