Julie Church
Founder & CEO, Seas4Life
Julie Church is a visionary leader in marine conservation and the founder of Seas4Life, a pioneering organisation that bridges purposeful travel, ocean conservation, and ocean literacy across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and beyond. With over 25 years of experience across Africa, the WIO, and the Red Sea, Julie is recognised for developing regenerative, ocean-centred initiatives that combine conservation impact with meaningful, expert-led exploration. Through her previous organisation, Ocean Sole, she has also used marine debris to foster ocean connection, create jobs, and raise awareness.
Born and raised in Kenya to a family deeply engaged in safari, wildlife conservation, and farming, Julie’s understanding of nature runs generations deep. Her professional journey has spanned continents, from the coral reefs of East Africa and seagrass meadows of Indonesia to strategic advisory roles in regional and international programmes. She has collaborated with leading institutions including Worldwide Fund for Nature, International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the NEPAD Coastal & Marine Secretariat, designing and implementing projects that strengthen marine governance, empower coastal communities, and advance sustainable blue economies.
Through Seas4Life, Julie channels her lifelong commitment to the ocean into a platform that redefines how people engage with the sea. Each Seas4Life journey and expedition invites participants to experience the ocean through the lens of expert-led conservation, curated with scientific integrity and designed to inspire lasting impact.
