For two and a half years, Diego Duchateau18 years old, dedicated his free time to painting the face of the Puerto Rican parrot on small pieces of wood with the idea that locals and foreigners would take away from their visit to the El Yunque National Forest a reminder of the endangered endemic bird, while contributing to its recovery.
Consistently, the lanky teenager – natural of Golden– produced her ornaments, inspired by the vibrant colors and beauty of the also called iguaca, and donated them to the non-profit organization Eastern Nationalwhich is in charge of operating the visitor center souvenir shop The Portal of El Yunque. The money raised from the sale of these ornaments was invested in the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program.
Today, the student admitted to Bates Collegein Mainetakes flight to what will be the beginning of his university career in Environmental Sciences, and leaves the nest of what was a contribution for the past two years.
“I feel very proud that I was able to make this contribution to the project and to the parrots. It is an opportunity that many young people do not have, to have such an impact on a project of this quality and magnitude.”he said.
At the beginning of 2022, and at 16 years old, Diego sent an email to the forest administration, expressing his desire to collaborate with the parrot. Due to the distance between Dorado, where he resides, and Rio Grandewhere El Portal de El Yunque and the main recreational areas of the forest are located, it was difficult for him to join the program Ambassadors of the Puerto Rican Parrotwhich trains volunteers to guide the public on the Amazona vittata and feed and care for the three individuals of the species on display at the visitor center.
Motivated by his mother, Alexandra RamosDiego made a proposal that moved the forest leadership. “We heard that El Portal was about to open, and that they had a store, and that’s where the idea of selling the ornaments came from.”said the psychologist by profession, who left the sale of the ornaments to the staff of Eastern National, as she assured that she does not have commercial skills.
The decorations quickly caught the attention of visitors, since Diego brought his first delivery, in February 2022. Eastern National sold all 781 pieces produced by Diego during these two years, raising $7,797 for Puerto Rican parrot recovery efforts.With his action, Diego also shared a little piece of the beauty of the endemic bird with hundreds of people in different parts of the world.
Passionate about environmental conservation, the student reaffirmed his desire to return to Borinquen and the lands of Yocahú, after completing his studies, to continue his mission of helping to remove the parrot from the list of species at risk of extinction.
The Puerto Rican parrot was entered into the Federal Register as an endangered species in 1968, after a census revealed that only 70 wild individuals remained. This caused the Forest Servicein collaboration with the Federal Fish and Wildlife Serviceformal research efforts will be launched to save it.
Diego’s legacy
The Dorado native was recently surprised with recognition from officials of The anvil when he was preparing to deliver what would be his last production, before the beginning of his new stage as a university student.
As an act of gratitude, he was given a plaque made of mahogany rescued from the trees that perished after the passage of the Hurricane Mariain 2017. The piece was made by some employees of the Forest Service. David IslePublic Services Officer of El Yunque, and the forest surveyor Randolph Stoddard Ramos worked with wood and engraving, respectively. Meanwhile, Isabel Ladderdirector of the visitor center drew the iguaca art.
Keenan AdamsEl Yunque forestry supervisor, highlighted Diego’s innovative collaborative project, and indicated that it is a model to emulate.
“Diego’s story can be seen as a parable of one person’s small actions creating a ripple effect. The parrot is one of Puerto Rico’s iconic symbols, and it is critically endangered. I hope Diego’s efforts inspire others to help the wild population thrive.”Adams said.
Ilse, for her part, stressed that “Diego has enlightened us here in El Yunque and shown us how one person can make a change.” She also highlighted his spirit of service and selflessness.
If you would like to join the Puerto Rican Parrot Ambassadors program, please write to sm.fs.voluntariado@usda.gov.