Rebecca Manzi Gyslaine Mansilla Escobar has become UNESCO Ambassador of the Year for Geosciences thanks to her commitment to promoting awareness and understanding of earth sciences
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In a notable acknowledgment of her exceptional endeavors in the field of earth sciences, Gyslaine Mansilla Escobar has recently been honored as the UNESCO Geoscience Ambassador of the Year. This prestigious award celebrates her significant contributions to the dissemination and promotion of Geosciences, setting a benchmark for both local and international awareness.
Gyslaine’s journey
At just 29 years of age, Gyslaine has shown remarkable dedication in elevating the public’s understanding and awareness of Geosciences. Hailing from the Atacama region, she pursued her studies in Geology at the University of Atacama, graduating in 2021.
Since her graduation, Gyslaine has passionately committed herself to science communication, tirelessly working to engage students, local communities, and the broader public with the marvels of Geosciences. Her efforts span a variety of initiatives, from promoting geological tourism and participating in research projects to publishing books and leveraging social media, significantly contributing to the spread of geological knowledge.
Aatacama’s significance
Gyslaine’s experiences include participating in significant research projects such as Antarctic expeditions with the Chilean Antarctic Institute and explorations of the Andes’ glaciers. She has actively worked to identify and preserve natural resources like salt flats and water basins, contributing to environmental conservation.
In a recent interview with Austerra Society, Gyslaine expressed her gratitude for the recognition she received and emphasized the importance of her homeland, the Atacama Desert, as an ideal setting for Geoscience studies. She remarked:
“The salars are not just lithium, the mountains are not just copper; there are extremely complex ecosystems that are rendered invisible with the idea that there’s no life in the desert. But that’s not true; on the contrary, you just need to observe on a different scale.”
Gyslaine highlighted the unique geological processes and complex ecosystems present in the desert, underlining the importance of understanding and appreciating life and biodiversity even in extreme environments like Atacama.
“These are landscapes where extremely interesting geological processes occur; life adapts to truly extreme conditions, whether it be aridity, altitude, or temperatures. The salars are not just lithium, the mountains are not just copper; there are extremely complex ecosystems that are invisible to the idea that there is no life in the desert, but that’s not the case, on the contrary, it just takes looking at a different scale,” she explained.
Her passion and commitment to promoting the conservation and sustainable development of natural resources stand as an example for all and demonstrate the power of science communication in shaping a better future for our planet. Through her tireless work, Gyslaine inspires future generations to pursue knowledge and understanding of Geosciences, thereby contributing to the protection and enhancement of our natural environment.
