Creative Resistance: How Art Fuels the Fight for Environmental Justice

Interviewed by Dhayana Alejandrina. Lead Poetry and Cultural Collaborator at Noire Magazine.

 

Today, I am excited to present a special interview with Carmen Danae Azor, a multidisciplinary artist specializing in video, performance, photography, and earth art. With a profound commitment to ocean conservation and environmental justice advocacy, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives through various collaborative projects. Carmen combines her artistic creativity with a passion for biodiversity conservation and climate action, aiming to foster positive change globally.

 

 

Why this interview, you may ask?

 

As someone born and raised in the Dominican Republic, nature has always been very important to me. The other day, I discussed the effect nature had on my childhood and stated that, “I am grateful for the way my parents exposed me to the
beauty of nature and the lessons she bestows. It is one thing to admire nature, but a completely different one to respect it and want to take care of it.” Now, as an adult, I have learned that nature is a reflection of us, and we are a reflection of her.

 

In “Spiritual Ecology,” a book Rudolf Steiner that I have been reading, he emphasizes the interdependence between humans and nature. He argues that humans are an integral part of the evolving natural world and that this world surrounds us, allowing us to rediscover ourselves within it. Steiner’s work highlights the necessity of a balanced
relationship where neither exploitation of the Earth nor seeing ourselves as mere irritants is appropriate. Instead, we should strive for a conscious equilibrium, understanding that our existence and the well-being of nature are deeply intertwined.

 

With this important perspective in mind—that “our existence and the well-being of nature are deeply intertwined”—I hope this interview inspires you to consider the ways in which you can contribute to environmental conservation and
awareness. Let’s explore how our individual efforts can collectively make a significant impact in preserving the beauty and vitality of our natural surroundings.

 

 

An interview conversation with Carmen Danae Azor

 

 

Thank so much for joining me in a very important conversation about nature and environmental justice, Carmen! I would love to start by discussing your upbringing a bit.

 

 

How have your culture and environment played a role in your journey as an Environmental Justice Advocate?

 

My mother is from Samaná, Dominican Republic, and my father is from Spain, placing me at the intersection of worlds. As a diplomat’s daughter, we moved every few years— Costa Rica, Uruguay, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and the United States. Each move offered a new lens, revealing the beautiful diversity of our planet.

 

Growing up light-skinned in a world marred by colorism and racism, I was painfully aware of the privileges and expectations imposed upon me. My hair, a symbol of my Afro- Caribbean heritage, was straightened weekly to conform to Eurocentric ideals. These experiences taught me the harsh realities of assimilation and the cost of invisibility.

 

Returning to Ayiti, my mother’s homeland, after nearly a decade away, was a pivotal moment. The island’s beauty was overshadowed by the pervasive presence of plastics, pollution, and environmental degradation. This stark reality cemented my passion for environmental justice, merging my personal experiences with a commitment to fight for
sustainable and equitable solutions. Through my art and advocacy, I aim to address the intertwined issues of environmental degradation and social inequality, striving for a future where both people and nature can thrive.

 

 

What does it mean to you to be a multidisciplinary artist? 

 

Being a multidisciplinary artist means embracing the freedom to express myself through various forms and mediums. It allows me to weave together different threads of creativity —visual art, writing, performance, and activism—into a tapestry that speaks to the complexities of our world. This approach not only broadens my creative horizons but also deepens my understanding of the interconnectedness of social, cultural, and environmental issues.

 

 

What is the “why” behind your work?

 

The “why” behind my work is rooted in my desire to disrupt the status quo, and to tell stories that matter. Growing up in a world marked by environmental degradation, social injustices, and cultural erasure, I feel a profound responsibility to use my art as a vehicle for change. I strive to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, highlight the beauty and resilience of diverse cultures, and advocate for environmental justice.

 

My work is a call to action, urging people to see beyond their immediate reality and to engage with the broader struggles that shape our world; it’s about decolonization and unlearning. Ultimately, my art is about connection—connecting people, to their environment, and to the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface of our everyday lives. Through my multidisciplinary approach, I aim to create a space where dialogue, understanding, and transformation can flourish.

 

 

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by the beauty of its nature and fruits, and influenced by my parents and grandmothers, I developed a profound connection with nature, seeing it as a reflection of myself. How has nature shaped you? What is one of the biggest lessons it has taught you?

 

Having Taino ancestry like we do means that we are aware, and in touch, with our deep and ancestral connection to Nature and other species. Nature has taught me resilience. Watching the cycles of growth and renewal, I have learned that even in the face of adversity, life finds a way to persist and flourish.The way a tree bends with the wind yet stands firm, or how a river carves its path through the toughest rock, has shown me the power of adaptability and perseverance.

 

One of the other biggest lessons nature has taught me is interconnectedness. Everything in nature is part of a larger web of life, where each element plays a crucial role in the ecosystem’s balance. This understanding has profoundly influenced my approach to environmental justice and activism. It reminds me that our actions, however small, have a ripple effect, impacting the broader world around us. This lesson of interconnectedness drives my commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable future, where both humanity and nature can thrive together.

