The Citizen Science: citizen mobilization to protect the sea

Speakers: Laura Pintore e Joëlle Montesano

Laura Pintore, naturalist and ethologist with a passion for cetaceans. Since October 2018, she has been pursuing a PhD in Biological Sciences and Applied Biotechnology at the University of Turin, funded by WWF Italy. Her research focuses on the impact of anthropogenic noise and its effects on the cetaceans of the Pelagos Sanctuary. She is certified as a Responsible Whale Watching Guide for tourists on whale-watching vessels and as an SSI-certified Snorkeling Guide. 

She is the Marine Wildlife Expert of WWF Italy, participating in activities carried out by WWF Italy’s Marine Office in close coordination with the WWF Scientific Committee, which brings together some of the leading experts in ocean conservation. 

In addition, she serves as Scientific Director of the Certificate Programs “Manager della Biodiversità” (Biodiversity Manager) and “Professione Whale Watcher” (Professional Whale Watcher) at the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (EIIS). 

Joëlle Montesano, Researcher and Whale Watching Guide – Vele del Panda 

Marine Biologist and Environmental Hiking Guide (AIGAE), certified Whale Watching Guide (WWF Italy) and Marine Tourism Guide. 

She is the Coordinator of the WWF SUB Community and takes part in the activities carried out by the WWF Italy Marine Office, working closely with the WWF Italy Scientific Committee. Since 2020, she has been collaborating with WWF Italy on the project “Le Vele del Panda”, where she serves as coordinator and guide. She is actively involved in environmental education in universities, schools and within the tourism sector. In addition, she is Scientific Director of the Certificate Programs “Biodiversity Manager”, “Professional Whale Watcher”, and “Whale Watching Guide” at the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (EIIS).