Pablo Garcia Borboroglu
on Protecting Penguins
“The heart song is the voice you hear inside, who you truly are.
So without our heart song, we can't be truly Penguins, can we?”
After watching “Happy Feet”, many of us probably thought penguins were these joyful, adorable and zen birds. The reality is, day after day, they are not only losing their heart songs but their own lives. Overfishing, climate change, pollution, and oil spills are putting colonies at risk of historic declines.
Jorge Pablo Garcia Borboroglu (Popi) is the embodiment of hope. The superhero these lovely creatures need! The connection he feels with penguins has a personal and emotional element. Being surrounded by them helps him tap into cherished memories of his grandmother who ignited his passion for conservation. When she took him to first lay eyes on a wild penguin colony in Patagonia, Popi experienced a bittersweet moment of wonder and awe mixed with shock: “The energy in the colony was amazing and overwhelming in a good way, but I can’t erase the moment I saw dead penguins covered in oil. That was my eureka moment!” He decided to transform this special connection into something bigger.
Jorge Pablo is a marine conservation leader, visionary, speaker, founder and president of the Global Penguin Society, having protected over 32 million acres of essential ocean and coastal habitats for these seabirds. His roles are multifaceted, as he is also a researcher at Argentina's National Research Council, an associate professor at the University of Washington, and co-founder of the IUCN Penguin Specialist Group. A National Geographic Society Explorer, Popi has been globally recognized for his meaningful contributions culminating in the Indianapolis Prize, the National Geographic Buffet Award and the ROLEX Award for Enterprise.
Simply being in the presence of penguins brings a sense of clarity and connection. Pablo believes there is something incredibly grounding and joyful in watching these creatures live their lives, demonstrating so much love for their community: “Their unwavering determination, bravery and drive serves as a powerful reminder that we, too, can persevere in the face of adversity. Witnessing their resilience and ability to thrive amidst challenging circumstances brings me much hope and optimism. The care they put in raising their chicks in the face of threats inspires a sense of purpose and motivation to tackle anything I need to face!”
Read Jorge Pablo Garcia Borboroglu’s answers for Inspirators and absorb the magical qualities penguins share with all of us!
Thank you, Pablo, for being a Penguin Protector!
#INSPIRATORS QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Pablo Garcia Borboroglu
Company / Institution: Global Penguin Society
Title: Founder & President
Website: www.globalpenguinsociety.org
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorge-pablo-garcia-borboroglu-896874a/
Country of origin: Argentina
Country you currently live in: Argentina
Your definition of Regeneration: Regeneration is about more than just repair.
It is about holistic improvement: making something not only as good as it was but better. This concept spans from healing ecosystems to revitalizing communities, aiming for sustainability and resilience. It's about creating systems that benefit everyone, ensuring a thriving, diverse, and balanced world for future generations.
Main business challenge you face: The main business challenge we're up against revolves around navigating the murky waters of government corruption, a glaring absence of laws that shield wildlife, and a widespread lack of courage among decision-makers to stand up for environmental protection.
These hurdles create a complex landscape where advancing sustainable practices and protecting the natural world becomes not just an environmental task, but a test of perseverance and innovation in the face of institutional and legislative roadblocks.
Main driver that keeps you going: The main driver that keeps me going is seeing the incredible determination, bravery, and drive of penguins as they navigate their challenging environment to achieve their main goal: raising their chicks in the face of numerous threats.
Their resilience and unwavering commitment in the harshest conditions inspire a sense of purpose and motivation to tackle the challenges we face, mirroring their persistence in our efforts to make a positive impact through our work and the world around us.
The trait you are most proud of in yourself: My unwavering loyalty to what I believe is right, coupled with my tenacity and persistence. These qualities have been my guiding stars, driving me to stay true to my principles and to keep pushing forward, even when the path ahead is challenging. They've shaped my actions and decisions, ensuring that I remain committed to my goals and values, no matter the obstacles.
The trait you most value in others: The combination of creative and artistic skills, alongside the remarkable ability to navigate through tough times without succumbing to stress. I admire those who can look at the world, see the potential for beauty and innovation, and then bring their visions to life, all while maintaining a calm and resilient spirit in the face of adversity. This blend of creativity, resilience, and serenity in navigating life's ups and downs is truly inspiring to me.
