Hey there, I’m Mario Barnes. I am an environmental educator at Shark Spotters. Life has thrown me some unexpected curveballs, but through it all, I’ve discovered the power of resilience and the beauty of new beginnings. I’m here to share a piece of my heart with you:
Growing up in a divided household after my parents’ divorce was tough. I found comfort in nature and threw myself into the Conservation Leadership program at local non-government organisation Nature Connect. This program was developed to improve underprivileged youth with their understanding of nature and how they can improve the environment through the little things they do in their day-to-day life. The exposure that I obtained through this program was monumental and broadened my understanding of nature conservation. I could apply the knowledge that I gained to my school career and personal life which I am very grateful for. Being chosen from a pool of 40 candidates was a moment of validation, proving that hard work and dedication truly pays off. The 20 remaining candidates was classified as the first intake and would later become the ambassadors of the Conservation Leadership program.
In 2023, an exciting opportunity took me to Miami, United States of America, where I worked as a Guest Relations Officer on a cruise liner. However, amidst the thrill of new adventures, tragedy struck at home back in South Africa. The sudden loss of my mother was a painful reminder of life’s fragility, prompting me to return home. Despite the heartache and having to let go of an opportunity abroad, Nature Connect welcomed me back with open arms, rekindling my passion for environmental conservation.
On this journey I was led to Shark Spotters, another non-government organization based in Cape Town, where I stepped into the role of an Environmental Educator, transitioning from land to ocean. Working in the education department at Shark Spotters is a truly rewarding experience. Every day, we have the opportunity to interact with children from all walks of life and share with them the importance of protecting our oceans and the creatures that call it home. Seeing the reaction on the kids’ faces when they learn about sharks and the role they play in our ecosystem is priceless.
One of the best parts of working at Shark Spotters is the chance to meet new people who share our passion for conservation. Whether it’s volunteers, fellow educators, or members of the community, everyone I meet brings a unique perspective to the table and helps me grow as an educator.
Working with sharks is both thrilling and humbling. These creatures are often misunderstood and demonized, but through our educational programs, we are able to show that sharks are vital to the health of our oceans and deserve our protection.
In addition to working with sharks, we also have the opportunity to experience new things on a daily basis. From conducting beach pop ups to leading school groups on educational outings, no two days are ever the same. This constant sense of adventure keeps us motivated and excited to continue our work in marine conservation.
The unwavering support from my colleagues at Shark Spotters gave me the strength to persevere as I took care for my father. Through the ups and downs, I’ve learned that change is a constant in life. It’s not always easy, but it often leads us down unexpected paths filled with growth and possibilities. My journey from heartache to hope has taught me to embrace every twist and turn, finding strength in the face of adversity.
Written by: Mario Barnes