Future Aspirations of Defenders Interns: Personal Perspectives on What Lies Ahead
In the heart of conservation efforts, the interns at Defenders of Wildlife are dreaming big and working towards a future where wildlife and habitats are not only preserved but thrive.
Ava Jutras, Marketing Intern, envisions a world where caring for the Earth becomes as natural as learning a language or holding a value. She believes that respect for wildlife and wild places should be instilled in children from an early age. Jutras hopes for a generation that sees the Earth as kin, not as a resource to be exploited.
Bella Astin, Center for Conservation Innovation Intern, shares a similar vision. She dreams of wildlife and habitat conservation becoming a central part of societal living and governance. Astin is particularly passionate about the expansion of wildlife corridors in major metropolis areas, ensuring that urban growth doesn't come at the expense of wildlife.
Hannah Naehring, Southeast Program Intern, hopes for strategies that protect natural habitats while allowing for community support and reducing human-wildlife conflict. She promotes education and awareness about the importance of biodiversity and believes that conservation efforts must consider diverse points of views, find opportunities to build coalitions, and listen to local and traditional knowledge.
Elise Longley, as a Biodiversity Law Center Intern, wants to be able to admire wild animals and wild lands without worrying about their future. She hopes for Congress to pass new and amend existing conservation laws with enough specificity to avoid relying heavily on agency regulations.
Sebastien Comtois, Alaska Program Intern, hopes for lasting protections for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. His aspirations are rooted in the belief that a major cultural shift is necessary, where people recognize they are part of nature, not separate from it.
These interns are not just dreaming; they are actively working towards their goals. They hope to further their understanding of wildlife law, habitat preservation, and policy advocacy while preparing themselves to make meaningful impacts in protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. Through education, legal research, and real-world projects, they aim to advance conservation missions and contribute to a future where wildlife and habitats are better preserved and defended.
While direct quotes from Defenders of Wildlife interns were not found in the search results, the description of similar conservation internships highlights these common themes of career development, advocacy, and practical engagement in wildlife protection. This aligns with the broader goals of organizations like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other conservation groups, which emphasize volunteering, education programs, and legal and scientific training for future conservation leaders.
Raphael Mazhandu, as an Inclusion & Belonging Intern, did not provide specific dreams or hopes for the future of wildlife and wild places. However, his role underscores the importance of diversity and inclusivity in conservation efforts, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
Hannah Schwartzberg, Communications Intern, wants a deeper respect and appreciation for the natural world reflected in both culture and policies. She hopes for stronger protections for wildlife and the habitats they depend on, not only through stronger laws, but through a shift in public values.
In conclusion, the hopes and dreams of Defenders of Wildlife interns are a testament to their commitment to conservation. They are eager to learn, grow, and make a difference, working towards a future where wildlife and habitats are not only protected but cherished. Their aspirations serve as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the role each of us plays in preserving our planet's biodiversity.
- Ava Jutras, Marking Intern, envisions a world where environmental-science education becomes a fundamental part of lifestyle, instilling respect for wildlife and wild places in individuals from an early age, making caring for the Earth as natural as learning a language or holding a value.
- Bella Astin, Center for Conservation Innovation Intern, dreams of a future society where habitat restoration and wildlife corridors are essential elements of infrastructure, ensuring that urban development doesn't compromise the survival of wildlife.
- Hannah Naehring, Southeast Program Intern, hopes for science-based environmental-self-development and education programs that encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of wildlife, supporting community coexistence with wildlife, and reducing human-wildlife conflict, while protecting natural habitats.
