Elsie Gabriel is a researcher in Accessible Ocean Tourism and Ocean Literacy, and a doctoral candidate whose work bridges marine conservation, inclusive travel, and community engagement. She serves as International Director of the Handicapped Scuba Association and is the founder of Ocean School and the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust, where she leads grassroots-to-global initiatives that empower diverse communities through ocean education and sustainable practices.

A UNESCO Green Citizens Ocean Literacy Lead, Elsie has played a key role in advancing global ocean literacy efforts, including successfully contributing to the Venice Declaration on Ocean Literacy. She has also been a planetary speaker at the Ocean Conference in Portugal (2022), where she highlighted the importance of inclusion and accessibility in shaping the future of the blue economy. Her work actively connects policy, science, and community voices—especially those of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Elsie is also the National Coordinator for the Climate Reality Project across India and Asia. A certified PADI Adaptive Scuba diver and HSA-certified diver, she brings lived experience into her advocacy and training work. She is a member of IUCN, UNESCO Greening Education,the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and the Accessibility Association of Professionals.

She is also an author of a book on Lakshadweep Islands biodiversity, as well as on Accessible Ocean Tourism and ocean literacy.