An Interview with Wildlife Expert Velu Ochoa
Interview by Andrea Becerra
“I fell in love with environmental conservation at an early age. My parents were a big influence. They taught me to respect and love our ‘Pacha Mama.’ They taught me that we are part of nature and for this reason we must protect it. And perhaps most importantly, they taught me to be compassionate. I fell in love with the ocean in middle and high school. Growing up in Bogota, Colombia, I didn’t have an ocean nearby, but I would watch documentaries about the ocean and marine life for hours. When I graduated from high school, I made the decision of study marine biology. The rest is history. I have been working in environmental conservation for over 10 years and now am passionate about helping and engaging with people who want to make a difference for this world and protect our planet.”
1. What do you love most about the work you do?
I love connecting with people that are passionate about environmental conservation and helping them accomplish their conservation goals. It feels great to grow our environmental movement, even if it means recruiting one new person.
2. Do you consider yourself an environmentalist? If not, why?
Yes. I know the word can have a negative meaning for some people but I do consider myself an environmentalist. To me an environmentalist is someone who loves and cares for the environment. Why? Because it is our responsibility as human beings to respect and protect our home and make sure our future generations can also enjoy it.
3. Why do you think it’s important that we tackle climate change? Is there an issue affecting your community?
Climate Change is the number one issue affecting our world today. It will affect all living creatures of this world and it will also affect the way humans interact with this world. With the increasing population and scarcity of resources, if we do not work together as a species, the consequences will be devastating for our economy, and our way of living. As a species we need to reflect on our actions and change the way we interact with nature.
4. What do you think is the best way to tackle this and other environmental challenges?
There is no best way. But there are so many ways you can join the environmental movement. People all over the world do different things: some join a grassroots movement, others use native plants around their home, so that both native and migratory species have a place that they can settle in or spot where they can take a break. Others work in educational programs, teaching kids about the environment and why it’s so important to act on climate. Others go the extra mile and change the way they eat by transitioning to a more plant-based diet. The most important action we can take, as part of the environmental movement, is to engage as many people as possible. If everyone in the world knew the consequences of climate change in their community, and especially to their families, I am confident that we would change the way we interact with our Mother Earth.
5. Are there any other leaders that you want to shine a light on? How are they setting an example for future leaders?
I love the work that Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is taking on as Youth Director at Earth Guardians. He is setting an empowering example for youths around the world — that you’re never too young to fight for the right to a healthier planet.
