Guy Stevens, manta ray maven!
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives
"I always knew that looking at fish through the glass of an aquarium wasn't going to be enough. I needed to jump in the water and immerse myself completely."
That's just one of the envy-inducing responsibilities of Guy Stevens on the job at the luxurious Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. As part of the hotel's ocean education initiative - and as resident Senior Marine Biologist -- Stevens gets guests stoked about sea creatures in the Maldivian aquatic ecosystems. He encourages them to witness, take part and directly experience the critically important habitats.
The UK-born and bred Stevens made a far-flung leap from his farm-based childhood, splashing into the tropical Indian Ocean to study marine life—largely including the conservation of manta ray populations. All of this was a result of three key ingredients: his love for nature (like the newts, badgers and buzzers he chased after as a kid), ocean exploration and travel. A degree in marine biology and a dream job at the Four Seasons was a consummation of all.
Stevens is thus a true Change Maker, combining his planet-friendly passions into a planet-friendly profession in a place that can most certainly use his help: the Maldives.
Planet Green: How did you get into this line of work?
Guy Stevens: After graduating in Marine Biology from the University of Plymouth, UK, I moved to the Republic of Maldives to work as a marine biologist on board the Four Seasons Explorer, a luxury live-aboard dive boat. As part of my job I got to see manta rays on a regular basis while leading dive and snorkel excursions.
PG: What was your "a-ha" moment?
GS: The first time I saw a manta ray underwater; I was captivated by these amazing animals and I knew I wanted find out as much about them as I could, so I decided to create the Maldivian Manta Ray Project and devote my time to researching and learning more about the Maldives resident population of manta rays.
PG: Who is your green hero?
GS: Sir David Attenborough. Through his dedication to natural history documentary filmmaking and nature conservation, Sir David has educated, inspired and motivated generations of humans across the planet to care.
PG: What is your ultimate green goal?
GS: To create a global foundation dedicated to the conservation of manta rays and their habitats, through education and research.
PG: What is your motivation?
GS: All of nature fascinates me; it sparks my natural curiosity, which motivates me to learn more. There is something especially captivating about manta rays, which drives me to learn more about them than any other creature I have so far encountered.
PG: What is most important to you, ecologically speaking?
GS: Paving the way for a more sustainable and holistic approach to the management and preservation of our global marine resources, which, until now, have been taken so much for granted, and without regard for the consequences of their loss.
PG: What is the most challenging part of your job?
GS: Trying to engage and motivate politicians, local communities and stakeholders to ensure sustainable tourism and real conservation for the manta rays and their habitat.
PG: What is the most rewarding?
GS: Seeing someone's reaction after just having experienced their first close encounter with a group of feeding manta rays!
PG: Of the people you have worked with, who impresses you most?
GS: All those people who devote their time and energy to the preservation of our planet's natural resources; be it through education, research or conservation continually impress me with their passion and commitment.
PG: What green thing do you do everyday?
GS: I walk to work everyday and try to use public transport whenever possible.
PG: What do you wish you could do?
GS: Wishing doesn't make anything happen; so I don't waste time wishing about what I could do, instead, I try to go out and make it happen.
PG: What is your biggest eco-sin?
GS: My job takes me to some pretty cool and far-flung places around the world in search of manta rays, which means that I eat up the air miles.
PG: If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
GS: I would make everyone in the world eat less meat. If we were all vegetarians we would require one tenth of the resources we use today to feed ourselves.
PG: What is your best green advice?
GS: I think being "green" is a mindset. It's being aware of yourself, your actions and how they impact the natural world. If you live your life being environmentally aware, then everyday you will make small decisions that make a positive difference.
Change Makers is series of interviews with people famous and obscure who are creating a more sustainable world through their work. Meet more Change Makers here.
