Feature | From Cameroon’s Mangroves: Anthony Duxell-Malle Selected for the 2026 Ocean Leaders Fellowship

At ThinkOcean Society, we often say that conservation begins with people. This belief is embodied by Anthony Duxell-Malle, who has spent years transforming that philosophy into action across coastal Cameroon.

Today, we are proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone: Anthony has been selected as one of just 40 fellows worldwide for the 2026 Ocean Leaders Fellowship, a flagship programme of Sustainable Ocean Alliance that received more than 2,100 applications from 163 countries.

As the Coordinator of ThinkOcean Cameroon, Anthony has played a central role in advancing some of our most impactful conservation initiatives. His leadership has been particularly instrumental in our flagship mangrove restoration efforts, where community engagement, environmental stewardship, and long-term resilience intersect.

Mangroves are among the world's most valuable ecosystems. They protect coastlines from erosion, serve as nurseries for marine life, store vast amounts of carbon, and support the livelihoods of coastal communities. Yet across many regions, they continue to face mounting pressure from development, pollution, and climate change.

Under Anthony's guidance, ThinkOcean's work in Cameroon has gone beyond simply planting trees. It has focused on building relationships with local communities, creating opportunities for environmental education, and fostering a sense of shared ownership over the future of these ecosystems. His approach reflects an understanding that lasting conservation outcomes depend on local leadership and collective action.

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship seeks emerging leaders who are not only addressing environmental challenges but are also building bridges between communities, policy, science, and advocacy. Anthony's selection is a true proof to the dedication, vision, and impact he has demonstrated throughout his work.

For ThinkOcean, this recognition highlights the growing influence of youth-led conservation efforts and the importance of empowering local leaders to drive change from the ground up. As Anthony joins a global network of ocean changemakers, we are excited to see how he will continue to amplify the voices and experiences of Cameroonian communities on the international stage.

Congratulations, Anthony. Your ThinkOcean family is immensely proud of this achievement, and we look forward to supporting you as you embark on this next chapter of leadership and impact.