GreenSeas Trust Founder Fazilette Khan Honoured with MBE for Marine Conservation Efforts

Fazilette Khan, the inspiring founder of the environmental charity GreenSeas Trust, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for her exceptional contributions to marine conservation.

A trailblazer in protecting our oceans, Fazilette embarked on this mission back in 2000—well before marine debris and climate change were frontline issues. Under her leadership, the charity’s flagship programme BinForGreenSeas has now prevented over one million plastic bottles from entering the ocean—a major victory in the global effort against marine plastic pollution.

Since its launch in 2019, BinForGreenSeas has seen the installation of 23 dedicated recycling bins in key UK coastal towns including Cardiff, Margate, Scarborough, Eastbourne and Portishead. The initiative has recently gone international with new installations at The Pearl Island in Qatar, marking an exciting expansion of its global reach.

Fazilette’s remarkable journey began when she qualified as a marine electronic engineer at the former HMS Worcester (Merchant Navy College) in 1984. Breaking new ground, she became one of the first female Radio Officers from an ethnic‑minority background in a traditionally male‑dominated maritime industry. Her subsequent career with shipping giants such as P&O Cruises and Cunard brought her face‑to‑face with the devastating effects of marine litter.

In recognition of her tireless dedication, Fazilette has previously received both the Merchant Navy Medal for Services to the Marine Environment and the Points of Light Award from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Reflecting on her MBE, Fazilette said:

“I am incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. My hope is that this inspires others to join us in protecting our beautiful blue planet.”

Discover more about Fazilette Khan and her impactful work at GreenSeas Trust here: https://www.greenseas.org