Colombia’s ‘Lord of the Fruit’: A Mission to Preserve Native Species

Gian Paolo Daguer, known as the “Lord of the Fruit,” is dedicated to preserving Colombia’s native fruit species through social media awareness and community engagement. He highlights endangered fruits, such as the lucuma and churumbelo, while promoting cultivation and culinary use. Conservation efforts are crucial as biodiversity faces threats from homogenized diets and environmental degradation.

In Colombia, Gian Paolo Daguer, known as the “Lord of the Fruit,” is devoted to preserving native fruit species. An environmental engineer aged 47, he actively raises awareness about these rare species through social media, emphasizing their unique flavors and applications. One such fruit is the lucuma, which Daguer describes as resembling a small coconut, with a flavor that is akin to caramel despite its dryness.

Daguer’s mission addresses the concerning decline of native fruits as popular varieties like mango and papaya dominate the market. Colombian biologist Carolina Castellanos warns that as global diets converge, lesser-known species are at risk of extinction due to diminished cultivation and consumption.

Among the endangered fruits Daguer promotes is the churumbelo, a sweet berry from Boyaca, which faces threats from agriculture and mining. A study conducted by the Humboldt Institute identifies at least 3,000 edible plant species in Colombia, with approximately ten percent facing extinction risks.

The Colombian Ministry of Environment reports significant forest loss in 2024, impacting biodiversity. Daguer encourages people to cultivate native fruit trees in their gardens. His online platform has garnered over 108,000 followers and facilitates seed exchanges and knowledge sharing within a community of enthusiasts.

His lifelong passion for rare fruit has led to the documentation of species like the quinguejo, which was identified for the first time in 2024. Daguer cautions against continued environmental destruction, stating that ecological recovery is essential and must start with replanting efforts. Collaborating with local chefs like Antonuela Ariza, he promotes the culinary use of these fruits to enhance biodiversity awareness.

Ariza, who incorporates rare fruits into her restaurant’s menu, emphasizes that consumption is crucial for preservation. The message is clear: “What we do not eat is lost.”

Gian Paolo Daguer, Colombia’s “Lord of the Fruit,” undertakes a significant endeavor to preserve native fruit species at risk of extinction due to homogenized diets and environmental threats. His efforts include educating the public, facilitating seed exchanges, and promoting the culinary uses of these rare fruits. Collaborating with others in the community, Daguer emphasizes the importance of consumption in preventing the loss of biodiversity.

Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com