About

Hakan has been active in the marine conservation and education sector for over two decades. His early professional experience was shaped within the sustainability arena, as a researcher and consultant on projects in sustainability reporting, stake holder engagement, SIA and social risk. Hakan then turned his attention to the community sector at the inception of Victoria’s system of marine national parks, being on the executive committee of Marine Care Ricketts Point inc., for 12 years. In that time Hakan engaged in numerous activities and projects around marine education, including the development of the Ricketts Point Marine Education Centre and coordination of inter-agency public education programs, such as Marine Care’s regular contributions to Coast Care’s Summer by the Sea festivals. The former won a Banksia Award and the latter a nomination in the education category for the organization. In parallel Hakan developed and delivered environmental education programs as a consultant in the schools’ sector and has for over a decade been an educator with the Gould League, specializing in the development and delivery of its marine education programs for Victorian primary and secondary students.

Hakan holds an Honours degree in Marine Science and Management and a Diploma in Conservation and Land Management. His post graduate research focused on policy development and implementation of marine protected areas. In addition to his continuing role as an environmental educator, Hakan is undertaking a bachelor’s degree in music composition and music technology, being keen to explore the intersections of creative arts and environmental education.