The “Aquaformations” Roundtable

Melina Sakiyama is a Brazilian biologist and social-environmental justice activist, and is the co-founder of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN). She oversees the network’s capacity Building & empowerment programmes as well as its engagement in biodiversity governance and decision-making processes under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
For the past ten years, she has co-lead GYBN’s initiatives on policy, advocacy, empowerment and has helped establish and develop the network to become a vibrant global youth movement for biodiversity with 1.2 million members and member organizations in 145 countries.

Mario Benkoč is a lawyer and environmental justice activist. He lives in the area of Karst Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO, near Škocjan Caves Regional Park and is deeply involved in its activities, is a member of its Committee for Nature Conservation, Voluntary nature supervisor, EuroMAB Youth Network coordinator, a caver and an advocate of nature. He is a co-founder of Zavod Dobra pot, Institute for Culture and Sustainable Development, where he leads nature advocacy activities. With years of experience in nature and NGO advocacy, he personally and professionally (PiNA) tries to do something good for the environment we live in and all its inhabitants. Currently, he is involved in two civil initiatives, leading one against a river dam.

Manja Ristić was born in Belgrade 1979. She is a violinist, sound artist, curator, and researcher mostly active in the fields of instrumental improvisation, soundscape composition & experimental sound-related arts. She graduated at the Belgrade Music Academy, then gained PGDip at the Royal College of Music, London. Her work is blending exploration of intuitive composition and sonic ecologies.

Aquarium Pula is a public aquarium situated within a historic Austro-Hungarian fort, so it represents a unique and intimate blend of natural and cultural heritage. Besides showing the beauty of marine environments Aquarium Pula is developing and running programs for nature conservation and public awareness. With the main goal of promoting natural heritage and spreading knowledge about the need for its protection. Between many activities the most relevant are running a Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, participating in international actions such as worldwide campaigns against plastic and MPA showing the importance of personal actions as an ecologically responsible company.

Dr. Milena Mičić is the director and owner of Aquarium Pula d.o.o. She started the Aquarium Pula project 20 years ago as a young scientist (Master of Oceanology and Doctor of Biology) and a great enthusiast noticing the need to educate the public in this field. She progressed in the profession and became a European aquarium curator. She persistently works on improving the aquarium under the following motto „On my way I always follow the latest trends, especially those aimed at nature conservation. In the development of the aquarium, I pay great attention to the working conditions because I am convinced that a satisfied and fulfilled employee will always give more.“

Marija Aleksandra Bel Dajković is the department head of Aquarium Pula d.o.o. While carrying out her duties she always bears in mind the idea that public aquariums are of great importance in sustainable development, because they teach us about biodiversity, endangered species and the preservation of ecosystems. They are also institutions that combine natural conservation, education, cultural and entertainment content. Her work is related to the general and specific care of animals and exhibits, she organizes the staff and strives for excellence in both the education and entertainment of the public.

Robertina Šebjanič is an artist whose work revolves around the biological, chemical, political and cultural realities of aquatic environments and explores humankind’s impact on other species and on the rights of non-human entities, while calling for strategies emphatic towards other species to be adopted. In her analysis of the theoretical framework of the Anthropocene, the artist uses the term ‘aquatocene’ and ‘aquaforming’ to refer to humans’ impact on aquatic environments.