THE Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has named its newest Ocean Ambassador as Royal Ballet dancer, Fernando Montano. The charity’s Ocean Ambassadors are passionate about the marine environment and work with MCS to help make it a better place for both wildlife and for people.

Born and raised in the Columbian coastal city of Buenaventura, Fernando Montano has always had a great love for the sea.

Fernando said:

“Like so many others, I have become increasingly horrified by the ever-growing levels of pollution and especially the problem that our use of plastic is creating when it is dumped into our rivers and oceans.”

Bringing together his passions for the ocean and dance, Montano created his own photographic project, Dance for the Sea, in 2019. He was photographed underwater, swimming and performing whilst surrounded by installations made from recycled plastic. He also directed, choreographed and performed at a charity event for MCS last year at the Royal Academy for Music: Dance for the Sea.

At the age of 14, Montano won a scholarship to the National Ballet School of Cuba thanks to his family who made significant sacrifices to enable the experience. In Havana, he won international competitions and went on to join the Cuban National Ballet. From Havana he went to Italy and then the UK where he joined the Royal Ballet in 2006, he remains at the Royal Ballet as a Soloist. Fernando has performed all over the world both on Royal Ballet Company tours, but also independently often in support of charity work.

Fernando Montano joins Deborah Meaden, Chris Packham, Simon Reeve and Susie Rodgers, amongst others, as Ocean Ambassador for the Marine Conservation Society. He will bring together his passions for dance and the ocean to raise awareness of the plights our ocean is facing.

On being an Ocean Ambassador for MCS, Fernando said:

“I am so honoured to join the Marine Conservation Society family, I’m a very big supporter of the superb work they do. I was born in the Colombian coastal city of Buenaventura so the sea has always been a very important part of my life. It is our responsibility and duty to protect them all and I look forward to helping the charity to do that by supporting their projects and events.”

Fernando is planning a show for the Marine Conservation Society, Fernando Montano & Friends Christmas Special, on 6th December at the Royal College of Music, London. For more information, please visit www.mcsuk.org/oceanambassadors