Valesca de Groot

Why are you involved on this project?

I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of learning from the experts (Labrador Inuit Nunatsiavummiut) who live in this challenging yet beautiful environment. I believe that taking action to mitigate climate change needs to take into account all ways of knowing, and shouldn't be solely based on the conventional steps taken in western science. This means that we need to play an active role in creating a welcoming, respectful, and creative space for the development of conservation strategies.

How does your work relate to Nunatsiavut?

Ocean sustainability is critical for the future generations of Nunatsiavummiut. I consistently have my Inuit friends in mind when I am doing this work, and am infected by the love they have for their land.

What is your favourite outdoor activity?

It is hard to choose just one - diving, swimming, skiing, biking, photography, kayaking! An ideal day of outdoor activities would include a bike ride to the beach, setting up by a river leading into the ocean for a freshwater swim, and exploring its opening to the ocean by snorkeling around looking for fish and invertebrates. And bringing along some instruments, snacks, and cameras to capture it all.

What is your favourite place in the world?

Also hard to choose just one! I am fortunate to have traveled quite a bit and have experienced so many amazing places that fuel me in different ways, but a few that immediately come to mind are: the pond in the Netherland where I used to catch tadpoles, La Manche Provincial Park - specifically the waterfall leading into the ocean, and a little isolated beach at the end of a gravel road in Turks and Caicos with the best secret snorkeling spot.