Gian Paolo Daguer, an 47 -year -old environmental engineer, is known in Colombia as the “fruit lord” for his commitment to safeguard the local plant species threatened with extinction. This enthusiast of nature, which for years has been fighting to preserve Colombian biodiversity, has become a point of reference for those who want to protect the country’s natural resources, in particular the tropical fruits that are disappearing.
Fruitos de Colombia: the project to save native species from extinction
Gian Paolo created the “Frutos de Colombia” project, a network of volunteers committed to protecting 10% of the 3,000 Colombian native plant species that risk extinguishing. Thanks to his business, he managed to sensitize thousands of people, earning over 108,000 followers on social media. His goal is not only to preserve dangerous species, but also to enhance tropical fruits, promoting a more natural and sustainable diet.
The project has turned into a non-profit organization that also operates through a WhatsApp group, where biologists, farmers and local chefs exchange knowledge, organize events and share seeds to ensure the survival of plants. An initiative that has become increasingly crucial in a country that is among the richest in the world in terms of vegetable biodiversity.
Colombia boasts one of the highest concentrations of plant species in the world. Recent studies have shown that at least 3,000 “food” species exist, that is, plants whose fruits, leaves, seeds or stems are edible. However, 10% of these plants are at risk of extinction. These data, reported by the newspaper or Colombian, make the intervention even more urgent to protect this rich biodiversity.
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Gian Paolo’s “holistic vision”
Gian Paolo guides what he himself calls a “holistic vision group”, an approach that combines scientific knowledge, sustainable agriculture and local traditions. According to him, the conservation of plant species cannot ignore the integration of different knowledge and skills, to promote a development model that respects the environment and people.
Colombian fruits
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On his social channels, Gian Paolo shares the extraordinary variety of fruits that characterize Colombia. Many of these are little known outside the country, but they are real nutritional treasures. Among the most interesting fruits that Gian Paolo promotes there is the “Mora Peluda”, similar to our brunette but with a flavor that combines sweetness and bitterness, and the “cocorilla”, a fruit that recalls our maracujá, but with a unique flavor, as described by the researcher.
The work of Gian Paolo and his collaborators is fundamental not only for the protection of endangered species, but also for the promotion of an agricultural culture that respects biodiversity and enhances local resources. In fact, its initiative is becoming an example of how people can join to guarantee a greenest and healthier future, where nature and tradition intertwine to create a more just and respectful diet.
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