If we are able to observe the world - its enormous beauty and diversity, yes, but also the unquestionable threats it faces - we will be able to recognize the importance of joining forces to recover the lost balance, protect the most fragile environments and save the most vulnerable creatures. The story of Peruvian biologist Kerstin Forsberg, winner of the 2016 Rolex Award for Initiative, is an example of precisely this virtuous circle: the desire to conserve an endangered species leads to the protection of its ecosystem and to the communities that depend on these environments and their biodiversity.
As a 22-year-old biology graduate, Forsberg - who grew up off the coasts of Lima and Vancouver, full of wonder and love for the ocean - began a campaign to conserve endangered sea turtles in northern Peru. Within weeks, a hundred local volunteers reported stranded or entangled sea turtles in fishing nets. Forsberg realized that, beyond devoting all his efforts to wildlife conservation, he had to involve the entire community, since this is an area where fishing is the main economic activity. It is not enough, therefore, to regulate or prohibit fishing, but to take into account those who depend on the products of the sea for their livelihoods.
With that in mind, Forsberg founded, in 2009, Planet Ocean, an organization that connects communities to, together, conserve the marine environment. In addition to inviting a change in the mindset of those who already live off the ocean, education for the next generation is a central focus of his work. The Marine Educators Network was created to train teachers to transmit the love of the sea to the youngest members of these communities. So far, this network has spread to more than 50 schools in the coastal regions of northern Peru.
Although the story indeed began with Forsberg's desire to protect turtles, it was another species that became the emblem of this whole environmental conservation movement: the giant manta ray, a large fish whose populations are decimated by the capture of fishermen in the area. This was helped by media images of a specimen that was captured in 2015, a scandal that helped not only to raise awareness about the fragility of the species - which on average has just one offspring in a period of two to seven years - but also to push for government policies that prohibit its capture. This event also initiated a change in the perception of the fishermen themselves who, beyond seeking a quick reward for manta rays as a valuable commodity, are gradually beginning to see a much broader picture in ecotourism centered on the beauty of these animals that float lightly and elegantly in the clarity of the sea and that today are the focus of awareness and protection actions.
For Forsberg, the conservation of this iconic species goes hand in hand with the protection of its environment: "Working with these charismatic species, and understanding them, will lead us to want to take care of the ocean as a whole. If you care about giant manta rays, you want them to live in a healthy ocean," he says. And that's where you realize that environmental protection challenges must have a holistic approach that, by adding everyone together, creates a much broader benefit, capable of changing the way conservation is done.
There are several reasons why we must protect the ocean," says the biologist, who, as part of her environmental outreach and education work, has also been a guest editor for Call to Earth, the platform through which CNN, in conjunction with Rolex's Perpetual Planet, reports on key issues for the planet and publishes inspiring stories that lead to a more conscious life. First, simply because the ocean is the source of life on our planet. None of us would be here today if the ocean did not exist. It provides us with over 70% of the oxygen we breathe. It provides us with a habitable climate. It provides us with resources for subsistence, for our sustenance."
Green Inspiration is a series of articles developed by Local.mx to showcase relevant environmental projects. In collaboration with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, our goal is to raise awareness, inspire new generations and encourage good ideas that improve life on earth. Learn more about these initiatives at rolex.org. #Rolex #PerpetualPlanet #RolexAwards #GreenInspiration