Fernanda Mussi Fontoura
- Project: Pantanal
- Function: Field Coordinator
Fernanda has been working for the Instituto Arara Azul since 2008. Since 2017 she holds the position of Field Coordinator. She works for the Hyacinth Macaw Project and participates in the development of research to protect the Pantanal.
Video: Zoo Zürich, Nicole Schnyder
Three questions for Fernanda
Your motivation for the Pantanal project?
It's knowing that our project will have a positive impact on both the present and the future. Contributing to an endangered species remaining in its natural environment is increasing the chances of survival for other local species as well and thus protecting biodiversity.
An unforgettable moment in your project?
After the devastating fires in 2019, when I climbed to the first nest where a hyacinth macaw nestling had lived before. I expected the worst – but the chick was alive, even though the fire had passed through this area too! It was a small victory that lit a flame of hope for the next monitoring sessions.
Your biggest wish for your project?
That by using the hyacinth macaw as a flagship species we manage to spread ever more awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation, especially for the human race itself. And that we may bring more and more people into this cause.
Fernanda checks a nesting box. Photo: Instituto Arara Azul, Bruno Carvalho
«Successfully protecting one species helps the survival of other local species.»
