Resilience
Visiting the community of Yuturi Warmi in Ecuador-Napo was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. As a student, the design projects proposed by my studio professors often focused on addressing community issues or biodiversity challenges from a design perspective. However, I had never encountered a design environment so toxic that it was killing children, local communities, and all forms of life. The reality of mining is much like plastic in our society—it is pervasive, yet we often avoid addressing it.
Traveling to my homeland, and seeing it destroyed by the interests of a few is heartbreaking. It feels like watching your house being torn down by human actions. The pain deepens when you walk along a river that is no longer clean, yet children in the community still play in the water, now contaminated with chemicals.
There is something in the water!
Make it real: Time to ACT
How can we stand in solidarity with our planet and communities in the Global South?
Experiencing the impact on these communities firsthand transformed me and compelled me to create change. When I asked how I could help, they shared their handmade jewelry, crafted by indigenous people dedicated to protecting their rivers from pollution. After purchasing their beautiful items, I felt inspired to do more. They invited me to use my design talents to create compelling images for social media and promotional purposes, showcasing their artistry and culture. This partnership sparked further collaboration.
In gatherings with land defenders, they sought my help in designing proposals to preserve the landscapes near their rivers from exploitation by mining companies. Their trust in my abilities motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in Urban Design or Landscape Design. I aim to make a tangible impact by defending neglected landscapes, believing that the world urgently needs design professionals to address Climate Change. It’s a collective call to action, and I am dedicated to using my skills for this vital challenge.