Passions & little things that bring you joy: My passions and the little things that bring me joy revolve around the time I spend with penguins at their breeding colonies, observing their daily activities. There's something incredibly grounding and joyful in watching these creatures go about their lives, demonstrating resilience, care, and community. My other passion lies in antiques: each piece tells a story, a snippet of history, that connects us to the past in a tangible way.
The Inspirators who determined you to take the regenerative path:
My path to regeneration was sparked by my grandmother, who shared enchanting stories of Patagonia’s penguins, and Dr. Luc Hoffmann, who mentored me and helped establish the Global Penguin Society. Their influences taught me the importance of connecting with nature and championing conservation, blending heartfelt stories with practical action to guide my journey.
A starting point for companies or professionals that are beginning the regeneration journey: Embrace a clear vision and believe in your capability to make a difference. Align your actions with this vision, letting it guide your decisions and strategies. This means understanding the impact of your work on the environment and communities and striving to create positive change. Trust in your ability to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. Your belief in yourself and your mission is the foundation upon which regenerative practices can be built and expanded.
An honest piece of advice for young people who lose hope: When you feel like everything has failed, give it a little time and watch for what the tide brings in. Sometimes, our lowest points are followed by moments of unexpected support or new opportunities. Just like the ocean, life has a rhythm and balance: after a high tide comes a low tide, and then it rises again. What seems like a setback now might actually be the pause before a new beginning. Keep an open mind and heart to what's coming; you might be surprised by the help or chance that drifts your way next.
Books that had a great impact on you / Must-Reads for any regenerative professional:
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
From Animals into Gods by Yuval Noah Harari
Movies / Documentaries you would watch all over again:
Far from the Madding Crowd - its timeless narrative and complex characters offer new insights with every viewing. Similarly, "Life on Our Planet" is a profound documentary that I find myself returning to. Sir David Attenborough's compelling message about biodiversity and the urgency of conservation efforts is both a wake-up call and a source of inspiration, reminding us of our responsibility towards our planet.
Music that makes you (and your heart) sing: My music tastes range from "Drops of Jupiter" by Train, a song that lifts me up, to the powerful opera pieces "Caruso" and "Nessun Dorma," which stir deep emotions. Whether it’s the catchy melody of modern tracks or the dramatic highs of opera, these songs resonate with me, each in their unique way.
Places you travelled to that left a mark on you: Greece, the land of my ancestors, and Antarctica, our planet's pristine gift, are two places that have profoundly impacted me. Greece connected me to my roots, where every stone tells a story of ancient times, blending history with the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes and seas. Antarctica, on the other hand, is a realm of untouched natural wonder, a reminder of the world's fragility and magnificence. Both have left indelible marks on my soul, shaping my appreciation for our world's diverse cultures and its natural marvels.
Trends in Regeneration we should keep an eye on: Two key trends in regeneration to watch are the rising emphasis on meditation and mindfulness, and the new generation's shift towards valuing the present over deferring everything for the future. Meditation is gaining traction not just as a personal practice for well-being, but as a tool that can influence societal attitudes towards sustainability and interconnectedness.
Meanwhile, younger generations are challenging the old paradigm of delaying gratification and are instead seeking ways to live fully now while being mindful of their impact on the planet. This combination of inward reflection and a redefined approach to living holds the potential for significant cultural and environmental regeneration.
Reasons to feel optimistic about our future in 2030: The new, environmentally-conscious generation. Their votes and decisions are steering us towards a more sustainable world by 2030.
Reasons to feel pessimistic about our future in 2030: The short-sighted and selfish perspective of many current world leaders who lack altruistic values. This leadership approach can hinder global progress towards sustainability, focusing on immediate gains over long-term well-being.
Regenerative Leadership qualities much needed today: Generosity and altruism.
The Inspirator you are endorsing for a future edition is:
Shivani Bhalla
The quote that inspires you:
Seneca's powerful reminder that having a clear purpose and destination is essential for making the most of the opportunities and challenges that life throws our way.
"No wind is favourable to the sailor who does not know to which port he is bound." (Seneca)
Your quote that will inspire us:
