Recently, I had the honor of meeting and interviewing Dr. Noemi d’Ozouville. Dr. d’Ozouville is passionate of the environment and the ocean, specifically the Galapagos Islands. She has spent the last 20 years of her life on the islands, closely working with the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Ecuadorian government to study the island’s ecosystems and organisms. I had the amazing opportunity to ask her a couple of questions regarding her work and her passions. Here is what she had to say:
Can you introduce yourself and explain your passion for the environment and the ocean.
– My name is Noémi, I grew up connected to nature in the french countryside near the Atlantic Ocean. As we moved to different places, nature remained a constant in my life and the ocean too. That’s where I believe my passion stems from.
When did you first start getting interested in this?
– National Geographic magazine documentaries on wildlife were a big part of my childhood starting age 8 or 9. I would collect a lot of wildlife in the garden. Take photographs. Also we made an aquarium with my dad, I learned to snorkel and so became interested in marine life.
Where does this passion come from? Is there a reason behind it?
– I believe my passion comes from just learning to observe and enjoying the small details and magical nature of our planet and all its life forms – spiders, caterpillars, fish and birds, amongst others. A reason behind it – I would just say it makes sense to me.
Why did you choose to study about the Galapagos?
– The Galapagos Islands became a childhood passion – with marine iguanas definitely capturing my imagination.
Can you explain your PhD and what its about.
– My PhD was about the freshwater resources of the volcanic islands of Galapagos: hydrology, surface water, and hydrogeology, groundwater; a poorly studied field in the Islands, yet playing a vital role for ecosystems both terrestrial and marine. I hope the knowledge generated will help ecosystem conservation in the islands.
Can you explain your job, what you do?
– At this time I am working as an advisor in the Galapagos Government Council. It is the regulatory body for planning and regulating the Special Regime of the Galapagos Islands. We work closely with the Direction of the Galapagos National Park and other entities such as the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency and the Ministry of Tourism. We work on public policy, international cooperation in support to Galapagos programs, and territorial planning.
What is your favorite part of your job?
– Being able to work with the local community and work through some of the Galapagos needs from a systemic perspective, and bringing my science background to the table.
What is your least favorite part?
– Seeing upfront just how much work there is to do to get the islands and the planet back on the right track!
Whats your wish with regards to your mission?
– That more people starting with young people can be given the opportunity to grow up with a connection to nature.
What message would you like to share to the world and to people about the Galapagos Islands?
– Pay attention and observe what is around you. Nature is a source of inspiration and grounding, small things like a minute flower or raindrops on a spider web, and awe-inspiring things like wild animals and a sky full of stars. This is a good place to start to do good for the planet.