Breaking Water with Tara Mascarenhas
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Tara Mascarenhas. Tara is the Director of Programs at the SOI Foundation. In this segment, Tara tells us all about her work, adventures, and the importance of youth involvement when it comes to the Blue Economy.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
My name is Tara Mascarenhas, and I am now in my 7th year at the SOI (Students on Ice) Foundation, based in Gatineau, Quebec. The SOI Foundation is recognized globally for delivering life-changing polar expeditions - but that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our mission. My role as part of the Operational Management Team is to ensure the organization continues to function and evolve. As Director of Programs, I oversee the work of our Alumni Team, which supports over 3,500 alumni from around the world, as well as runs land-based programs focused on youth and community, policy action, delegations, and microgrants. I also manage one of our biggest programs called Blue Futures Pathways, engaging youth across Canada in the opportunities of our freshwater, wastewater, ice and marine industries. A core emphasis is placed on under-represented youth and we provide support through education, training, internships, mentorship and wage subsidies.
What is the most powerful memory you have of being on or near the water?
I think it has to be when I helped plan and then got to join the Canada C3, Coast to Coast to Coast expedition in 2017. On board the MV Polar Prince with a broad range of participants from Indigenous leaders to youth ambassadors, athletes to musicians and members of the public who had applied to be on the vessel, I sailed from Montreal to Baie Comeau QC, and then from Bella Bella to Victoria BC - a total of almost 50 days. We stopped at a variety of places along the way and focused on highlighting the 4 pillars of the expedition - youth engagement, the environment, reconciliation, and diversity and inclusion. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure!
Why is it important to engage youth in the Sustainable Blue Economy?
We are leaving youth the legacy of the future. In order to ensure water-based economic activities balance out environmental and social benefits, young people need to be involved in shaping a future that is healthy and sustainable for many, many generations to come. Engaging youth in the Sustainable Blue Economy is a way to prepare and upskill them for jobs of the future, as well as help the industry prepare for gaps in the labour market that will be left by an aging workforce. Opportunities in the Sustainable Blue Economy could offer a career pathway for youth wanting to stay or return to their rural and remote home regions, as well.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved in protecting the planet but doesn’t know where to start?
Everyone can play a part. Youth can leverage the many resources, organizations and initiatives that are tackling this issue. We have many on our social media/website that we highlight, and SOI alumni-led organizations like Youth Climate Lab, Dhinjii Zhuh Adventures and others that are working on these issues. Volunteer, help with outreach, organize, collaborate, use art and other means to further your cause.
Do you have anything else that you’d like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
I want to add that Canada has the longest Coastline in the world and 20% of the world’s fresh water. We should be leading the way for a Sustainable Blue Economy, which can be one of many ways to reach our global pledges to mitigate climate change and ensure a sustainable future. Water offers so many opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and sustainable living - plus, it is just fun to be around water! If you haven’t done so yet, go explore your nearest body of water and get in touch with SOI’s Blue Futures Pathways team if you’d like to learn more about education and work opportunities in the water sector.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Students On Ice Foundation, visit their website at https://soifoundation.org/en/ or follow them on social media:
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
