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This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the inspiring women driving change in ocean conservation, science, and communication. Across the globe, women are at the forefront of protecting our blue planet—leading groundbreaking research, advocating for marine life, and empowering future generations.
Today we’re thrilled to introduce Sian Williams—an environmental advocate, ocean conservation biologist, educator, and speaker dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems. Based in the Gili Islands, Indonesia, Sian has spent over a decade leading sustainability efforts, from founding a beach clean movement to spearheading endangered turtle nesting monitoring projects.
Her work with the Gili Eco Trust bridges conservation with community action, inspiring locals, tourists, and businesses to embrace eco-tourism and sustainable practices. In this interview, Sian shares her passion for ocean conservation, the challenges of balancing tourism and environmental protection, and her vision for a more sustainable future.
Join us as we dive into her inspiring journey!
Huge thanks for chatting with us Sian! To kick off, can you tell us what inspires you to work in Ocean Science?
It's been a life-long dream to work in ocean science and marine wildlife has always fascinated me. I remember beach-combing and rock-pooling as a kid, and it was extremely rare to find plastic pollution, so I hope we can achieve that once more for future generations of kids and prevent the death and suffering of ocean wildlife with plastic consumption and entanglement.
I aim to achieve a sense of stewardship amongst tourists and the local community where I live in the Gili Islands. Overdevelopment isn't just destroying the island, it's endangering nesting turtles, one of the iconic creatures to see when people visit the Gili islands. We are advocating for awareness within Indonesia that head-starting methods are detrimental to turtle populations they claim to protect.
Amazing. And if you had to pick one thing you love most about the ocean, what would it be?
Every single dive makes me so grateful. There is always something new to see or learn, whilst recognising individual coral colonies and watching them grow and thrive is exciting and humbling.
The ocean is infinite of resources, opportunities and discoveries if only we weren't putting so much money into ecosystem and habitat destruction. Every encounter with an ocean animal only makes me more determined that we need to make change to see change.
You're so right - we hope that people reading this also feel inspired to make a change. To end on a high note, can you tell us one ocean fact that amuses you or keeps you awake at night?
I constantly see the same 6-7 turtles bumbling around my coral nurseries, these days they are very easy to recognise! I would love to know if they recognise me back.
That's adorable. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us Sian - where can people look if they want to find out more about you or your work?
My personal handle is: @siangilieco
To find out about beach clean and plastics: @debrisfreefriday
The turtle project I mentioned is: @proyekpenyu.gili
And the NGO I work for is: @giliecotrust
Championing Women, Protecting Our Oceans
Sian’s dedication to ocean conservation and sustainable tourism in the Gili Islands is a powerful reminder that individual action can create lasting change. Through her leadership, education, and hands-on environmental efforts, she continues to inspire a new generation of eco-conscious travellers, businesses, and local communities.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Sian’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance, passion, and collective responsibility in protecting our planet. Her work serves as both a call to action and a beacon of hope for the future of marine conservation.
Thank you, Sian, for sharing your story and for your unwavering commitment to preserving our oceans. 🌊💙
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