KEALAN BRANELLEC

Sustainable Agriculture Project Manager, Galapagos

Why IOI: 

Impact. I believe IOI is strategically positioned to help the Galapagos population face unprecedented challenges while protecting its natural wonders. As a former international volunteer, I understand the importance of immersion to assist in an impactful way through the exchange of ideas and experiences. 

My IOI role: 

As the Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager in Isla Isabela, I coordinate and implement projects and activities within the framework of the inter-institutional cooperation agreements between IOI and key local stakeholders like the Ministry of Agriculture. I also plan and coordinate the integration of our academic and volunteering programs at local farms to ensure that all individuals involved have a productive, enjoyable, and impactful experience. Furthermore, I work with the local agricultural community, participating institutions, international academic groups, and volunteers to develop sustainable farm management practices to further reduce the carbon footprint of human habitation in the Galapagos. We also hope that these projects will further bolster local food sovereignty, improve local nutrition, and strengthen the socio-economic development of the community.

Life prior to IOI:

I was born in Toronto, grew up in France, and moved to the sweet twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago when I was 11. Following a teaching stint in Trinidad after graduating from secondary school, I returned to Ontario, Canada, in 2016 to complete my Bachelors degree in International Development at the University of Waterloo. During that time, I worked for 7 months with an NGO in Ica, Peru, which focused on promoting sustainable agriculture practices to achieve conservation and educational objectives. Being on the front lines with this organization and working with teachers, municipalities, and local farmers was a pivotal moment in my life. I returned to the University of Waterloo and completed my master’s thesis in 2022, where I investigated how organic agriculture in schools of Ica’s rural communities could help reduce the incidence of anemia. Since then, I’ve worked extensively with Indigenous communities in Canada in sustainable agriculture and aquaculture management.

Just me: 

Living in different parts of the world has cultivated in me a natural curiosity and desire to learn, understand people, and listen to their stories. When I am not at the office, you can find me at church, on the beach, diving, or playing football with the locals. I also enjoy strength training and Latin dancing and love to try new activities.