Gian Paolo Daguer, Colombia’s “Lord of the Fruit,” promotes native fruit species through social media to combat extinction risks. He emphasizes the importance of lesser-known fruits like lucuma and churumbelo, while revealing alarming statistics on edible plant species at risk. Through community engagement and culinary innovation, Daguer seeks to foster biodiversity and awareness of endangered fruits.
Gian Paolo Daguer, known as Colombia’s “Lord of the Fruit,” is advocating for the preservation of native fruit species through social media engagement. As an environmental engineer, he shares knowledge about rare fruits like lucuma, which resembles a small coconut with a unique flavor profile reminiscent of caramel. These lesser-known fruits are often overshadowed by widely consumed varieties such as mango and pineapple, leading to their risk of extinction.
Biologist Carolina Castellanos emphasizes that the global homogenization of diets contributes to the decline of native plant species, as diminished consumption leads to reduced cultivation. Alongside his followers, Daguer highlights fruits like the churumbelo, a sweet and refreshing berry endemic to Colombia’s Boyaca region, which faces threats from agricultural development.
A study revealed that Colombia hosts approximately 3,000 edible plant species, with about 10% endangered due to habitat loss, notably from land clearing for agriculture and coca production. In response, Daguer’s “frutas_colombianas” channel has gained over 108,000 followers, promoting fruit tree cultivation through seed sharing.
Daguer’s initiatives also include creating WhatsApp groups where information is exchanged about rare fruits, aiding in their preservation. His contributions led to the first cataloging of the quinguejo, a dark berry native to Nuqui. He warns that many fruits may vanish before they can be documented, stressing the importance of ecological sustainability and restoration through replanting.
Chef Antonuela Ariza, a collaborator of Daguer, incorporates rare fruits into her restaurant’s menu to foster biodiversity awareness. Her dishes include innovative items like camu-camu mayonnaise and a sauce made from Amazonian black chili. According to Ariza, “What we don’t eat is lost,” underlining the critical relationship between consumption and conservation.
Gian Paolo Daguer, the “Lord of the Fruit,” plays a vital role in raising awareness about Colombia’s native fruits, promoting their culinary uses and safeguarding them from extinction. His collaborative efforts with biologists and chefs illustrate the interconnectedness of preservation and consumption, emphasizing the urgent need to cultivate and protect biodiversity in the face of changing dietary preferences and habitat loss.
Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com
