OUR TEAM

Ellian Bangtor is the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Communications Coordinator, bringing over a decade of experience in communications across government and non-government organisations, including work with the Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation (VBTC). She holds a Diploma in Media and Journalism and has built her career on sharing impactful stories with the public.

 

At the Waitt Institute, Ellian leads communications for Blue Prosperity Vanuatu. She develops and manages media outreach, supports the production of films and documentaries, drafts talking points and presentations, and creates content for social media and community engagement. She also prepares press releases, coordinates with journalists, and ensures consistent messaging across all platforms.

 

Ellian is dedicated to using her expertise to elevate Vanuatu’s voice in ocean conservation and to foster greater understanding and support for sustainable ocean management.

Virana Bogiri is the Program Coordinator for Blue Prosperity Vanuatu. With a strong background in environmental science, she has played a pivotal role in supporting environmental initiatives across the Pacific region. Virana holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science and Chemistry and a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Environmental Geoscience) from The University of the South Pacific.

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Building on her early career experiences, she served as the National Coordinator for the Australia Pacific Climate Alumni Network from 2021 to 2023, demonstrating her commitment to climate action in the region.

Prior to her current position, she gained valuable experience as an MSP Project Intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2018 to 2020. Virana's dedication to environmental sustainability and her extensive experience make her a vital asset to the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu team and the broader mission of promoting sustainable ocean management in the Pacific.

Patterson Dini is a community engagement and tourism professional with over five years of hands-on experience working across Vanuatu’s coastal communities. Born and raised in the islands, Patterson has a lifelong connection to the ocean and deep cultural roots that inform his understanding of sustainable marine resource use. He has operated fishing, diving, and cultural tours, giving him practical knowledge of local marine environments and extensive experience working with both domestic and international stakeholders.

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Patterson is fluent in Bislama, English, French, and three local dialects, enabling him to communicate effectively with a wide range of communities. His background includes facilitating community meetings, supporting logistics, and translating technical information into accessible, everyday language for visitors and local audiences. He is also an active community and church volunteer, strengthening his leadership and grassroots engagement skills.

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With a strong appreciation for traditional customs, provincial systems, and local governance, Patterson is comfortable working with high-level leaders as well as grassroots communities. His experience, combined with a francophone educational background and deep commitment to ocean stewardship, equips him to support the sustainable management of Torba’s marine environment.

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As Torba Provincial Coordinator for Blue Prosperity Vanuatu, Patterson is dedicated to advancing community engagement, supporting Marine Spatial Planning initiatives, and helping ensure that sustainable ocean management leads to long-term benefits for the people of Torba and Vanuatu.

Nazymento Sine is a marine science professional and passionate ocean advocate with hands-on experience supporting ocean programs across the Pacific. 

 

In this role, Nazy will support Blue Prosperity Vanuatu’s Marine Spatial Planning work through GIS mapping and spatial analysis, and communicating complex data to both technical and community audiences, helping ensure that Vanuatu’s ocean planning is grounded in strong science and local realities.

 

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science and is deeply passionate about ocean conservation and sustainable marine management, with a firm commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and supporting ocean initiatives throughout the Pacific region.

 

Nazy began his professional journey in 2024 as an Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) intern within the Oceans Office. During this time, he actively contributed to various ocean-related programs while strengthening his technical expertise and leadership skills. Following a year of dedicated service, he was promoted to the role of ECOP Consultant for Vanuatu.

 

Through these experiences, Nazy has developed strong initiative and the confidence to embrace new challenges. He is driven to make a meaningful impact in the marine sector and to continue growing as a young professional dedicated to sustainable ocean solutions.

Chris Tahilavoa Lini is the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Penama Provincial Coordinator with strong traditional leadership and cultural ties in Pentecost Island and Penama Province.

 

He studied Chinese Language and International Trade at Beijing Language and Culture University, where he developed skills in report writing, presentations, task organization, planning, independent work, and the use of Microsoft Office tools. He is fluent in the Hano dialect, Bislama, English, and Chinese.

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Chris has worked with VV Rentals and China Jiangsu International VU Limited, where he served as a Human Resource Officer and Liaison Officer between the company and local communities. He has also provided translation support during high-level government occasions and assisted with reports and regulatory submissions. With strong communication skills, cultural knowledge, and respect for traditional values, Chris brings valuable experience in stakeholder engagement, coordination, and community relations.

Jessica Maoh is the Legal Coordinator for Blue Prosperity Vanuatu (BPV), supporting the legal work behind the development and implementation of Vanuatu's Marine Spatial Plan. Based in Port Vila and working out of the Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs, she supports the Head of the Oceans Office, Toney Tevi, and coordinates closely with the Waitt Institute Legal Team and the State Law Office on the implementation of the Ocean Act, including any needed amendments or regulations.

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Jessica's path to ocean governance began at sea rather than in a classroom. After working as a seafarer, she turned to legal and policy studies, drawn to the idea of shaping the frameworks that govern how Vanuatu manages its ocean. She studied law at USP. 

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Jessica then joined Vanuatu's Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs through the Pacific Early Ocean Career Professionals (ECOP) programme, where she worked alongside chiefs, fishers, youth groups, and local leaders across the country to support awareness and implementation of the Ocean Act. 

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She also represented Vanuatu aboard the RV Tangaroa as part of the Pacific Community and Earth Sciences New Zealand's "Floating University" programme, a 26-day research voyage that deepened her interest in using ocean data to inform stronger legislation and policy in Vanuatu. 

With a grounding in maritime law, community engagement, and a firsthand understanding of life at sea, Jessica brings valuable experience in legal analysis, stakeholder engagement, and coastal community relations.

Chrystal Ida Silas is the Assistant to the Director of Oceans and Maritime Affairs at Blue Prosperity Vanuatu. In this role, Chrystal provides essential administrative and coordination support to the Director's office, helping ensure the smooth day-to-day running of Blue Prosperity Vanuatu's programs and priorities.

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She previously served as a Pacific Early Ocean Career Professional (ECOP), embedded within Vanuatu's Ocean and Maritime Affairs Department, where she worked closely with coastal communities to support the country's ocean priorities.

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During her placement, Chrystal helped lead community awareness sessions on Vanuatu's landmark Ocean Act, including engagements with chiefs and stakeholders in Hog Harbour and across Sanma Province. Her work reinforced the importance of coordinated government engagement, ensuring communities understand the roles of the various agencies involved in ocean governance. She also represented Vanuatu's ECOPs at the Pacific Islands Ocean Conference in Honiara, connecting with regional leaders and practitioners in ocean governance.

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Chrystal studied at the University of the South Pacific, and her interest in marine management grew from watching the effects of climate change on Vanuatu's smaller islands. She is committed to developing policies that protect Vanuatu's marine environments and support the communities who depend on them.