Millfield Transform a Life x #TOGETHER FUND Ambassador, Kait Weston, reveals why she chose to support Goal 14: Life Below Water

Kait Weston, the Deputy Head of Pastoral at Millfield, is one of our Millfield Transform a Life x #TOGETHER FUND ambassadors this term. Kait chose to support Goal 14: Life Below Water, as she actively supports the conservation of the oceans, seas and marine resources, and the promotion of their sustainable use and development.

Life Below Water is a UN Global Goal close to Kait’s heart due to her central involvement in a marine conservation research project based near Msimbati in Southern Tanzania. Kait joined the project in 1997 after completing her Biology degree. As part of the first year of her degree, Kait was involved in a field trip to East Africa which sparked her interest in the wildlife in this part of the world and influenced her joining the project in Tanzania.

Kait, and the other research assistants on the project, spent three months collecting data on marine flora and fauna by diving and snorkelling in the Indian Ocean.

Before the marine conservation project was carried out, the preferred approach to fishing was to throw sticks of dynamite overboard. This then caused the fish to rise to the surface to allow for easy harvesting. Unfortunately, it inflicted catastrophic damage on the local reef system and was a frightening experience for Kait and her team, who were 20m below the surface.

By incredible coincidence, the beneficiary project for Goal 14: Life Below Water, raises funds to go towards supporting the Rufiji, Mafia and Kilwa sea reserves, areas which Kait helped to conserve in 1997 by collecting the critical data for the project. This has inspired Kait to support Goal 14 and raise further awareness of ocean conservation, and the sustainability of marine resources.

Kait says, ‘It was such an extraordinary experience for me that I was delighted to learn that the #TOGETHERBAND Goal 14 raises funds to support these local coastal communities. By purchasing a band, we are supporting businesses and government in Tanzania to help protect their environment, green their economy and build a more sustainable future for everyone in that region.’

Learn more about the Millfield Transform a Life x #TOGETHERBAND campaign here.