Tobia de Scisciolo (UCU ’15) is restoring Aruba’s coral reefs through science, community action, and education. First arriving via the UAUCU Field Research Programme, the Florence-born environmental scientist stayed to finish his thesis—and never left. Today, he lectures in Biology & Environmental Science at the University of Aruba and is completing a PhD on how small-island development and water quality affect reef ecosystems.
As a project lead for Turning the Tide—a two-year RESEMBID-funded coral and mangrove restoration initiative led by the Aruba Conservation Foundation and Wageningen University, with the University of Aruba and ScubbleBubbles Foundation—de Scisciolo and volunteers tested new coral structures, replanted mangroves, and worked with local divers to revive degraded habitats. He continues mentoring new UCU cohorts returning to Aruba through the same field programme, while pursuing grants to expand restoration.
“There’s pride in working on the place you live. It’s not abstract—you see the effects and can do something about them,” he says.
Photo Credits : https://www.uu.nl/en/news/turning-the-tide
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