SARAH LECUYER

Conservation Programs Manager, Galapagos

Why IOI: 

I initially joined IOI because my personal values align with IOI’s vision: working for the sustainable development of the community through education, collaborative work, and research. After my first 6 months in 2024 as the Sea Turtle Program Coordinator, I had the opportunity to evolve within the foundation to enlarge the scope of my responsibilities in my new role as the Conservation Programs Manager. 

My IOI role: 

As the Conservation Programs Manager, I am responsible for three IOI projects: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring, Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, and Ecotourism. IOI collaborates with the Galapagos National Park and in my role, I work directly with the National Park on these projects. IOI receives volunteers and other international participants weekly to support this work and part of my role is to train them before they join the project, as well as ensure they enjoy their work activities and working with the park rangers. I work hard to make sure that project activities are running smoothly based on the IOI-Galapagos National Park planning and agreements that are in place so that we’re able to reach our objectives. I take great pleasure in developing new projects and activities to get the community more involved in our projects; I believe education is a keystone in conservation efforts as it helps them to have a more lasting impact. 

Life prior to IOI:

I studied biology in Aix-en-Provence, France at Aix-Marseille Université followed by attending Sherbrooke University, Canada for my final year of undergraduate. I loved it in Canada so much that I decided to pursue my graduate education in the same university and completed a Master of Sciences (M.Sc) in Biology with a specialization in Applied Ecology. During my Master's internship, I developed a standardized monitoring program to study three species of sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, and Caretta caretta) that nest in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and the surrounding area.

Just me: 

When I was a child, I had tortoises in my garden and I remember waiting patiently for them to come out of the ground from their hibernation. I still have a photo of my encounter with a tortoise at the Village des Tortues's clinic, Gonfaron, France, by the side of my bed. I love music, photography, and I’m currently learning how to film and edit videos. I am curious and always keen to try new activities and discover new places.

Fun fact about me : I worked in the hospitality industry for two years as an event coordinator and wedding planner in the south west of France.