Full of LIFE (Diana Pazmino)
The oceans surrounding the Galapagos Islands are teeming with life, a reflection of the vibrant energy of the children who call them home. To outsiders, it's almost inconceivable that not all these children spend endless hours swimming and playing in the waters that cradle their islands, but Diana Pazmiño realised early on that the opposite was true.
Born and raised on the island of Isabela, Diana was introduced to the underwater world at a young age by her father, who often took her snorkelling in their local bay, Concha de Perla. "It was one of my favourite things to do and it defined who I am," says Diana. These experiences became a cornerstone of her identity and sparked a deep fascination with the marine world.
As Diana grew, so did her passion for the ocean, eventually leading her to a lifelong career in conservation. Now leading a faculty on the subject at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in San Cristobal, Diana realised that not everyone had the privilege of experiencing the extraordinary natural world she cherished and became increasingly determined to share her sense of wonder and knowledge with the next generation.
This led her to found "Chicas con Agallas" (The Gills Club), inspired by the Gills Club in the USA but for only for girls. Wanting to create their own identity, they adopted the Spanish name for its dual meaning - referring to the gills of marine life, and meaning 'brave girls' in Spanish - a fitting title for a group dedicated to empowering young women in science and conservation.
Educating the youth is crucial in every aspect of life, and in the natural world, it's a process that happens instinctively—an inheritance of wisdom passed down through generations. But Diana’s initiative is about more than just education; it’s about bringing the oceans to the children of the Galapagos. The islands, where these children play and learn, serve as a natural classroom, and through this initiative, the knowledge that isn't typically taught in schools is imparted to a smaller but highly passionate audience.
Run by Diana and her team on the island of San Cristobal, the club has expanded to the island of Santa Cruz, where it is run by Sofia Green, with the intention of expanding to the island of Isabela when resources allow. The club, run in cohorts of around 15 children, combines laboratory work with field activities each month over a year-long programme, engaging the girls in science and conservation through hands-on experiences, games and discussions.
At the end of each cohort, these young “Chicas”, enthusiastic about learning and equally passionate about sharing their newfound knowledge, have formed strong friendships that are look likely to last for many years to come.
By inspiring and educating the youth of the Galapagos, this initiative ensures that the knowledge of the natural wonders of these islands is preserved and passed on, safeguarding the future of both the children and the wildlife that share this unique environment.
And maybe, just maybe, some of them will grow up to follow in Diana's footsteps.
Sources:
https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/gills-club-empowering-young-women-galapagos/
https://www.voyagers.travel/news/gills-club-empowering-young-women-in-galapagos