In a remarkable achievement for marine conservation, Jacqueline Evans, a 48-year-old advocate, has successfully secured protection for over 763,000 square miles of ocean.
Her efforts culminated in the Marae Moana legislation, which shields this diverse marine habitat in the Cook Islands from pollution, overfishing, and seabed mining.
Evans, driven by a passion for preserving marine life, spent five years persuading and advocating for this legislation.
Her hard work paid off in July 2017 when the law was enacted, marking a significant win for ocean conservation.
For her dedication and success, Evans has been honored with …