During a recent educational session, students from Colegio Concepción had the privilege of interviewing Francisca Rivas Cortés, a professional in Conservation of Natural Resources and an environmental advocate with Mawizako, an organization dedicated to the restoration of natural spaces. The interview, following a talk about the importance of wetlands, allowed our students to delve deeper into the critical environmental issues facing these ecosystems.
Francisca shared her expertise on wetlands, explaining her professional journey and her strong connection to these natural habitats. «I have been working as an environmental defender for over two and a half years, focusing on water conservation and the protection of natural spaces,» she explained. «Wetlands have been a refuge for me and for the biodiversity that resides in them.»
One of the key topics of discussion was the impact of urban development on wetlands. When asked about the construction of a bridge near a wetland, Francisca highlighted the negative consequences. «Building infrastructure near these ecosystems harms biodiversity and disrupts the quality of life for nearby residents. The noise pollution drives away wildlife, and this has a significant detrimental effect on the habitat,» she said.
Francisca also emphasized the importance of community involvement in protecting wetlands. «It’s crucial to involve the community and raise awareness about the importance of these ecosystems. Declaring wetlands as protected areas and creating educational spaces and trails can help improve the quality of life while ensuring the protection of these habitats.»
The conversation then shifted to the upcoming plogging activity, which involves jogging while collecting litter, to be held in a wetland. When asked about the importance of maintaining clean wetlands, Francisca stressed the need for ongoing environmental consciousness. «Finding trash in a wetland, especially one like the Desembocadura Río Bio Bio, which is a nature sanctuary, reflects the lack of responsibility in using public spaces,» she said. «Keeping these spaces clean is crucial for maintaining their health and quality.»
Francisca supported the idea of the plogging event as a valuable initiative, combining physical activity with environmental care. «It’s a fantastic idea that connects the well-being of individuals with the health of the ecosystem. It’s a win-win situation,» she shared.
In closing, Francisca offered a powerful message for the Colegio Concepción community: «To protect a place, you must first get to know it. Understanding and developing a connection to a place, like a wetland, is the key to preserving it. This sense of belonging and identity is what motivates us to protect these invaluable ecosystems.»
We thank Francisca for her time, insights, and dedication to environmental advocacy, and we look forward to continuing our work on raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet’s natural spaces.
Interview constructed and written by Tomas Fuentealba; article enhanced with AI – ICT workshop
