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About Us
Our History
& so it began …
Founded in the Phillipines
2020
Pelagic’s journey began as a non profit company dedicated to coral restoration and education. Through collaborative efforts with the Filipinas, local government agencies, and private businesses, we developed a proven blueprint for impactful projects that transcend sectors, with conservation at the core.
Our commitment to making a difference expanded when we responded to the humanitarian crisis caused by Hurricane Rai / Typhoon Odette on the island of Bohol. In the aftermath of this devastating Category 5 hurricane, Pelagic, in collaboration with the Ubay Relief Drive, emerged as a successful disaster relief initiative. Through this devastating disaster, our team witnessed firsthand the immeasurable value mangrove trees and forests have in protecting coastal communities and marine coastlines.
In late 2022, following the successful execution of our projects in the Philippines, Pelagic embarked on a new chapter, bringing our expertise to the Wild Coast of South Africa. Here, we operate with a broader scope and employ solution-driven strategies to address the pressing conservation needs of the region.
Timeline
June 2023
In June 2023, concerned citizens of the Mpande Community approached Pelagic Wake to provide assistance in the rehabilitation of a natural forest.
As a result, this community has become the first to benefit from the development of a Rising Habitat.
As a result, this community has become the first to benefit from the development of a Rising Habitat.
December 2021
As Pelagic approached its final phase of our mother project, devastation hit the island as Hurricane Rai and Typhoon Odette left chaos in its wake, throughout Bohol.
Pelagic Wake Global decided to co-lead a Disaster Relief Drive in partnership with a community initiative, Ubay Relief Drive. Enabling Pelagic to expand its reach to neighbouring islands.
Thankfully, our Coral Nursery survived the hurricane and continues to thrive today.
Pelagic Wake Global decided to co-lead a Disaster Relief Drive in partnership with a community initiative, Ubay Relief Drive. Enabling Pelagic to expand its reach to neighbouring islands.
Thankfully, our Coral Nursery survived the hurricane and continues to thrive today.
November 2020
In partnership with DCC and Valm, we launched a series of workshops for local communities on Coral Restoration & Rehabilitation.
Training local volunteer technicians to manage two (2) nurseries on Napalang Reef, Bohol Island; Pelagic Wake was piloting their blue-print within two months of launching the initiative.
Training local volunteer technicians to manage two (2) nurseries on Napalang Reef, Bohol Island; Pelagic Wake was piloting their blue-print within two months of launching the initiative.
August 2022
In August 2022, Pelagic Wake Global registered a Non-Profit Company in South Africa to provide strategic support and community conservation management along the Wild Coast, South Africa.
MArch 2021
Less than 5 months later, the two (2) nurseries were thriving under the care of the volunteer technicians. With strategic support being provided by the Local Governments’ Marine Ecology Divers, a total of 48 corals are thriving.
September 2020
Taking a leap of faith in September 2020, Pelagic Wake Global was founded. With the aim of shifting the narrative and ensuring upliftment and encouragement for local communities.
With Christien le Roux at the helm, it was time for her to take everything she gained over the years, from inspiration, experience, work, volunteering, training, frustration and immense research and apply a new model or blueprint for conservation management.
With Christien le Roux at the helm, it was time for her to take everything she gained over the years, from inspiration, experience, work, volunteering, training, frustration and immense research and apply a new model or blueprint for conservation management.
Timeline
June 2023
In June 2023, concerned citizens of the Mpande Community approached Pelagic Wake to provide assistance in the rehabilitation of a natural forest.
As a result, this community has become the first to benefit from the development of a Rising Habitat.
As a result, this community has become the first to benefit from the development of a Rising Habitat.
AUGUST 2022
In August 2022, Pelagic Wake Global registered a Non-Profit Company in South Africa to provide strategic support and community conservation management along the Wild Coast, South Africa.
DECEMBER 2021
As Pelagic approached its final phase of our mother project, devastation hit the island as Hurricane Rai and Typhoon Odette left chaos in its wake, throughout Bohol.
Pelagic Wake Global decided to co-lead a Disaster Relief Drive in partnership with a community initiative, Ubay Relief Drive. Enabling Pelagic to expand its reach to neighbouring islands.
Thankfully, our Coral Nursery survived the hurricane and continues to thrive today.
Pelagic Wake Global decided to co-lead a Disaster Relief Drive in partnership with a community initiative, Ubay Relief Drive. Enabling Pelagic to expand its reach to neighbouring islands.
Thankfully, our Coral Nursery survived the hurricane and continues to thrive today.
MARCH 2021
Less than 5 months later, the two (2) nurseries were thriving under the care of the volunteer technicians. With strategic support being provided by the Local Governments’ Marine Ecology Divers, a total of 48 corals are thriving.
NOVEMBER 2020
In partnership with DCC and Valm, we launched a series of workshops for local communities on Coral Restoration & Rehabilitation.
Training local volunteer technicians to manage two (2) nurseries on Napalang Reef, Bohol Island; Pelagic Wake was piloting their blue-print within two months of launching the initiative.
Training local volunteer technicians to manage two (2) nurseries on Napalang Reef, Bohol Island; Pelagic Wake was piloting their blue-print within two months of launching the initiative.
SEPTEMBER 2020
Taking a leap of faith in September 2020, Pelagic Wake Global was founded. With the aim of shifting the narrative and ensuring upliftment and encouragement for local communities.
