Sarai Valeria Cortez Casamayor

Sarai is a Peruvian marine biologist committed to the conservation of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Her journey began with a passion for whales and dolphins, which led her to combine scientific research with community engagement and environmental education.

She is the founder of Proyecto Cetáceos Peru, a nonprofit that promotes marine megafauna conservation through research, citizen science, and strategic alliances with local stakeholders.

Over the past years, she has worked with coastal communities, tourism operators, and environmental organizations to co-design solutions that address conservation challenges while respecting local livelihoods.

She believes in participatory and evidence-based approaches that empower people to become agents of change.