[Washington, DC] (July 16, 2026)

EarthEcho International proudly welcomes a dynamic new cohort of youth leaders to its Blue Carbon Ambassador Program. Through the Blue Carbon Ambassador Program, these youth (ages 17–20) represent historically excluded coastal communities across North America. In coordination with local organizations in their regions, these young leaders will take part in hands-on professional learning experiences where they deepen their understanding of blue carbon ecosystems—including kelp, seagrass, mangroves, and salt marshes—in addressing the climate crisis.

Over the next year, the Ambassadors will lead a blue carbon restoration project in their own coastal community as they with fellow young ocean advocates from across North America.

This year, thirteen new Ambassadors have been selected to represent the following regions, where EarthEcho is coordinating with local partner organizations to support Ambassadors' coastal restoration efforts:

• Charleston & Georgetown, South Carolina, USA
• Houma, Louisiana, USA
• Puerto Rico, USA
• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Seattle area or the Kitsap Peninsula, Washington, USA
• Coastal Maine, USA

Together, this cohort will collaborate with peers from across North America, lead local restoration projects, and inspire others to become stewards of blue carbon ecosystems.

Congratulations to the 2026 EarthEcho Blue Carbon Ambassadors:

Dionicio Lawrence

Esteban Morales Román

Gabriel Barnett

Ismael Agosto Rivera

Kamila Pérez

KC Fleming

Khamiiah Alameda

Marlett Hernandez-Fitch

Marlys Hernandez-Fitch

McKayla Mamaril

Natalie Morales

Raquel Mendez

Rui Loureiro

For more information, visit https://www.earthecho.org/blue-carbon-ambassadors and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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