Kim McIntyre is executive director of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), a coalition aimed at inspiring collective action for ocean and freshwater conservation. She has been working at the intersection of ocean conservation, climate change, policy and sustainability for more than 20 years, building cross-sector coalitions with governments, non-profits, academia, and industry.
Established by several major US aquariums, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium and the National Aquarium, the Aquarium Conservation Partnership was created in 2016 to align public aquariums across the US with a mission to inspire conservation and action for ocean and freshwater ecosystems and wildlife. The organisation addresses issues such as habitat protections, climate change, plastic pollution and environmental equity.
McIntyre understands aquariums’ collective impact. She has championed the creation and adoption of environmentally friendly practices across all member aquariums, including a climate commitment with carbon neutral targets. These initiatives align with the ACP’s conservation goals and set a high standard for other institutions in the field.
“The Aquarium Conservation Partnership exists because conservation work isn’t possible without doing things collectively and collaboratively,” McIntyre told blooloop. “It’s the collective impact of numerous different and diverse organisations coming together that can make the change we’re all trying to push toward for our future.”
One person who nominated Kim McIntyre said: “Through strategic planning, impactful collaborations, and a commitment to public engagement and sustainability, McIntyre has strengthened the role of aquariums in marine conservation. Her leadership has not only enhanced the effectiveness of ACP’s member institutions but has also set a high standard for conservation efforts within the aquarium community. McIntyre continues to inspire positive change and drive forward the crucial work of conserving our planet’s marine ecosystems.
“She is a dynamic leader who co-creates and leads at the same time while producing innovative initiatives and implementing groundbreaking models that the Aquarium Conservation Partnership members utilize to move their institutions into the 21st century.”