Environmental engineer saves native fruits from extinction in Colombia

In Colombia, environmental engineer Gian Paolo Daguer is actively working to conserve native fruit species that are at risk of extinction. This effort takes place within a broader global context where food diversification is declining. While the world is increasingly consuming homogenized diets dominated by popular fruits such as mango and pineapple, unique local species are being overlooked, putting them in jeopardy. Daguer uses social media platforms to raise awareness about these fruits and their ecological and culinary significance, particularly focusing on the lucuma, a lesser-known tropical fruit that he advocates for among his followers.  Research indicates that several native fruits, including lucuma, face potential extinction due to diminishing popularity. The Humboldt Institute's biologist, Carolina Castellanos, emphasizes the concerns related to the global trend of dietary homogenization. This phenomenon threatens not just these fruit species but also the biodiversity related to ecosystems, making the work of conservationists increasingly vital. Daguer's presence on social media serves as a conduit for information sharing, bringing lesser-known fruits to light, and encourages the public to appreciate and utilize these indigenous foods. The broader implications of such conservation efforts highlight the urgent need to protect biodiversity in the face of industrial agriculture and the exploitation of natural resources. Mining interests in regions like the Clarion-Clipperton Zone are increasingly encroaching on habitats that harbor unique species. This underscores the importance of recognizing the intrinsic value of diverse species, not merely for their economic utility but for their ecological presence. As researchers scramble to identify and describe thousands of newly found species in regions such as the CCZ, the work of conservationists like Daguer directly contributes to maintaining the balance of ecosystems and preserving cultural heritage associated with native species. By educating others about native fruits, Daguer not only supports environmental efforts but also enhances public perception of indigenous foods within culinary contexts. Aiming to promote biodiversity in diets, he hopes to shift consumer behavior away from reliance on a few dominant crops and towards embracing a wider array of food sources. The mission aligns with the ongoing need for sustainable practices that conserve native species, which are critical to the identity and heritage of regions rich in biodiversity, like Colombia.