Yamase dives deep to inspire new generation
Dr. Nicole Yamase made history by becoming the first Micronesian and Pacific Islander to descend to Challenger Deep, the deepest part of the ocean located at the southern end of the Marianas Trench. She shared her experience on the 3rd day of the UOG Conference on Island Sustainability, where she spoke about her achievement and its connection with the conference theme of "Rediscover the Depth of Our Island Abundance."
During her presentation, Yamase reflected on the significance of her achievement, not only as a first for a Pacific Islander and a marine botanist but also as the 4th woman and the 20th person ever to descend to the Challenger Deep. She emphasized the rarity of this achievement, given that only 27 people have reached this point in the world today, out of a population of 7.8 billion.
However, Yamase's accomplishments did not end there. In 2022, she became the first person to reach the bottom of the Yap Trench, adding another achievement to her already impressive list.
Yamase also shared her thoughts on the conference theme, which she saw as a call to rediscover the depth of island abundance. She connected her Challenger Deep experience with the theme, explaining that it speaks to the richness of island marine ecosystems and biodiversity at these depths. She further highlighted the importance of traditional knowledge, language, and natural resources in understanding and preserving the depth of island abundance.
Overall, Dr. Nicole Yamase's achievements inspire individuals interested in exploring the depth and richness of island ecosystems. Her presentation at the Conference on Island Sustainability offers valuable insights into the importance of traditional knowledge, language, and natural resources in understanding and preserving these unique and fragile environments.