The future of the ocean depends not only on science and policy, but on whose voices are heard. Across the Blue Economy, women are driving innovation, shaping policy, and leading conservation efforts, yet their contributions and career pathways have too often remained underrepresented or overlooked.
Recognising both the opportunity and the challenge, European institutions have taken steps to address this imbalance and strengthen women’s participation across Blue Economy sectors. Through a dedicated call from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and DG MARE, efforts were taken to strengthen data collection and capacity building for women in the Blue Economy, under the WIN BIG Project.
It is within this context that the Women Ocean Champions book was developed, and launched as part of the WIN-BIG Atlantic Event in Málaga, Spain (25–26 March 2026), marking an important milestone in ongoing efforts to advance gender equality across the ocean space.
This story-led publication brings together 100 first-person narratives from women working across Europe’s Ocean sectors and sea basins. Rather than focusing on traditional career milestones alone, the book highlights authentic journeys, shaped by challenges, turning points, and persistence. By doing so, it makes women’s contributions to the Blue Economy visible and provides relatable role models for others entering or advancing within the sector.
Blue Pangolin Consulting was pleased to have Margaux featured among these voices. Margaux’s career reflects the diversity and impact of work within the Blue Economy. Driven by a deep commitment to coral reefs and their essential role in ocean health, she has worked across science, policy, and community engagement, from reef restoration in the Maldives to shaping international biodiversity frameworks. Her work connects local action with global ambition, ensuring that policies are grounded in both scientific evidence and the realities faced by reef-dependent communities.
Through her role at Blue Pangolin Consulting and her broader engagement in international initiatives, Margaux has contributed to elevating coral reefs within climate, biodiversity, and Blue Economy policy agendas. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasises the importance of collaboration:
“Resilience is growing stronger through challenges, and like coral reefs, we thrive when we work together.”
Her experience also highlights persistent challenges within the sector, including bridging the gap between science and policy in resource-limited settings and addressing the underrepresentation of women in ocean governance. In response, she has focused on building inclusive partnerships and amplifying underrepresented voices, an approach that resonates strongly with the aims of Women Ocean Champions.
