News

Emily was thrilled to receive her Rising Star Award at an (online) ceremony yesterday, Thursday 15 July 2021.

Emily won this award for her work for England’s coast and its communities, notably her work to make the ocean and its stewardship a part of more people’s lives.

Read more about the category winners at Rising Star Awards Charity & Not-For-Profit Winners 2021 (wearethecity.com)

Emily has won a national Rising Star Award for her work for England’s coast and its communities.

Read more at: Rising Star Awards Charity & Not-For-Profit Winners 2021 (wearethecity.com)

The awards were entered by over 1,000 individuals and were judged by a panel of 51
independent judges. Over 40,000 public votes of support were received for the 200
shortlisted nominees from across 115 countries.

The 2021 winners, judges, sponsors and supporters will be invited to a prestigious ceremony,
with more details to be announced at a later date.

The WeAreTheCity Rising Stars Awards are the first to focus on the achievements of women below Senior Management or Director level – representing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders.

Emily is one of 10 nominees shortlisted in the Charity and Not-for-Profit category.

You can read Emily’s shortlisting here: Emily Cunningham | South Tyneside Council (wearethecity.com).

*Voting closed*

Emily was honoured to be asked to be an opening speaker at the We Are Ocean Summit 2021, an international gathering of people working to accelerate ocean literacy.

Held on 29 January 2021, it was an inspiring event and wonderful to hear so many perspectives on what action needs to happen NOW to engage people in ocean recovery efforts.

You can listen to Emily’s talk on Emily Cunningham – YouTube

I’m honoured to announce that I have been selected as a 30 under 30 global environmental leader by the NAAEE. Media release pasted below, all queries to emily@emilycunningham.co.uk

British Marine & Coastal Specialist Emily Cunningham has been selected by The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) for its fifth round of 30 global leaders under the age of 30. Emily works tirelessly to inspire people about the wildlife in UK seas and enable them to take action to protect it. To date she has secured £5.1m funding for marine and coastal projects in the UK. She is a Trustee of the Marine Conservation Society, the UK’s leading marine charity.

Emily Cunningham, NAAEE 30 under 30 awardee 2020, says “Dirty, empty, lifeless. Just some of the words used to describe British seas in a national survey… and I’m horrified that I once shared that perception! From seeing humpback whales to exploring some of the best rockpools in the world, I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced how amazing UK seas are firsthand. I’m now on a mission to enable more people, particularly those from underserved communities, to share this awe and take action to protect our shared marine wildlife.”

Emily is one of the 30 awardees who will join the global EE 30 Under 30 community of leaders, and will receive ongoing support to expand their impact. Since 2016, NAAEE’s EE 30 Under 30 program has recognized 150 individuals from 34 countries who are making a difference through environmental education. This program is made possible by Wells Fargo, the Global Environmental Education Partnership, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Follow Emily’s adventures on social media, search Marine Biology Life.  Facebook / Instagram / Twitter 

Learn more about all of this year’s winners on: naaee.org/ee30under30