Green Footprint

As someone who has been working in conservation for a long time, I have had the privilege of learning from some remarkable leaders in the field. But what makes a great conservation leader? Effective conservation leaders are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also value collaboration, trust, and innovation. They have a clear vision and are good at communicating it, and they help others to become leaders in their own right.

However, it's important to note that leadership positions are not the only way to make a significant impact in conservation. Informal leaders can also play a crucial role in driving conservation efforts forward. These individuals may have no official rank or title, but they have the power of influence, which allows them to lead conservation actions effectively.

Wangari Maathai is an inspiring example of an informal leader in conservation. She founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, which was dedicated to planting trees, promoting environmental conservation, and empowering women. Maathai believed that small actions could lead to significant change and famously said, "I'm very conscious of the fact that you can't do it alone. It's teamwork. When you do it alone, you run the risk that when you are no longer there nobody else will do it."

An other example is Homero Gómez González who was a butterfly conservationist and activist from Mexico who founded and managed the El Rosario butterfly sanctuary, one of the largest monarch butterfly sanctuaries in the world. He used social media to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and to promote ecotourism in the region. Unfortunately, he died in 2020. Gómez González remains a symbol of hope and inspiration for those passionate about conservation, reminding us of the vital importance of protecting our planet's natural resources for future generations.

These examples demonstrate that  we need both, formal and informal conservation leaders to have lasting impact on nature. Formal strong conservation leaders play a critical role in protecting the environment. They often have the vision, authority and resources necessary to build strong conservation programs and enact policies and regulations that promote conservation and sustainable development. Formal conservation leaders also have access to scientific research, technical expertise, and funding that can support conservation efforts at a large scale. 

It is also imortant to consider that by recognizing and empowering informal leaders, we can create a more sustainable future.  Informal conservation leaders can mobilize local communities to take action to protect the environment. They are often passionate individuals who are committed to protecting nature and can inspire others to do the same. They may not have formal authority or resources, but they have local knowledge and connections that can be crucial in implementing conservation efforts. 

As Jane Goodall once said, "The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves."We can all make a difference in protecting our planet by making conscious choices in our daily lives. Simple actions such as buying products made from sustainable materials, reducing waste by composting and recycling, choosing eco-friendly transportation options, and conserving energy can all have a positive impact on the environment. By making informed choices and encouraging others to do the same, we can all be leaders in conservation and work towards a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations  Let us all be leaders in conservation by taking action to protect the environment and promote sustainability in our own lives and communities.