As climate change escalates in urgency, local communities are uniting to protect their environmental heritage. In Valencia, Carla’s commitment to saving endangered sea turtles is emblematic of a broader struggle against ecological threats fueled by climate change and rampant tourism. Her efforts not only highlight the pressing need for conservation but also underscore the empowering role of community involvement in restoring fragile ecosystems.
Carla has dedicated her life to the fight against the adverse impacts of climate change on Valencia’s delicate beach ecosystems. Having grown up observing her father’s commitment to environmental protection, she now finds herself at the forefront of a movement to shield the coastlines from modern pressures. As rising temperatures in the Mediterranean encourage the arrival of sea turtles looking for nesting sites, these beaches, crucial to their survival, face significant threats. The dual pressures of mass tourism and unchecked development, coupled with the aftermath of devastating floods, have placed these vital habitats in jeopardy.
At 27 years old, Carla is not just an advocate but also an environmental lawyer and conservationist, working alongside her father to rehabilitate the coastline and secure turtle nests. Following the catastrophic floods of 2024, which have exacerbated the situation, Carla has mobilized her community, urging them to contribute urgently to the restoration of Valencia’s beachfront. With the critical nesting season for turtles coinciding with the peak of tourist activity, she is in dire need of volunteers to assist in protecting each vulnerable nest—time is of the essence.
The situation is dire, yet Carla’s passionate activism represents hope for a collaborative approach to preserving the environment. Her story is captured in the documentary film “After the Floods,” directed by Adriana Cardoso and Rodrigo Hernandez, which sheds light on local efforts to confront the challenges posed by climate change. Their work illustrates not only the resilience of nature but also the tenacity of those who care for it, making it evident that community-driven solutions remain essential in the face of growing environmental crises.
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