Women in Environment: Maria Faser

Maria Fraser’s journey to success in marine biology is a testament to her unwavering persistence and relentless hard work. Initially, on a path to a career in medicine, Maria's discovery of her true calling in the environmental field was not a mere coincidence but a result of a profound appreciation for the natural world. Through continuous learning, she gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the crucial role marine and coastal environments play in sustaining life on Earth.
 
The foundation for her career in marine biology was laid at the University of Guyana, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. This was followed by a Master’s Degree in Marine Science, with a focus on Marine Biology, from Zhejiang University in China. Her expertise and success in the field earned her several accolades, including the UGBC Director’s Award, the Best Graduating Student Award, the highest GPA in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and the Excellent International Student Award from Zhejiang University.
 
Today, she is a marine biologist employed with the Ministry of Natural Resources, where she develops, manages, and implements plans in technical discussions. Although she has achieved considerable success in the field, Maria's journey has not been without its challenges. As a woman in environmental science, she has had to navigate traditionally male-dominated spaces, particularly in policy-making and technical discussions. This male dominance, at times, overshadowed her expertise, requiring her to work twice as hard to be heard. However, Maria’s determination and commitment to collaboration have been instrumental in helping her overcome these challenges.

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Maria places a strong emphasis on the importance of women in leadership positions within the environmental field. She noted their critical roles in environmental conservation, sustainability, and policymaking. Additionally, she highlighted the pivotal roles women have played in grassroots movements, advocating for causes such as access to clean water, sustainable agriculture, and climate action. As such, it is clear that women should be more significantly involved in environmental policy decisions. “Encouraging more women to step into leadership roles starts with mentorship, education, and opportunities for women to participate in decision-making at all levels. Governments, academic institutions, and environmental organizations must actively create pathways for women to lead”, Maria stresses.

​Another major challenge she identified in the field is achieving economic prosperity while maintaining a commitment to environmental protection. Nonetheless, Maria believes that development and conservation can coexist with the enforcement of strong policies. In this regard, she expressed her strong support for a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) and the establishment of a Marine Managed Zone to guide sustainable development in coastal and marine areas. These will be key in accomplishing Guyana’s commitment to the 30x30 target, which aims to protect 30% of the marine and terrestrial land by 2030. Strategies like these, combined with diversification of economic sources through investments in sectors such as fisheries and eco-tourism, are pivotal in achieving sustainable development.
 
Recognizing that lasting environmental solutions require a collective effort, Maria has a strong commitment to collaboration. Partnerships are important to be able to successfully tackle large-scale environmental challenges. As such, she attributes the most rewarding aspects of her job to collaborating with NGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders for the completion of conservation projects. “By working together, we’ve been able to implement initiatives that promote sustainable resource use, habitat protection, and environmental education. These collaborations have led to tangible outcomes, such as the strengthening of protected areas and the development of improved conservation management strategies”, says Maria.
 
Her passion for the field has also fueled her entrepreneurship venture in agriculture, promoting organic farming and sustainable environmental management. Maria also continues to volunteer at several organizations. Driven by her passion for mentoring young, aspiring scientists, Maria serves as the Research Manager of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society.

Maria voiced that her advice to young women is simple. She encourages doing the following:
 
Follow your passion, seek mentorship, and take up space. The environmental field requires diverse perspectives, and women play a critical role in shaping sustainable solutions.

Here are a few key lessons Maria has learned throughout her journey:

1. Stay Curious & Keep Learning – The environmental field is constantly evolving, and staying informed about new research, policies, and technologies is essential.
2. Find Mentors & Allies – Seek guidance from experienced professionals who can help navigate challenges and open doors to opportunities.
3. Gain Hands-On Experience – Volunteer, intern, or participate in fieldwork to acquire practical knowledge and establish connections in the field.
4. Advocate for Change – Whether through research, activism, or policymaking, use your voice to push for sustainable practices and conservation efforts.
5. Believe in Your Impact – No effort is too small. Whether you are working on a local waste management initiative or contributing to global conservation policies, your work matters."

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​Maria Fraser’s story is a testament to the resilience and strength of women in the face of adversity. As Maria looks ahead, she remains dedicated to fostering inclusivity, empowering future generations, and driving meaningful change in marine and coastal conservation. She is an inspiration to all those striving to make a lasting impact in the field of environmental science.