With Christien le Roux at the helm, it was time for her to take everything she gained over the years, from inspiration, experience, work, volunteering, training, frustration and immense research and apply a new model or blueprint for conservation management.
With Christien le Roux at the helm, it was time for her to take everything she gained over the years, from inspiration, experience, work, volunteering, training, frustration and immense research and apply a new model or blueprint for conservation management.
Board of directors
Ms. C. le Roux
Founder & CEO
Christien has dedicated her career to supporting community development and conservation across Africa and South-East Asia.
With her experience as a Scuba Diver, commitment to Community Development and knowledge of Coral Restoration, it was natural for Christien to seize the moment to develop Pelagic Wake Global.
Reflecting her lifelong passion for creating meaningful change.
With her experience as a Scuba Diver, commitment to Community Development and knowledge of Coral Restoration, it was natural for Christien to seize the moment to develop Pelagic Wake Global.
Reflecting her lifelong passion for creating meaningful change.
Mr. J. Holbrook
Treasurer
With over 40 years experience in corporate & executive management, Jim brings a wealth of expertise to Pelagic Wake’s Board of Directors.
Having witnessed the alarming degradation of coral reefs, Jim was prompted to take action. Pelagic Wake Global is creating a movement to address the pressing challenges facing coral reefs.
His commitment to sustainable approaches underpins Pelagic’s mission.
Having witnessed the alarming degradation of coral reefs, Jim was prompted to take action. Pelagic Wake Global is creating a movement to address the pressing challenges facing coral reefs.
His commitment to sustainable approaches underpins Pelagic’s mission.
Dr. D. de Villiers
Conservationist
With over 40 years of conservation experience along the Wild Coast, Dr. Div de Villiers is fervently dedicated to preserving this delicate ecosystem.
When expanding operations to the Eastern Cape, Div was the first choice to help lead community engagements, conservation efforts and sustainable strategies within the Wild Coast.
His strategic guidance plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission.
When expanding operations to the Eastern Cape, Div was the first choice to help lead community engagements, conservation efforts and sustainable strategies within the Wild Coast.
His strategic guidance plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission.
COLLABORATING PARTNERS
We firmly believe in the power of collaboration
Pelagic Wake has been fortunate to embark on a journey enriched by meaningful partnerships. These collaborations span continents and sectors, uniting us with a diverse array of organisations and individuals who share our unwavering passion for environmental & marine conservation.
Our story began with early partnerships alongside Scuba Diving companies in the Philippines, fostering our dedication to protecting coral reefs. Today, along the Wild Coast, our journey continues with dynamic collaborations. These include tourism partnerships with The Traveling Circus, various environmental consulting firms & conservationists, the East London Museum, and academic institutions globally.
Our story began with early partnerships alongside Scuba Diving companies in the Philippines, fostering our dedication to protecting coral reefs. Today, along the Wild Coast, our journey continues with dynamic collaborations. These include tourism partnerships with The Traveling Circus, various environmental consulting firms & conservationists, the East London Museum, and academic institutions globally.
Embarking on our mission to bridge the gap between human needs and our precious natural resources, Pelagic Wake is committed to fostering harmony between environmental preservation, community well-being, and sustainable tourism. Through these strategic partnerships we empower communities, facilitate digital outreach, and activate citizen scientists.
We pledge commitment to communities who are passionate and dedicated to the celebration of their heritage and the protection of their natural resources, guarding a dignified and enduring future for all.
Divers Community Club (DCC)
The first Ukrainian dive center in the Philippines. Our club has brought together a team of like-minded people who love and live their business.
VALM
The ocean. It’s our office, so we like to take care of it. We consider good training as the key to producing good divers, which in turn protects our coral reefs. Valm Divers also supports our local government units reef conservation efforts through the regular donation of tanks and use of boat’s and equipment. We also organise regular beach clean-up’s. Feel free to join one of these regular clean-up’s and we will buy you a beer at the end.
The Traveling Circus
The Traveling Circus is an inspired band of tourism and social development specialists with heart and passion, collaborating to co-create and nurture sustainable Social Ecosystems in Southern Africa.
We believe in a world where connections can empower local communities and provide a platform for growth and development, establishing a more prosperous future for all.
We believe in a world where connections can empower local communities and provide a platform for growth and development, establishing a more prosperous future for all.
Div de Villiers Conservation Services
August 2021, Dr Div de Villiers secured his PhD from Rhodes University.
Biodiversity Conservation of South Africa’s Wild Coast through the Years: Exploring the Tensions between Western-style and Local Traditional Conservation Practices
Biodiversity Conservation of South Africa’s Wild Coast through the Years: Exploring the Tensions between Western-style and Local Traditional Conservation Practices
Pelagic Allies
Christien le Roux
Pelagic Visionary 
Div de Villiers
Conservationist Extrodinaire 
Neil Shaw
Jack in the Box 
Tonya Khoury
Coastal Wordsmith 
The Greatest Shoal on Earth
The biggest bucket list adventure you will have off land.
Sharks, huge Dusky sharks, Bronze Whalers, squadrons of dive-bombing Gannets, and Dolphin megapods. This is the Studio 54 of the underwater world: a cacophony of deafening sound, metaphysically uproarious chaos, and tramps like us, baby we were born to run.
Text: Tonya Khoury
Photographs: Tonya Khoury and Walter Bernardis