Puahine Raquel Riroroko Zasso

"I am originally from Rapa Nui, where I have lived my entire life. Since I was little, I have participated in workshops and community activities related to the sea, such as Hakarori Vaikava of Te Mau o Te Vaikava and the Mata ki te Kare initiative, which focuses on working with young people and protecting the marine ecosystem.

My constant contact with the ocean and these formative experiences shaped my academic interests. I am currently studying Oceanography, motivated by the need to understand the sea from a comprehensive scientific perspective.

My goal is to use my education to directly benefit the Rapa Nui people through concrete actions. These include monitoring the extraction of marine resources, such as the measurement study I am currently conducting on the nanue fish, in order to generate data that will support more responsible management of local fisheries. I also plan to develop community workshops to teach young people and fishermen how to conduct basic monitoring, strengthening local knowledge and informed decision-making. In this way, I seek to contribute to the care of the marine environment and the sustainable use of its resources, integrating science with the experience and needs of the Rapa Nui community."