Emily has been awarded an MBE for services to marine conservation and coastal communities
I am truly honoured (!) to share the news that I have been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List 2025 “for services to marine conservation and coastal communities”. I can’t believe it!
Marine conservation is more than my job, it’s been my life, passion and mission for more than 20 years. That the honours list citation included “for services to coastal communities” moved me to tears; because I’ve poured my heart and soul into fighting for a future where our ocean and coastal communities are both thriving.
I’ve raised over £5m for projects that engage coastal communities in marine conservation, coordinated the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Coastal Communities, led a group of 57 Coastal Councils (representing 16 million coastal residents), and co-founded the world’s first Local Government Ocean Recovery Declaration #Motion4theOcean, passed by 33 Councils and counting.
I’ve also volunteered extensively – organising countless beach cleans and wildlife surveys, serving 3 years on the Board of the UK’s leading marine conservation organisation, giving school and careers talks, and as a mentor, ambassador and sector role model for various youth and social mobility charities.
Saving the ocean is all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was a child. Most little girls outgrow their ambition of becoming a marine biologist – and plenty of people told me if wasn’t a realistic aspiration for a state-schooled working class girl from Staffordshire, but I’m so glad I chased my dreams.
I’ve dived in a submarine in Antarctica, spoken to millions of people about our ocean on national TV and radio, met with Ministers and supported MPs and Councillors to take meaningful ocean action (including in the Midlands!). I’ve lived on a remote volcanic island conserving sea turtles, had the honour of taking children to see the sea for the first time, and made discoveries about the dolphins that set my heart alight with excitement all those years ago.
Not many people find their calling, and I’m incredibly grateful that I’m getting to live mine. Creating this change is a tough and mostly thankless task, so it means the world to be recognised in this way – by the King! – for my services to our ocean and all who depend on it.
Thank you to my nominator and supporters, to the wonderful people I’ve worked or volunteered with, to my family, friends and community, and to everyone that is doing their bit to help our ocean. Together, we can turn the tide.
I have lots of exciting things in development for 2025 (and 2026!). Please get in touch if you’d like to learn more or collaborate.
Get in touch, including any media enquiries, on emily@emilycunningham.co.uk
Please find a media release available below for immediate use.
What is an MBE?
An MBE is a significant honour and is awarded for “an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others.”
It is one of five classes of a British order of chivalry which recognise significant contributions or public service. The others include Officer (OBE), Commander (CBE) and Knight / Dame Commander (KBE / DBE).
Nominations are made without the knowledge of the nominee (Emily didn’t know she had been nominated!) and can take up to 2 years for a decision. They are considered by independent honours committees before being recommended by the Prime Minister to His Majesty The King. Only 10% of nominations are successful!
Recipients of an MBE are invited to a Royal Palace to receive their award (a medal) from a member of the Royal Family. This will take place in 2025.
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE
Midlands Marine Biologist awarded MBE in New Year Honours List
Staffordshire-born marine biologist Emily Cunningham has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for services to marine conservation and coastal communities.
Emily 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. Her work has taken her from the Antarctic to the Amazon and she is currently writing her first book.
Emily says “I’m deeply 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!”
“Saving the ocean is all I’ve ever wanted to do. Most little girls outgrow their dreams of becoming a marine biologist – and plenty of people told me it wasn’t a realistic aspiration for a state-schooled working class girl from Staffordshire! – but I’m so glad I chased my dreams. Not many people find their calling, and I’m incredibly grateful that I’m getting to live mine.“
Emily is a co-founder of the world’s first Ocean Recovery Declaration for Local Governments, passed by 33 Councils (and counting!) which are now taking local action to help our ocean. She has been instrumental in securing the support of 4 Midlands Councils, shifting the paradigm for where the responsibility for ocean health lies. Emily presented the initiative at the UN Ocean Decade Conference in 2024 and provides free support to Councillors wanting to make a difference for rivers and the ocean.
Emily has exciting expeditions and new projects planned for 2025; to learn more or get involved, follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
Emily is available for interviews and images are available for use with this release on a one-time only basis, please contact emily@emilycunningham.co.uk
Emily Cunningham MBE 