We met and made each other's passion our common passion
Since 2022
Marie and Johannes met for the first time in April 2022 while traveling.
Since then, they have explored more than 25 countries together, discovering the beauty and diversity of nature around the world. What connects them most is their shared passion for nature and social engagement.
Driven by this passion, they founded their NGO Aguatura—a way to turn their vision into reality and actively contribute to protecting the environment and supporting communities.
Marie
Co-Founder
"We founded AguaTura to unite people and knowledge, driven by the belief that protecting our planet is a shared responsibility."
Academic Background
I studied business and economics, before completing a Master’s in Sustainability for Business Transformation and a second Master’s in European Governance and Political Science.
Through these experiences, I developed a deeper understanding of how environmental and social issues are closely tied to policy decisions, economic systems, and global dynamics.
More importantly, it highlighted the gap between theory and reality and the importance of exploring how these challenges are actually addressed on the ground.
Professional Experience
Professionally, I spent over four years working between Paris and Berlin in the energy sector as a Sustainability and Digital Analyst, gaining insight into the challenges and opportunities of Europe’s transition toward more sustainable systems.
I worked at the intersection of sustainability, data, and operations : exploring how large-scale transformations are designed and implemented.
This role allowed me to better understand how these shifts impact both systems and households, from energy use to cost pressures, while also highlighting the role of innovation in driving change.
Social Engagement
Alongside my studies and career, I have built extensive international NGO experience.
In Normandy, I worked with Saint Vincent de Paul preparing food packages for vulnerable families. In Peru, I joined Bridges Today to support school construction projects. I later completed an internship with WWF in Colombia, and in Berlin I contributed to community‑focused initiatives with Berliner Tafel and Morus 14.
Curious, committed, and driven by a strong sense of purpose, I continue to explore how social action, environmental protection, and community engagement can come together to create meaningful change.
Johannes
Co-Founder
"We believe we should see ourselves as part of nature rather than apart from it, working together to preserve its balance and beauty. AguaTura stands for this."
Academic Background
I began studying Business and Economics for my bachelor’s degree in 2017. While my studies gave me a solid understanding of how companies and economies work, I increasingly felt the need to find a direction where I could create a more meaningful impact.
Almost by chance, I came across the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility during a seminar. That moment became a turning point for me. From then on, I focused on understanding how companies can grow while also contributing positively to society and the environment.
For my master’s degree, I decided to look at every aspect of business through a “green” lens. This perspective not only shaped my mindset but also equipped me with the skills and motivation to help transform companies into drivers of a more sustainable future.
Professional Experience
For over three years, I worked in the field of climate change and sustainability across several consulting companies. What motivated me most was supporting organizations on their journey toward becoming more sustainable. During this time, I worked on a wide range of projects, addressing topics such as climate change, deforestation, and broader sustainability strategies.
Every project brought new challenges and showed me how differently each organization approaches its responsibilities. I learned to turn complex regulations into practical steps and to design solutions that were both ambitious and realistic.
These experiences showed me how impactful companies can be when it comes to tackling sustainability challenges. Working at the intersection of business and sustainability helped me realize that organizations are not just part of the problem—they are also a crucial part of the solution.
Social Engagement
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to engage in a variety of volunteer projects and activities related to social and environmental topics. Sometimes I actively sought out ways to get involved with NGOs connected to a specific cause, while other times I joined initiatives simply out of curiosity. In every case, these experiences have been incredibly enriching.
What has impressed me most about volunteer work is the strong sense of community, combined with a deep intrinsic motivation and genuine expertise among the people involved. Being part of such environments has always been inspiring and has shaped how I think about collaboration and impact.
These experiences ultimately motivated me to co-found our own NGO, Aguatura, as a way to continue working toward causes I care about and to create something meaningful together with others.
