Rocio San Felix

Spain

Growing up on the island of Formentera, the sea was more than a backdrop to my childhood; it was my playground and greatest source of inspiration. With a marine biologist father and a family deeply connected to the ocean, I was surrounded by its wonders from the very beginning. My mother, brother, and sister all shared a love for the sea, and together they passed on their passion to me.

At 17, many people think someone my age cannot make a real difference, but I believe the opposite. I consider myself a strong voice to raise awareness about the threats our oceans face and to inspire others to take action. I was raised on stories about how rich and magical the oceans once were, and those stories fuel my determination to help restore them.

I am a certified diving instructor and spend much of my time giving workshops to children aged 8 to 16, teaching them about the treasures of the Mediterranean Sea, what we have lost, and what we still have the chance to recover. I have also won international underwater photography competitions, using images to show the beauty and fragility of marine life. The ocean has shaped who I am, and I want to protect it.