From Paddle, Sketch, Exhibition and Action to a PhD: The Art and Activism of Mangroves from the Water Recognised in Doctoral Research
We are delighted to share that Zahidah Zeytoun Millie, founder of the Mangroves from the Water campaign, has recently been conferred her PhD at Deakin University. Her doctoral research shares the same title—Mangroves from the Water—and represents a significant milestone in her journey as an artist, researcher, and environmental advocate.
PhD Thesis Summary:
‘Mangroves from the Water’ is a research and art project that explores how embodied art practices—rooted in personal experiences of kayaking and sketching within interconnected mangrove ecosystems—can foster ecological intimacy and nurture meaningful human–mangrove relationships in support of mangrove conservation. Drawing on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge systems, the project employs autoethnographic and interdisciplinary methodologies to challenge dominant epistemologies and broaden public understanding of environmental stewardship.
Just one day after her conferral, Zahidah’s work was featured by the Alfred Deakin Institute in their newsletter—marking the beginning of wider public recognition of her research outcomes.
Zahidah’s journey—from Syria to the UAE and now Australia—has been deeply shaped by her commitment to protecting mangrove forests through a unique integration of art, science, and community engagement. Through the Mangroves from the Water campaign, she has not only helped preserve vital ecosystems but has also brought together diverse organisations and earned international recognition.
Her PhD demonstrates how creating art while immersed in nature—such as sketching mangroves from a kayak—can deepen our connection to the environment and inspire transformative action.
This feature was originally published by the Alfred Deakin Institute as part of their new PhD profile series, which highlights researchers whose work is creating real-world impact.
👉 Read the full profile here: https://adi.deakin.edu.au/meet-zahidah-zeytoun-millie…
Zahidah Zeytoun Millie
Instagram: mangrovesftw
All images and articles on this blog are © Zahidah Zelda Zeytoun Millie except where otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
Mangroves from the Water (MFTW) 