Hi, my name is Da Chen and I was part of the graduating class of 2020 from the Master of Science in Planning program at the University of Toronto.

 

I'm passionate about marine conservation, Indigenous rights and youth engagement.  I was a part of the 2017 Students on Ice Arctic Expedition. Additionally, I attended the 4th International Marine Protected Area Congress (IMPAC4) Chile in 2017 and was a member of the Inaugural Ocean Bridge program in 2018.

 

I am also a published researcher and shoreline champion who loves the Rouge and the surrounding waters. I served on Waterlution's Youth Advisory Board, while leading The Pristine Blue Initiative in multiple shoreline cleanups during the year across the the Eastern GTA, including at Ecohesian's annual Fall Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup at Rouge National Urban Park. I currently work for Parks Canada as part of their Indigenous Relations team.

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As the founder of the Pristine Blue Initiative; I hope this will be an excellent way to engage other youth in Toronto and across Canada on the importance of marine and environmental issues.