Celebrating Earth Day with NGL Explorer, Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza
April 22, 2024, marked the 54th anniversary of the groundbreaking first Earth Day, which ignited a nationwide movement and marked the beginning of modern environmental change. Today, Earth Day stands as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainability.
To amplify awareness, inspire transformative change and cultivate a deeper connection with nature, our Green Employee Resource (ERG) group organized a week full of engaging events for our employees. From sharing meatless recipes via Slack to hosting a panel discussion on urban and rural conservation, “our aim was to empower individuals to make a difference in their own homes and communities,” shared Hanna G., Technology Project Coordinator and Green ERG co-lead. The ERG also conducted a recycled art challenge and Arbor Day photo challenge, where employees shared photos of their favorite trees and their significance.
Additionally, we had the privilege of engaging in an inspiring conversation with National Geographic Explorer, Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, about her work as an Amazon Rainforest Scientist, speaker, TV presenter and educator. Later this week, our employees will also get a chance to engage with her as she shares stories of her travels to the most extreme jungles and ecosystems on our planet.
Dr. Rosa has been a National Geographic Explorer for 5 years, driven by her passion for nature exploration and sustainable conservation. Her journey began with her grandmother, a traditional indigenous healer who taught her about accessing natural medicine from plants, fruits, seeds and soils. Despite her grandmother's lack of formal education, she instilled a deep curiosity for nature and its provisions of food and medicine. Dr. Rosa carries this indigenous worldview, respecting the spirituality of nature and nurturing her own curiosity.
Inspired by her grandmother, Dr. Rosa pursued a career as a National Geographic Explorer, enabling her to share her love of nature with schools, classrooms, and educators worldwide. She believes that being an educator is one of the most important and challenging roles, as it involves nurturing, inspiring and guiding future decision-makers, leaders and presidents. The privilege of connecting and collaborating with diverse classrooms and educators energizes her and instills hope for a greener and more promising future.
Specializing in studying the Amazon Rainforest, Dr. Rosa emphasizes the intertwined nature of culture and nature in the region. She wishes to spread awareness about the vast array of life forms that inhabit the Amazon, going beyond the commonly known anacondas and jaguars. From pink dolphins to giant "living fossil" fish, iridescent butterflies, and tiny stingless bees, the Amazon is filled with extraordinary creatures. Dr. Rosa highlights the interconnectedness of nature and people in the region, drawing inspiration from Amazonian wisdom to build a harmonious way of life in harmony with wildlife.
Dr. Rosa believes in celebrating the Earth throughout the year, with Earth Day serving as a reminder that protection requires care, and care requires knowledge. The more we learn about and care for nature, the more we are inclined to share our knowledge and make decisions, no matter how small, to protect our planet. She encourages everyone to fall in love with the oceans, mountains and rainforests, purposefully engaging with what sparks curiosity and interest. By doing so, we each have the power to make a difference through actions such as recycling, reducing our carbon footprint, sharing information, volunteering or donating.
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To learn more about our Green ERG and previous Earth Day celebrations, check out this Green ERG blog.