Farah Obaidullah’s lifelong passion and commitment lies in protecting the world’s oceans. With two decades of professional experience in ocean advocacy, including working as a Senior Oceans Campaigner at Greenpeace, Farah has travelled the world and seen the magnificence of our oceans – while witnessing some of the most appalling practices happening within them. As a speaker, Farah brings audiences an honest depiction of what is really happening out at sea, drawing attention to the environmental and human consequences behind abusing our seas and how we can all play our own part in looking after them.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Environmental Technology from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London, Farah is an ocean advocate and consultant who, during her noteworthy time at Greenpeace, worked on various campaigns globally, both on land and at sea. Some of her most significant achievements at the company include the development of its presence in West Africa; putting a stop to the transfer of a highly destructive fishery (hydraulic dredging) from the Netherlands to Mauritania; uncovering fish crimes (IUU – illegal, unreported, and unregulated) across the globe; and fronting its initial engagement on slavery and labour abuse in the fishing sector, in which she presented at INTERPOL’s 2014 conference on human trafficking – the first time this topic was discussed at such a forum.
In 2017, Farah went on to establish her own non-profit, The Ocean and Us, with the mission to ensure healthy oceans for not only human survival and wellbeing, but as a moral responsibility to all life on earth. The organisation’s work focuses on a range of pressing ocean issues, including climate change, overfishing and pollution, and deep-sea mining. Recognising the lack of diversity in the industry, Farah founded Women4Oceans (W4O), a platform that empowers women in the marine industry. In 2023, she published her book, The Ocean and Us, exploring our relationship with the ocean and how our lives intermingle with it.
Always seeking new ways that she can contribute to a better world, Farah remains available for short-term assignments and speaking engagements. She is well-versed in delivering informative and inspiring talks, sharing her own personal journey with the ocean and raising awareness of the importance of its conservation, most certainly leaving a lasting impression on all who attend.
Books
The Ocean and Us
How to hire Farah Obaidullah
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Farah Obaidullah for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Farah Obaidullah’s official speaking topics are listed below:
- Ocean Pollution (Plastics)
- Labour Abuse & Slavery in the Seafood Sector
- What it Means to Choose Sustainable Seafood
- Illegal Fishing
- The Looming Threat of Deep-Sea Mining – The Winners & the Losers, the Environmental & Human Costs, How We Can Use Our People Power to Stop it Before it Starts
- The Implications of Climate Change on Ocean Life & Coastal Communities
- Environmental Activism
- Farah’s Own Personal Journey with the Ocean – What it’s Like at Sea & Her Goals to Safeguard Ocean Health
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
“Farah has the uncanny ability to capture the full attention of the audience with her relaxed approach and vast knowledge of her subject matter. A rare talent indeed…. I was so enthralled by her content, passion and poised delivery that I clear forgot about where I was.” – Belinda, Operations Director/Instructor Trainer, Dive Munda
"Who can talk about the ocean better than one who has spent well over a decade working for the ocean. Farah is an original thinker and an encyclopaedic brain trust of marine conservation knowledge. Farah for the ocean is like a great free dive with perfect visibility and warm calm water. So good.” – Mark, Filmmaker, Ocean Warriors
“Farah’s lecture at the National Maritime Museum was engaging, informative and visually compelling. The audience was captivated both by her and her topic. I’d be delighted to bring her back, as she is an excellent speaker!” – Colette, Founder/Director, Art Fraud Insights
"Farah speaks to an audience in a calm and engaging manner that invites you to listen and absorb the information provided. She has an ability to teach without coming across as preachy and engage the audience on both an intellectual and emotional level." - Kristin, Head Organiser, Earth Day The Hague
- 2023 – Published her book, The Ocean and Us
- 2017 – Founded The Ocean and Us & Women4Oceans (W4O)
- 2014 – Presented at INTERPOL’s 2014 conference on human trafficking
- 2005 – Began working at Greenpeace as Senior Oceans Campaigner
- 1999 – Graduated in Master of Science in Environmental Technology from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London
- 1998 – Graduated in Bachelor of Science in Biology from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London
