Enric Sala

Dr. Enric Sala is a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence actively engaged in exploration, research and communications to advance ocean policy and conservation. His more than 120 scientific publications are widely recognized and used for real-world conservation efforts such as the creation of marine reserves.

Enric’s is currently working to help protect the last pristine marine ecosystems worldwide, and to develop new business models for marine conservation. He combines exploration, scientific research, economic analysis, and media to inspire country leaders to protect the last wild places in the ocean. Working together with conservation organizations, Enric was key in inspiring the creation of large marine protected areas such as the Pacific Remote Atolls National Monument, USA; the Motu Motiro Hiva Marine Park, Chile; the Seamounts Marine Managed Area, Costa Rica; and the Southern Line Islands Marine Reserve, Kiribati.

Enric is a 2005 Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellow, 2006 Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation, 2008 Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum in Davos, 2013 Research Award of the Spanish Geographical Society, and 2013 Lowell Thomas Award of the Explorers Club. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and also received the 2006 Prince of Asturias Award to Communication and Humanities with National Geographic. Enric’s experience and scientific expertise contributes to his service on advisory boards of international organizations and governments.

Enric obtained his Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Aix-Marseille, France, in 1996.