HISTORY & VISION

In 2016, Ocean Giants Trust (OGT) and the Plymouth School of Biological and Marine Sciences (UoP) had a shared vision to prepare the next generation of marine researchers and conservationists for the undoubted challenges ahead. This led to the creation of the OGT Scholarship in 2018, which aimed to:

  • Give students first-hand and prolonged experience of all the aspects of working with marine conservation NGOs.

  • Equip students with the skills that will be required of them on entering the marine conservation sector.

  • Provide students with a network of professionals within international NGOs from which career opportunities could emerge.

  • Provide assistance to the very best international marine research and conservation NGOs in their valuable work.

The OGT Scholarship was managed in its inaugural year (2019 – 2020) by the OGT. However, in September 2020 the Manta Trust took over operational responsibility, renaming the programme, The Ocean Giants Programme for Conservationist Development (OGP).

The OGT (now dissolved) was strongly opposed to “green colonialism”, and its approach was to integrate and apply international scientific research with local conservation and education, by partnering with local conservation groups which focus on ocean conservation through flagship species – ocean giants.

The Manta Trust is committed to continuing the programme with the UoP by applying similar principals. Our vision for The OGP is therefore:

  • To properly prepare the next generation of marine conservationists (the Apprentices) for a career in this industry by training and integrating them within the operations of relevant marine conservation NGOs (the Partners), where they will take direct responsibility for several aspects of the workings of these active organisations alongside their studies at the UoP.

  • To create a virtuous circle of mutual benefit for the Apprentices, the Partners, and the UoP; by creating a close network of field practitioners and academic research specialists.

  • To build local capability within the OGP’s Partners with the help and support of the wider Manta Trust operations and the faculty and facilities of the UoP; in reciprocity for the experience and support the partners provide to the Apprentices.