Thai conservationists are counting on a social media sensation to turn the tide for the country's critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin population.
Marine biologist Dr. Pim Chindeesu has been vocal about the plight of Thailand's dwindling sea mammal, which is now feared to be extinct in the wild by 2040 if drastic action isn't taken. But it's not her scientific credentials that have earned her a seat at the table with influencers and policymakers alike – it's her online following.
With over a million followers on Instagram, Dr. Chindeesu has leveraged her social media platform to raise awareness about Irrawaddy dolphin conservation. She regularly shares striking visuals of the majestic creatures in their natural habitat, as well as updates on the latest research and initiatives aimed at protecting them.
However, Dr. Chindeesu is not just content with spreading awareness – she's also using her influence to push for concrete action. Last month, she partnered with a popular influencer, Nattawut, to launch a campaign calling for increased protection of Irrawaddy dolphin habitats and stricter laws against bycatch.
"We need people who have the reach and the voice to make a real difference," Dr. Chindeesu explained in an interview. "Influencers are not just consumers – they're also citizens with the power to demand change."
The campaign has already gained traction, with thousands of people signing up to support the cause and sharing Dr. Chindeesu's posts with their networks.
While it's still early days, conservationists say that the collaboration between influencers like Nattawut and marine experts like Dr. Chindeesu could be a game-changer for the Irrawaddy dolphin population. "If we can mobilize people to care about these incredible creatures, maybe then policymakers will take notice," says Pim.
But with 2040 looming on the horizon, every day counts – and it's up to influencers like Dr. Chindeesu and Nattawut to drive the conversation forward, one post at a time.
Marine biologist Dr. Pim Chindeesu has been vocal about the plight of Thailand's dwindling sea mammal, which is now feared to be extinct in the wild by 2040 if drastic action isn't taken. But it's not her scientific credentials that have earned her a seat at the table with influencers and policymakers alike – it's her online following.
With over a million followers on Instagram, Dr. Chindeesu has leveraged her social media platform to raise awareness about Irrawaddy dolphin conservation. She regularly shares striking visuals of the majestic creatures in their natural habitat, as well as updates on the latest research and initiatives aimed at protecting them.
However, Dr. Chindeesu is not just content with spreading awareness – she's also using her influence to push for concrete action. Last month, she partnered with a popular influencer, Nattawut, to launch a campaign calling for increased protection of Irrawaddy dolphin habitats and stricter laws against bycatch.
"We need people who have the reach and the voice to make a real difference," Dr. Chindeesu explained in an interview. "Influencers are not just consumers – they're also citizens with the power to demand change."
The campaign has already gained traction, with thousands of people signing up to support the cause and sharing Dr. Chindeesu's posts with their networks.
While it's still early days, conservationists say that the collaboration between influencers like Nattawut and marine experts like Dr. Chindeesu could be a game-changer for the Irrawaddy dolphin population. "If we can mobilize people to care about these incredible creatures, maybe then policymakers will take notice," says Pim.
But with 2040 looming on the horizon, every day counts – and it's up to influencers like Dr. Chindeesu and Nattawut to drive the conversation forward, one post at a time.