Summary
Highlights
Aurora Mendiola welcomes viewers to another episode of La Hora Ambiental, highlighting the breadth of environmental news, including a tribute to Jane Goodall, and two key interviews. The first interview is with Tisoc Morales on the National Meeting of UMAS and PIMS 2025, and the second is with Ramón Suárez on the conservation of the cucharilla flower. She also reminds students of the environmental diplomas to share the broadcast and submit their essays on time.
Sandra Reyes interviews Tisoc Morales, Vice President of the National Council of UMAS and PIMS, about the upcoming 2025 National Meeting in Puebla. Tisoc explains that UMAS and PIMS are properties dedicated to wildlife management and conservation, with various modalities including intensive conservation, species rescue, habitat preservation, and environmental education. He emphasizes that these entities play a crucial role in conservation and often involve sustainable use of resources, where profits are reinvested into conservation efforts. He also clarifies that legal documentation is crucial when acquiring exotic animals and advises contacting Profepa (Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection) for any injured or found wildlife.
The discussion continues regarding the legality of owning exotic animals and the importance of registration. Tisoc stresses that any wildlife, including certain plants, might be regulated and require legal documentation from SEMARNAT. He differentiates between legal and illegal markets, urging consumers to verify sources. He also touches upon the long-term commitment and financial investment required for UMAS and PIMS, stating that legal commercialization through these units is a sustainable way to fund conservation, not merely profiteering. The conversation concludes with an invitation to the National Meeting of UMAS and PIMS in Puebla on October 16-17, emphasizing its free entry and the educational opportunities it offers.
Aurora Mendiola reports on the passing of legendary primatologist Jane Goodall at 91. Goodall's pioneering work with chimpanzees in Tanzania revolutionized our understanding of animal behavior, demonstrating their complex personalities, emotions, and tool-making abilities—previously thought to be exclusive to humans. Her methods, which involved naming rather than numbering chimpanzees, brought a new perspective to scientific study. Goodall became an icon for conservation, inspiring generations and advocating for environmental protection through her consistent message of hope and individual action. She was a UN Messenger of Peace, and her legacy includes significant contributions to understanding and protecting the natural world.
The program observes World Animal Day on October 4th, established in 1929 to address species extinction and highlight the importance of animal welfare, aligning with the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi. It discusses the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights, adopted by UNESCO and the UN in 1978, which outlines 14 articles recognizing animals' right to existence, care, and protection. The declaration condemns unnecessary animal death as 'biocide' and mass extinctions caused by habitat destruction as 'genocide,' stressing that human well-being is intertwined with animal and environmental welfare. Habitat loss is identified as the primary driver of biodiversity decline, with global wildlife populations plummeting by 60% between 1970 and 2014.
Three new species of snailfish were discovered in the Monterey Canyon using robotic submarine cameras, highlighting the unexplored biodiversity of abyssal ecosystems. Aurora Mendiola then revisits Jane Goodall's recent visit to Mexico, where she gave conferences organized by Roots & Shoots, emphasizing her dedication to inspiring new generations in conservation. Goodall's anecdote about her chimpanzee, David, and the community's eventual acceptance of chimpanzee emotions and intellect after the passing of a mother and son, underscores her profound impact. Several documentaries are recommended for learning more about her life and work, including 'Jane' (2017) and 'The Hope' (2020), which focuses on her work with youth.
Fabián Carballo interviews Ramón Suárez about his community project in Jico, Veracruz, focused on conserving the 'flor de cucharilla' (Dailion acrotricum), a plant used in religious festivals. Despite Jico's unsuitable climate, the flower is transported from semi-desert regions for traditional arches. Suárez highlights that the plant is threatened and nearing extinction status, which would prohibit its use. Collaborating with Dr. Isela Rodríguez Arévalo from UNAM, they initiated a project to propagate 2,200 plants, involving the entire community, including municipal leaders, religious figures, and families. The project aims to raise awareness and ensure the sustainable use of the flower, ensuring its availability for future generations rather than imposing bans on traditional practices.
Ramón Suárez explains the strategies used to engage the community in the cucharilla flower conservation project. Initially, large meetings were held with community leaders, but later, social media and word-of-mouth (radio bemba) proved more effective. He details how they educated florists and residents about not taking the plant's seeds (espigas) from the wild. The project, which involves planting and growing the flowers for 10-12 years before they can be used, is a long-term commitment. Suárez expresses pride in the community's enthusiastic participation, exemplified by families volunteering their time and resources, and the unexpected blessing of rain after their planting efforts. He concludes by inviting other communities and authorities to join the initiative, offering free workshops on the condition that participants commit to establishing their own plant nurseries.
Aurora Mendiola thanks Fabián Carballo and Ramón Suárez for the inspiring interview. She then reminds students of the environmental diplomas that asynchronous classes and practical assignments have been released. She encourages them to continue with their studies and projects to avoid accumulating work. Aurora extends gratitude to the audience and Juan Jorge Aviles Ortega, signing off for the week and inviting viewers to tune in next Friday.