#51 Alexandra Climent - Rainforest conservation + Sculpture Artist

Alexandra Climent is a rainforest conservationist, sculptural artist, and the founder of Endangered Rainforest Rescue, a women and Indigenous-led nonprofit organization working to restore biodiversity by planting endangered tree species and protecting indigenous land in the Darién Gap of Panamá. Alexandra has led expeditions for several years into this unexplored rainforest where she and her team are working to reforest an essential corridor for the endangered jaguar. The main goal is to use endangered tree species as the building blocks for habitat restoration in deforested areas, reconnecting them to primary forests. The Darién Gap stands as a vital ecological corridor connecting the Americas, holding immense importance in safeguarding the global ecosystem. The work of Alexandra’s organization is not only crucial at a local scale but also pivotal for worldwide climate mitigation efforts.

Alexandra’s artistic practice involves utilizing materials gathered from fallen trees in the rainforest that she collected over several years, working with some of the most dense and beautiful wood in the world. The aim of her work is to showcase the rainforest's beauty and highlight its urgent need for protection.

She has published articles about her work, most recently in "The World Sensorium, Plantings," where she emphasizes the importance of protecting the Darien Gap and its crucial role in preserving indigenous lands.

This week, Mark and Alexandra talk about work on the ground, bringing the work to the world and doing it with a lot of curiosity and wonder.

Save What You Love with Mark Titus:⁣

Produced: Emilie Firn

Edited: Patrick Troll⁣

Music: Whiskey Class⁣

Instagram: @savewhatyoulovepodcast

Website: savewhatyoulove.evaswild.com

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