Exploring the Global Conservation Efforts for Sharks and Rays with Dr. Rima Jabado

In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Rima Jabado, the founder of the Alas project and deputy chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. As a leading authority in the field, Dr. Jabado has dedicated over two decades to global conservation efforts, bridging the gap between science and policy to protect endangered species.

Dr. Jabado's incredible journey began with her childhood love for the ocean, nurtured by summers spent on the beaches of Greece. Her path eventually led her to study political science, seeking to understand how policies shape change. But it was her encounters with marine life, from dried seahorses to the sight of a six-gill shark's head, that ignited her passion for marine conservation.

We explore how Dr. Jabado's unique background, spanning Lebanon, Greece, Canada, and Australia, contributed to her multilingual skills and global perspective. Her desire to explore the world and volunteer on various marine projects led her to James Cook University in Australia, where she discovered a whole new dimension of marine research and conservation.

However, it was a fortuitous visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that transformed Dr. Jabado's trajectory. Drawn by family connections and the opportunity to contribute to coral monitoring and turtle nesting programs, she unexpectedly found herself deeply engaged in the burgeoning field of marine conservation in the UAE. Through her work, she uncovered startling facts about the country's involvement in the shark fin trade, leading her to pursue a groundbreaking PhD in environmental science.

Dr. Jabado's research and advocacy have been instrumental in influencing decision-makers to implement meaningful measures for the protection of sharks and rays. Her expertise has taken her to over 15 countries, where she has supervised vital projects and authored numerous scientific papers. We discuss the challenges she has faced, the impact of her work, and the ongoing battle to conserve these majestic species.

Join us as Dr. Rima Jabado shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, shedding light on the global conservation efforts for sharks and rays. From policy-making to scientific research, this episode will captivate your imagination and leave you inspired to take action.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• Dr. Jabado's childhood connection to the ocean and early encounters with marine life
• The influence of her multilingual background and international experiences on her work
• The transformative journey from political science to marine conservation
• The importance of bridging the gap between science and policy in conservation efforts
• Dr. Jabado's groundbreaking research on shark fin trade in the UAE and its global implications
• The challenges and triumphs of advocating for shark and ray conservation
• The impact of Dr. Jabado's work on decision-making and species protection
• The ongoing global efforts to conserve sharks and rays and the role of collaborations and education

Join us for this captivating episode as we delve into the world of shark and ray conservation with Dr. Rima Jabado, an extraordinary advocate fighting for the future of these remarkable creatures.

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