The Sea Ranger Service’s Founder and CEO, Wietse van der Werf, has been named to the 2026 TIME100 Climate list, an annual recognition of the world’s most influential leaders driving tangible climate action.
The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for the organisation, which will enter its tenth year of operations in 2027. Over the past decade, the Sea Ranger Service has pioneered a unique model that provides maritime training, employment and coaching opportunities to young people in coastal areas. Simultaneously, this growing workforce delivers essential coastal and offshore services to assist governments with the management, conservation and restoration of oceans.
Wietse van der Werf’s inclusion on the TIME100 Climate list underscores the global impact of this dual-purpose approach. The recognition highlights the critical need to develop a skilled, dedicated maritime workforce to carry out the practical work of environmental conservation.
Wietse van der Werf, Founder and CEO of the Sea Ranger Service, says: “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Sea Ranger Service over the last decade. Real climate action is about people. Sea Rangers show up day after day to carry out the practical work of ocean protection and restoration. By empowering young people to take on these environmental challenges, we are not just protecting biodiversity; we are unlocking human potential. This honour reflects the daily commitment of the Sea Rangers and the partners who make our collective work possible.”
Wietse van der Werf will attend TIME’s unveiling of the 2026 TIME100 Climate list at COP31 in Turkey. His inclusion brings the Sea Ranger Service’s work into the spotlight at the UN climate conference, highlighting the role young people can play in protecting and restoring the ocean as they build careers at sea.
As the Sea Ranger Service prepares to celebrate ten years of operations, the organisation continues to expand its international footprint and operational capacity. The TIME100 Climate recognition validates the importance of combining social mobility with environmental action, proving that investing in youth is a highly effective strategy for long-term ocean restoration.
