Having completed his degree last year, Zach has become the Project Manager and Research Co-ordinator of an Indonesian NGO which he co-founded in 2017.

The volunteering, non-profit organisation aims to conserve coral reef ecosystems, whilst providing local people with sustainable livelihoods. As Project Manager, Zach is responsible for overseeing a team of fishermen and international volunteers to run projects including building Indonesia’s largest artificial reef, establishing a plastic recycling centre and creating a conservation and sustainable living educational programme, taught to over 500 children.

In addition, Zach oversees an internationally funded artificial reef research programme and a turtle conservation area which is supported by the Indonesian Government.

Zach says: “One of my proudest achievements is the start-up of a long-term research programme here, as part of my PhD with ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥. This research collaboration brings together Indonesian scientists from universities and government institutions with those based in the UK. Previous units from my undergraduate degree have given me a broad skillset and new knowledge which really helped with getting this underway.â€

Factfile

Name: Zach Boakes
Age:Ìý24
Job role: Project Manager/Research Co-ordinator
Organisation: North Bali Reef Conservation
Course studied: BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
Graduated: 2020

What their colleagues say

Zach’s work has left a long-lasting impact on our organisation, especially in terms of research. Zach is currently undertaking a PhD, and is running a long-term artificial reef research programme. He works closely with academics from ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, as well as local researchers to publish this research, which has since informed Indonesian policy makers."

Ketut De Sujana Mahartana, Co-Founder, North Bali Reef Conservation