Conserving Nature: Meet Akasha Modesta
Environmentalist as well as nature photographer, Akasha Modesta, returns to make Bali her home after studying as well as working abroad.
You are a second generation Bali expat. What was the item like growing up here?
Absolutely incredible. I feel so blessed to have been raised on such a beautiful island filled with rich culture as well as diverse people. The whole expat community here is usually like one big family. I actually feel in which we are lucky to have each additional as such a close-knit support system.
Tell me about your education while in Southeast Asia.
I did the majority of my schooling at Bali International School, which I loved. When I was within the ninth grade, my mother as well as I decided in which the item was time for a change, so I enrolled into Prem Tinsulanonda International School in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where I completed my last three years of high school. Those years were a actually exciting time for me because everything was fresh as well as unfamiliar. Thailand is usually amazing. Boarding school showed me a fresh sense of independence, as well as the International Baccalaureate course I took actually challenged me as well as taught me the importance of a strong work ethic. I made so many Great friends in which I’m still close with to This specific day, as well as in which’s also something I’ll be forever grateful for.
What inspired you to study Environmental Science within the United States?
I’ve always had a love for the outdoors, ever since I was a kid. the item’s hard not to when you grow up in a paradise like Bali, especially the old Bali. I would likely spend my free time either at the beach or wandering around aimlessly within the nearest sawah. Life in Chiang Mai also showed me a different side of nature’s beauty. Our campus was nestled within the Northern Thai mountains, as well as so everyone made the most of in which by hiking as well as river rafting. After I graduated, I moved to Los Angeles for a year, as well as then transferred to Hawaii Pacific University on Oahu. Again, another decision I will never regret.
What did you love most about being within the USA?
The variety! There is usually so much to choose coming from within the United States. I think the item’s a country in which has something to offer everyone as well as I’d like to explore more of the item. I will never forget my first trip to the supermarket in LA— I got lost within the aisles for hours; I couldn’t believe how much variety there was to choose coming from. Even after all 5 years of living within the States, I still get a little overwhelmed at the store.
What environmental projects were you involved in State-side?
I did a lot of volunteer work during my studies in Hawaii. I was involved in coastal wetland restoration projects, beach clean-ups, water quality monitoring within the ocean as well as in streams, as well as invasive plant species removal within the forests. Hawaii carries a huge problem with invasive species, so pest control organizations are always very appreciative of any help they can get.
When I moved to California after graduating, I did a nine-month internship using a little non-profit called Friends of the Petaluma River. I worked in watershed conservation, which I actually enjoyed.
What did you miss most being away coming from Bali as well as Indonesia?
My family, friends, as well as, of course, nasi campur.
What projects do you think need to be addressed here?
Where to begin? We basically need a paradigm shift in our mentality towards nature as well as its resources. First as well as foremost, the lack of education needs to be addressed. in which’s the root of the item all, I think. the item would likely be amazing if even the most basic sustainability lessons were implemented into the Indonesian public school system to bring about awareness within the local people, especially at a young as well as impressionable age.
as well as our addiction to plastic is usually a huge problem! We need to work on reducing the use of plastic bags as well as plastic water bottles as well as cups. little lifestyle modifications like bringing a reusable bag to go grocery shopping as well as packing a water bottle when you head out for the day would likely already make a great difference. the item’s so sad to see our oceans as well as rivers filled with plastic; the rainy season is usually especially worrying.
Bali definitely has its own environmental issues, although Indonesia as a whole carries a tonne more which requires attention as well.
What got you interested in nature photography?
I think taking photos was just an inevitable result of me spending a lot of time outdoors. Whenever I see a beautiful view, I have an instant desire to document the item to ensure in which I can relive a part of the item through a photo many years later. Nature is usually perfect as she is usually, as well as I think in which’s why I prefer to shoot natural elements as opposed to human subjects. I don’t need to direct as well as correct when I shoot natural scenes, to ensure in which always makes the item a peaceful experience.
I also love sharing my adventures with others through photography, as well as I think social media has played a huge part in in which. I think the same goes for many my age—we are all dialled into social media one way or another. the item’s so prevalent, as well as in which can be both a blessing as well as a curse.
I especially love your photographs of simple subjects such as water. You show the movement as well as life within these elements. How do you bring out what most of us overlook?
Thank you. Water is usually my favourite element to photograph, as well as I think the item’s because water is usually so effortlessly beautiful. the item brings a literal meaning of ‘going with the flow’, one of my primary approaches to life. I think water is usually so intriguing to photograph because the item represents so much of the unknown. We never actually know what lies beneath the surface unless we go under as well as find out for ourselves. Getting my scuba certification actually opened my eyes to a colourful world in which most of us don’t experience.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m not entirely sure, to be honest. I’m very happy to be back home as well as living in Bali for the time being. I have plans to help my mother out with her spa business, as well as hopefully I will find my way into some coastal conservation work here in Indonesia. I definitely want to take what I’ve learned in college as well as use the item to give back to my home country.
Thank you, Akasha! To get in touch, e-mail: akashamodesta@gmail.com
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Conserving Nature: Meet Akasha Modesta
Conserving Nature: Meet Akasha Modesta