All posts by Christina Saylor

Christina is an enthusiastic traveler and scuba diver who spent six weeks as a volunteer with Blue Ventures in Timor-Leste. She is a communications professional with a passion for storytelling and community-based advocacy.

Welcome visitors! Families on Ataúro pioneer the island’s first homestay association

Homestays offer a unique cultural experience that is long-remembered by visitors, and that would be impossible to replicate in a hotel or guesthouse.

/ Mar 23, 2018
Monda and team conducting a survey | Photo: Christina Saylor

Collaborating to save seagrass: communities in Timor-Leste embrace a new opportunity for conservation

A community-based seagrass monitoring programme has been established to empower the residents of Ataúro Island to protect one of their most vital marine ecosystems.

/ Jan 17, 2018
At the surface | Photo: Jen Craighill

A fisherman’s journey into deeper seas: scuba diving and conservation in Timor-Leste

Amos Da Costa's family has always relied on the sea for their food and livelihood, but he believes they must look to the future. He now helps to conserve Ataúro Island's marine environments as Blue Ventures' Dive and Science Assistant.

/ Nov 9, 2017

Sea Change: Ataúro’s first female scuba diver lends her voice to marine conservation efforts

Jemima Gomes was the first female scuba diver on Ataúro Island, and she is now advocating for marine conservation in her community.

/ Sep 20, 2017