Yousra Makanse, MSc

What’s the work that you do?

I am a Ph.D. candidate at Wageningen University, working on an interdisciplinary research project named ProAct (Proactive Management of Antarctic Tourism). Tourism in Antarctica has experienced exponential growth in recent years, resulting in an increased number of visitors alongside an increase in the variety of tourism activities offered on the continent. My research aims at exploring tourism diversification on the continent, its socio-economic drivers and desirability, as well as the possibility to find legal tools to regulate undesirable aspects.

What keeps you going?

Being surrounded by people who believe in and are fighting for the same causes that I am. And hope that we can change our ways and start making more meaningful relationships with our Earth.

What’s your message to the world?

We need to understand that the changes in the Poles are a global responsibility, and we all should unite efforts to prevent further impacts. And if you are a woman in Polar Sciences, remember about all the young women who will look up to you and who you will have the chance to inspire and empower.