After witnessing communities forcefully displaced due to rising sea levels on TV, Vinzealhar (Vinzy) decided to become an environmental activist – at the age of nine – with the sole purpose of helping those affected by such a disaster. For the past 17 years, she has continued to raise awareness and educate as many young people as possible to understand the significance, and act on, the issue of climate change.

Vinzy founded the Papua New Guinea (PNG) chapter of Sustainable Ocean Alliance, which brings opportunities for young people in Papua New Guinea – known for low school attendance and literacy – to learn about climate change; forest and biodiversity conservation; and ocean wealth through traditional learning methods such as art, music, and sports.