Posts in Interviews
FIJI’S INLAND PARADISE: River Rafting & Conservation

In 2000, a private rafting company, Rivers Fiji, succeeded in creating a partnership that led to the protection of 615 ha/1500 acres of Fijian native forest. This is an initiative that connects conservation, the outdoors, local communities, and biodiversity into one thrilling float down the stunning Upper Navua River.

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HOPE IN IBERÁ: A Rewilding Story (Part I)

Rewilding seems to be a meeting point between conservation and storytelling where magic things happen: people start listening. Not always, and not in the same way, but they do listen. An interview with  Ignacio Jiménez Pérez, the Conservation Director and Communications Coordinator of Conservation Land Trust (CLT) Argentina.

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GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE: After Two Decades of Conservation

We interviewed Noel Poe, President of the Board of Directors of Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, to learn from an advocate what the national monument means for conservation and for local communities. What we found was a story of success, hope and a lot of dedicated work. 

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ABOUT GOLD BUTTE NATIONAL MONUMENT: Photographs & Story

Gold Butte National Monument protects a landscape of intricate geology and history, where nature and humans have created true works of art. An interview with Jaina Moan, Executive Director of Friends of Gold Butte, and a photo essay capturing the beauty this landscape.

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UPPER MISSOURI RIVER BREAKS: Paddlers in a Historic Landscape

Before putting our canoe out from Coal Banks Landing, we had the chance to meet and interview Jim Greene and Martha Vogt, BLM volunteers and members of the Friends of the Missouri Breaks. Their love for this river inspired our trip.

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GOLD BUTTE NATIONAL MONUMENT: Conversations in the Desert

We had the chance to spend two days in the Gold Butte National Monument guided by Jim Boone, an expert in Nevada's outdoors and a member of the Board of Directors for Friends of Gold Butte. This is one the monuments listed to be reduced in size as recommended by Secretary Zinke. However, any area taken away from this outstanding national monument would be a great loss. 

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CASCADE-SISKIYOU NATIONAL MONUMENT: A Landmark for Biodiversity

An interview with Jeanine Moy, Outreach Director with KS Wild about the importance of USA's first and only national monument designated specifically because of its extraordinary ecology and biodiversity. This special place in Oregon is now on Secretary Zinke's list of recommendations to be reduced in size, despite strong local support. 

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THE WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY: Private Initiatives in the Sand to Snow & Mojave Trails National Monuments

The Wildlands Conservancy is an organization whose contributions have been instrumental to the creation of the Sand to Snow and the Mojave Trails National Monuments. We spoke with Jack Thompson, the Regional Director of their desert preserve, about the importance of the two national monuments and the work of The Wildlands Conservancy.

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ORGAN MOUNTAINS - DESERT PEAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT: A Local Perspective

Designated in 2014 and covering ~500,000 acres, the Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument appeared to rank high on the list of contenders that could be scaled back by the presidential administration. Interview with David Crider, owner of Southwest Expeditions. 

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BASIN AND RANGE NATIONAL MONUMENT: Protecting Nevada's Wild Valleys

"When you go to Basin and Range you have to think about that notion of sitting on a beach and looking out at the ocean (...) it’s that same kind of serene feeling, similar to sitting on the prairie and looking at its vastness."  Interview with Jim Boone, coordinator of efforts to create a local support group for the new national monument. 

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CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT - California's Largest Intact Grassland

Carrizo Plain National Monument is the largest remaining native grassland in the state of California, and though technically not part of the Central Valley (there’s a small mountain range that divides them), the ecosystem within the monument is very similar to that which made up most of the Central Valley prior to it being converted to agriculture. We had the opportunity to speak to both Neil Havlik and Steph Wald with the Carrizo Plain Conservancy, which is currently actively trying to increase the monument’s size.

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IN CANCUN’S BACKYARD: Discovering Maya Ka’an (Part I)

"They should head to Maya Ka’an if they want to be off the beaten path and help conservation efforts, while getting in contact with the Mayan communities." An interview with Gonzalo Merediz Alonso, Executive Director of Amigos de Sian Ka'an, about an incredible destination away from the Mayan Riviera's crowds. 

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WHERE THE OCEAN AND THE FOREST MEET: The Valdivian Coastal Reserve

On a land destined to be logged, some of the most pristine valdivian temperate forests are now protected by this Nature Conservancy reserve. With its rugged coasts, ancient trees, impressive sand dunes, and local culture, it is a beautiful place to explore. Interview with Liliana Pezoa, administrator of the reserve. 

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ENDANGERED ECOSYSTEMS: The Inspiring Story of the Ahuenco Park

On the western coast of the Island of Chiloé lies a privately protected area of 1,120 ha (2,768 acres), which is a lesson on the power that a handful of determined individuals have to produce change. An interview with Gonzalo Pineda, Director of the Ahuenco Park. 

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“THE WILD SIDE OF CHILOÉ”: Conservation in Tantauco Park

Tantauco Park is a large-scale private conservation initiative, protecting 118,000 ha of wilderness at the southern tip of the Island of Chiloé. Hiking here was one of the biggest adventures we've had in Chilean Patagonia, as we went accompanied by a massive storm rushing through the island. An interview with Alan Bannister, General Manager of Tantauco. 

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THE CHOICES WE MAKE: The Vegetable Garden in Patagonia Park

"The quality of the products is, therefore, incomparable. Every lettuce, every carrot grows at its full potential and the nutritional value is at its highest". A lesson on sustainable living and mindful food production from Francisco Vio, head gardener in the Patagonia Park. 

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DESIGNING THE PATAGONIA PARK: Conservation and the Pursuit of Beauty

"A person that leaves here inspired has the potential to inspire more people. Therefore, the best way to inspire is to surround yourself with beauty". Interview with Johanna Zajc, lodge and restaurant administrator of the Patagonia Park.

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BRINGING BACK THE DARWIN’S RHEA: Wildlife Conservation in the Future Patagonia National Park

Interview with Alejandra Saavedra, park warden and coordinator of the Darwin's Rhea breeding center in the Patagonia Park, and with Cristián Saucedo, Director of Wildlife Conservation for Conservacion Patagonica.

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BIODIVERSITY IN THE CHACABUCO VALLEY: Restoring a Unique Ecosystem

We created the space needed for the recuperation of native species. It gave them the chance to repopulate the space they had lost with the arrival of livestock." Interview with Conservacion Patagonica's Director of Conservation, Cristián Saucedo Gálvez.

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BEYOND TORRES DEL PAINE: On the Ultra Fiord Route

"In a way, I didn’t create the level of difficulty; it was made by Patagonia itself." Interview with Stjepan Pavicic, the mind behind the Ultra Fiord and other iconic adventure races in Chilean Patagonia, mixed with the description of our own experience backpacking on an amazing portion of the route. 

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