From the Caribbean to the world: Reclaiming my path as a Black marine ecologist

For Black History Month 2024, we are celebrating the work of Black ecologists from around the globe. Here, Lionel YAMB , shares his journey, passion, and challenges he's faced as a Black marine ecologist.

How did you get into ecology?

My journey into ecology began with a deep curiosity about the natural world. Growing up in Cameroon, I was surrounded by vibrant ecosystems—from lush forests to thriving coastal environments. I realised early on that every plant, animal, and organism plays a crucial role in maintaining these ecosystems, and I became determined to understand how everything is interconnected.

As I pursued my studies, my interest in biodiversity and conservation grew, with a particular fascination for marine ecosystems. A defining moment in my career came while working on conservation projects in Dizangue, in southern Cameroon. It was here that I witnessed first-hand the impact of environmental degradation, overfishing, and climate change on both local communities and wildlife.

Since then, my work has been dedicated to developing sustainable management practices for marine life and coastal ecosystems. These are essential, not just for environmental well-being but also for the livelihoods of coastal communities.

What are you researching/working on right now?

I currently manage and organise scientific data for the Agoa Sanctuary in the Caribbean, where I’ve been developing methodologies for acoustic data storage and analysis. Additionally, I work to raise public awareness about the importance of responsible data collection and cetacean protection.

One aspect of my role has involved analysing acoustic data collected during a glider campaign in the Lesser Antilles. This involved detecting, annotating and identifying cetacean vocalisations, and mapping these detections using software such as Raven Pro and QGIS. The goal is to establish a protocol for acoustic monitoring of cetaceans in the Agoa Sanctuary and address the challenges posed by long-term ambient noise monitoring.

I’m also developing a research project focused on the sustainable management of sharks and rays in the Lesser Antilles. This project integrates ecological monitoring with social science methodologies to develop conservation strategies tailored to the local context.

The theme for BHM UK this year is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. What does this mean to you?

Working in ecology, where I collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, I’ve become aware of how historical and scientific narratives shape our understanding of the world. Often, these narratives exclude the perspectives of Black scientists, conservationists, and communities, particularly from the Global South.

For me, “Reclaiming Narratives” means challenging the dominant stories that dictate who contributes to science and conservation. It’s about ensuring that the knowledge systems and environmental stewardship practices of communities like mine are recognised and valued alongside mainstream ecological approaches. In my work, I strive to bridge the gap between my cultural heritage and the Western scientific methodologies that tend to dominate conservation efforts.

As someone who has navigated these challenges, I see this theme as a powerful call to highlight the underrepresented contributions of Black professionals and to weave our unique perspectives into the future of ecological science.

Are there any ongoing issues in the ecological/academic landscape that you would like to highlight?

A significant issue in the field is the lack of diversity and representation. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve noticed that people of colour, particularly Black individuals, are still underrepresented in environmental sciences. This lack of representation can lead to isolation and the exclusion of diverse perspectives from vital discussions about conservation and sustainability.

Another challenge is the limited accessibility to opportunities for those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds. Systemic barriers, such as difficulties in securing research funding, fieldwork opportunities, or mentorship, often hinder the progress of aspiring ecologists from these groups.

Additionally, traditional ecological research and conservation approaches sometimes overlook or undervalue local and Indigenous knowledge systems. As someone who advocates for integrating scientific and cultural perspectives in conservation, I believe it’s crucial to build more inclusive frameworks that respect and incorporate the knowledge of communities that have long been stewards of their environments. Although these challenges persist, raising awareness is the first step toward creating a more equitable and innovative ecological landscape.

If you could see one change in academia that would positively impact Black ecologists, what would it be?

If I could make one change, it would be to create more inclusive and accessible mentorship programmes. Having strong, supportive mentorship can make a world of difference in the academic journey of Black ecologists, helping to break down barriers and providing essential guidance in navigating the challenges of both academia and the professional sphere.

Mentorship programmes tailored to Black students and early-career researchers would create a sense of belonging and build networks for collaboration and career development. These programmes should also focus on increasing the visibility of Black ecologists, ensuring their contributions are recognised and providing them with opportunities to lead and shape the future of the field. By investing in mentorship, academia could become a more diverse, equitable, and innovative environmental science community.

Discover more Black ecologists like Lionel on our?Black History Month page?on the British Ecological Society website.