 

 

Can you share a story about how environmental injustice has directly affected a community you’ve worked with, and what changes were sought?

 

I was with a group of ornithologists who had spent the last 40 years studying the birds of Samana Bay. They guided me to key bird habitats, and it was there, in the lower Yuna mangroves, that my heart was captured. On one side, pristine mangroves teeming with life; on the other, a beach choked with plastic and kilometers of polluted wetlands. It was a stark contrast that illustrated the urgent need for environmental action.

 

The local fishermen, deeply connected to these lands and waters, were already working with the ornithologists to survey and monitor bird species. Their observations were invaluable, painting a picture of the bay’s ecological health. These men had witnessed firsthand the decline of fish populations and the increasing presence of plastic waste.

 

One fisherman shared his sorrow over the changes he had seen in his lifetime, from abundant fish to thousands of dead shrimp lining the estuary.

 

 

 

My time in the mangroves made me deeply aware of the ongoing pollution and climate change threats. Inspired by the resilience and dedication of the local community, we set up a plastic interception team. The fishermen, who once spent their days fishing, now work tirelessly to collect plastic from the mangroves. They bale the waste and send it for processing, turning a heartbreaking situation into an opportunity for change. The collaboration between fishermen, NGOs, and ornithologists has created a powerful model of community-driven environmental stewardship. Together, they are adapting to the challenges of pollution and climate change, working to restore the bay and protect the diverse life it supports.

 

 

What is one thing you hope people understand about climate change and how clean energy can contribute to a healthier future for both the Earth and humanity?

 

One thing I hope people truly grasp about the climate crisis is its profound interconnectedness with every aspect of our lives. Climate change isn’t just about melting ice caps or rising sea levels; it’s about the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the health of our families and communities.

 

It exacerbates social inequalities and hits the most vulnerable first. Clean energy, on the other hand, offers a beacon of hope. By transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change’s most devastating impacts. This shift not only protects our planet but also fosters healthier communities by reducing air pollution, which is linked to numerous health problems. Embracing clean energy means investing in a future where both the Earth and humanity can thrive.

 

 

How can we ensure that future generations have equitable access to clean environments and sustainable resources?

 

To ensure that future generations inherit a world where clean environments and sustainable resources are not luxuries, but birthrights, we must first confront the truths of our current existence.

 

We must recognize that the struggle for environmental justice is intertwined with the
struggle for human dignity, for the liberation of all people from the chains of
exploitation.

 

The path to equitable access lies in the understanding that the Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth. This requires a fundamental shift in our consciousness, a reclamation of our responsibility as stewards of this planet. It begins with the acknowledgment that the wounds we inflict upon the environment are wounds we inflict upon ourselves. Our rivers, our forests, our air – they are not separate from us. Their degradation is a reflection of the brokenness within our societies.

 

To pave the way for future generations, we must dismantle the systems of oppression that allow a few to profit at the expense of the many. This means holding corporations accountable for their environmental impact and demanding that our leaders prioritize the health of the planet over short-term economic gains. It means redistributing resources and opportunities so that every community, regardless of race, class, or geography, can participate in and benefit from the green revolution.

 

We must build communities of care, where the health of the environment is seen as integral to the
health of the people. This requires investment in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and
sustainable agriculture. It means creating jobs that not only provide for families but also restore
and protect our natural world.

 

Finally, we must act with urgency and with love. For it is love – love for our children, for our fellow beings, for the Earth itself – that will sustain us in this struggle.

 

 

 

What advice do you have for individuals who want to get involved in environmental justice efforts but aren’t sure where to start?

 

Begin by understanding that your voice, your presence, and your passion matter. Look around your community and listen to the stories of those most affected. Let this awareness stir your soul into action. Speak out boldly against the injustices you see, knowing that silence will not protect you, or the planet.

 

Find solidarity in community. Join hands with other activists, immerse yourself in their struggles, and learn from their
resilience. Your involvement, no matter how small, is a powerful act of resistance. Live consciously. Let your daily choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and justice. Remember, each act of care and defiance contributes to the collective struggle for a healthier, more equitable world. Be fierce in your pursuit of justice. Your journey
begins with the first step—take it with courage and conviction, and others will be
inspired to follow.

 

Carmen, thank you from the depths of my heart for sharing your incredible journey with us. Your passion and dedication to not only understanding yourself through your connection to the Earth but also advocating for its well-being has been truly inspiring. Your efforts and time have paved the way for many to follow, and your advocacy resonates with a powerful and beautiful impact. It has been an honor to witness your story and to share in your vision. Thank you for being a source of hope and for tirelessly championing our planet.

 

Stay connected with Afrique Noire Magazine here on Instagram and join our fast growing community here on TikTok

 

You can also follow –

Our lead poetry and culture collaborator, Dhayana on Instagram

Our Guest – Catmen Danae Azor here on Instagram

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