Enric Sala

His more than 120 scientific publications are widely recognized and used for real-world conservation efforts such as the creation of marine reserves. He is the founder and leader of National Geographic’s Pristine Seas, a project that combines exploration, research, and media to inspire country leaders to protect the last wild places in the ocean. To date, Pristine Seas has helped create 12 marine reserves—including some of the largest on the planet—that protect more than 3 million square kilometers of ocean.

Among his many honors, Enric was named a 2008 Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, received a 2013 Research Award from the Spanish Geographical Society, and was granted a 2013 Lowell Thomas Award from the Explorers Club and a 2013 Hero Award from the Environmental Media Association. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and he serves on advisory boards of international organizations and governments.

Enric earned his Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Aix-Marseille, France.