Meet the Team - Balqis Sani
Meet the faces behind YSCS! Introducing Balqis, our new YSCS Trainee 👇
Our new Chair of the Board, Karen Alexander!
What are you looking forward to about the traineeship ?
I'm most passionate about plastic pollution and its effect on Scotland’s seas, as well as marine policy gaps in Scotland. Pollution creates a chain reaction that impacts seafood supply and ultimately human health. What concerns me just as much is the gap between policy on paper and what happens in practice. Legislation exists but implementation is often weak or inconsistent. And perhaps most frustratingly, young people, who are the future of sustainability, are largely excluded from these policy processes. That disconnect between what's written, what's enforced and who's involved is what drives my interest most.
Balqis enjoying the sunset at Portobello Beach
What marine issues in Scotland are you most passionate about and why?
I'm most passionate about plastic pollution and its effect on scotland’s seas, as well as marine policy gaps in Scotland. Pollution creates a chain reaction that impacts seafood supply and ultimately human health. What concerns me just as much is the gap between policy on paper and what happens in practice. Legislation exists but implementation is often weak or inconsistent. And perhaps most frustratingly, young people, who are the future of sustainability, are largely excluded from these policy processes. That disconnect between what's written, what's enforced and who's involved is what drives my interest most.
Plastic pollution on a beach in Jura. Photo: YSCS Member Tabby Fletcher
Why do you think it’s important for young people to have a voice in marine policy?
“Marine environments need to be protected for future generations, and young people are those future generations. We will feel the effects of today's policy decisions most acutely in the years to come, which means we have the most at stake. But beyond that, young people bring something invaluable to policy conversations, including lived experiences and fresh perspectives that push for more innovative solutions. Those perspectives don't just add diversity to the conversation; they make better policy. Excluding young people from these processes means making decisions about a future we will inherit without ever asking us about it. ”
What advice would you give to other young people passionate about our seas?
“Start where you are. You don't need a formal platform or a grand gesture to make a difference. Talk to your friends, share what you know and join communities and organisations that share your passion: collective voices carry so much further than individual ones.
“Advocacy doesn’t have to look a certain way; it just has to be genuine. Speak up, show up and don’t underestimate the impact of starting small.””
Balqis enjoying the sunset at portobello beach
Tell us about your favourite coast or sea spot in Scotland.
“Portobello Beach is the only coastal spot I've visited so far in Scotland, but I love it. Standing at the shore looking out at that vast never-ending body of water was humbling. I couldn't help thinking about the depth of it and the incredible marine creatures living beneath the surface. Watching seabirds diving into the water and crows gathered at the shoreline made it feel so alive. Scotland's seas are something else entirely and I cannot wait to explore more of them. ”