Photo courtesy of Astrid Peraza Juárez
Astrid Peraza Juárez is a materials science engineer, writer, and documentary maker from Costa Rica who has been named a Land Hero by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification for her work uplifting women and girls as positive changemakers for the environment. In a GEF Youth Voices interview, she shared what motivates her work connecting community-led initiatives with global environmental challenges.
What do you do for a living, and what do you enjoy about it?
I'm a materials science engineer, climate and gender equality activist, and storyteller. I enjoy using my skills to advocate for environmental protection and social justice, especially through projects that connect communities with their ecosystems. Creating content that raises awareness and inspires action is particularly rewarding for me. I am particularly proud of the documentary Women of the Mangrove that I directed to highlight the important role women in coastal communities are playing in restoration efforts.
This documentary tells the story of women working to empower themselves and protect the environment in Manzanillo, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. We are planning screenings in various communities in the area to raise awareness about this work, which tends to occur without a lot of understanding or appreciation from policymakers.
How did you get into this area of work?
I’ve always been passionate about nature and the environment, and my path to this work really solidified during my studies in materials science. I began volunteering with local organizations focused on conservation and community engagement, which opened my eyes to the connection between environmental issues and social justice. Over time, I realized that storytelling could be a powerful tool for advocacy, leading me to blend my engineering background with climate activism and community-focused projects.
Is there someone you have met who has had a lasting impact on you?
I met Maritza Obando, a local women’s leader, working on the Women of the Mangrove project. Her resilience and passion for her community have been truly inspiring. She has navigated various challenges, from economic hardships to environmental threats, while advocating for sustainable practices and women's empowerment. Her ability to mobilize others and foster a sense of community has taught me valuable lessons about grassroots organizing and the importance of collective action in driving change. Working with her has reinforced my belief in the power of community-led initiatives to create meaningful impact.
What life lessons has your work taught you?
My work has taught me several important life lessons. I've learned about the connection of environmental issues, social justice, and community well-being – addressing one aspect often requires considering the others. Storytelling has proven to be a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring action, as narratives can connect people to their environment and motivate advocacy for change.
I've also witnessed the resilience of communities facing environmental and economic challenges, which inspires me to keep pushing forward in my efforts. Collaboration and building relationships are essential, as effective change often requires diverse perspectives and collective efforts.
Lastly, empowering individuals, especially women, to take leadership roles in their communities is crucial. When people feel empowered, they are more likely to take ownership of their environment and advocate for sustainable practices. These lessons continue to shape my approach to both my work and personal life.
Environmental issues are very often concerning. What gives you hope?
What gives me hope is the resilience and creativity of communities working together to address environmental challenges.
