Latino Conservation Week Q&A: Olivia Bravo
July 14-22 marks Latino Conservation Week, a time to support the Latinx community getting into the outdoors and participating in activities to protect our natural resources. To celebrate this week, we’re highlighting four current and former Office of National Marine Sanctuaries staff members and volunteers. Today, we’re highlighting volunteer education & outreach intern Olivia Bravo. Check out the other profiles here!
What does the National Marine Sanctuary System mean to you?
The National Marine Sanctuary System is becoming increasingly special to me because during my time here, I have seen the narrative for what a “marine sanctuary” is change and represent something much bigger than just ocean conservation. The National Marine Sanctuary System brings together communities and people of all backgrounds by educating and facilitating engagement, not to just promote the interests of the national marine sanctuaries, but to unite people under a great equalizer, the ocean. I think this is something special, and something I am so glad I can be a part of.
How do you help protect the ocean?
I think I protect the ocean by doing the small things that matter on a greater scale; I reuse plastic bags, recycle all of our waste, opt out of using straws at restaurants, and so on. These acts are really small in the scheme of things, but I think it is the awareness of a problem that accompanies those acts that truly makes a difference. If I show that I can make the smallest effort to reduce waste and minimize plastic, than maybe it will become a societal norm for everyone.
How does your heritage inform your experience in the outdoors?
The belief system of the Mesoamerican cultures centers around the worship of the elements; sun, earth, wind, water… and corn. This appreciation for the natural world is woven into the Hispanic culture and reflected in our vibrant colors, cuisine, and love for the outdoors. For me as the younger generation, my involvement in conservation has emerged as not only an effort to preserve the environment, but also my heritage.
What is your favorite way to enjoy the ocean and Great Lakes?
Without sounding completely corny, my favorite way to enjoy the ocean is to walk on the beach. Yes, I love finding the shells that wash up on the shore and feeling the wet sand under my feet, but to walk right against the water and follow where land meets sea, that's where I have the greatest appreciation for the vastness of the ocean because I realize that I could walk along the beach for hours and never reach a point where we are not surrounded by water.
Image descriptions: Olivia Bravo snorkeling, looking at the camera, and looking over the ocean.
