Rebecca M Peters

Name

Rebecca M Peters

Age

Hometown

San Francisco, California, USA

Occupation

Senior International Water Policy Advisor, U.S.Department of State & Lecturer, Georgetown University School of ForeignService

Role in expedition

Chief Scientist

Achievements

River Roamer, Science Diplomat, Policy Pathfinder

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Rowzambique goals

While navigating the Zambezi River's powerful currents and breathtaking landscapes, I aim to deepen my understanding of water resource management and conservation efforts firsthand. I aspire to witness the delicate balance between human development and environmental preservation in one of Africa's most iconic river systems. Furthermore, I seek to forge meaningful connections with local communities along the Zambezi, learning from their wisdom and experiences regarding sustainable practices and ecological stewardship. I hope to contribute to raising awareness about the importance of water security and inspire others to take action in safeguarding our planet's precious natural resources. Ultimately, my goal is not just to row the Zambezi, but to emerge from this expedition as a more informed advocate for the preservation of our world's rivers and ecosystems.

3 skills you bring to the expedition

Indefatigable. Perseverance. Versatility.

Biggest fear of the expedition

I have a terrible sense of direction–getting lost would be rough!

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About me

I hail from California, where my commitment to environmental conservation originated. Currently, I serve as the Senior Water Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of State and a lecturer at Georgetown School of Foreign Service. Previously, I was an Aspen Institute Climate Fellow and an Academy Associate at Chatham House, leading research on climate science, policy, and diplomacy. My diverse experiences include serving as a Luce Scholar at the Asian International Rivers Center in China and co-authoring The Nature Conservancy’s 'Power of Rivers' report. As a doctoral candidate at the University of Oxford, I partnered with the REACH Water Security programme to engage more than 15 civil society and private sector partners and the government of Bangladesh to confront industrial water pollution. During my tenure, I coordinated the bilingual Bengali-English translation of the 283-page ‘legal personhood’ High Court verdict for Bangladesh’s rivers. I received an M.Sc. in Poverty and Development Economics and an M.Sc. in Water Science and Policy as a Marshall Scholar. As an undergraduate at UC Berkeley, I served as President of the Berkeley Water Group and as a Berkeley Law Human Rights Fellow. I enjoy writing about environmental issues in publications including Scientific American, Foreign Affairs, and The World Today.

Motivations

The irresistible call of the unknown, the magnetic pull of adventure, beckoning me to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in the beauty of nature and people. A deep-seated desire to test my limits, to push past the boundaries of familiarity and routine, and to embrace the exhilaration of discovery. The undeniable thrill in the camaraderie that comes with shared experiences, as I anticipate forging bonds with fellow adventurers amidst the backdrop of roaring rapids and tranquil riverbanks. Ultimately, it's the promise of writing a chapter in the book of our lives filled with unforgettable encounters that fuels my determination to participate in this escapade.

Worries

I've always wanted to test out my rowing skills while simultaneously questioning my life choices, dancing with uncertainty while hoping not to step on any crocodile toes. Perhaps it's the blend of fear and fascination that defines the allure of such an expedition – a waltz with destiny, accompanied by the melodies of the wild.