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Arpita Dutta

State Coordinator (Karnataka Projects) & YouCAN Earth Educator Fellow

ReefWatch Marine Conservation

Cohort

4 Kundapura, Karnataka, India

Arpita Dutta is a Marine Biologist, conservationist, and educator with a strong commitment to fostering ocean literacy among the younger generation. Arpita’s work has taken her across diverse cultures and environments, enriching her approach to conservation and community engagement for the past 10 years. Arpita is currently leading a passion project aimed at educating school students about the importance of ocean conservation. She hopes to inspire the next generation to connect with and protect the ocean, advocate for environmental education, and now with YouCAN (Youth Conservation Action Network), she aims to make a larger impact

Passion Project

Primary Focus Area

Eco-Literacy, Nature Education , Ocean literacy, coastal ecosystems

Special Expertise

Marine biology, intertidal ecology, curriculum design, field-based learning, children's letter-writing for reflection

Anchored for Change – Ocean Literacy engages children from coastal communities in Kundapura through an eight-month, place-based module on marine life, ocean identity and conservation. Using letter exchanges, coastal walks, micro-habitat exploration, drawing and conversations with local fishers, the project builds empathy, belonging and awareness of marine issues. Children document species, stories and emotions, strengthening pride in their coastal heritage.

Communities engaged

Coastal fishing communities, rural schoolchildren, local youth groups

Pedagogical Style

Place-based, localised, inquiry-driven learning rooted in lived context; experiential, reflective, empathy-building; child-led expression through letters, drawings and storytelling