Environmentalist and nature photographer, Akasha Modesta, returns to Bali home after studying and working abroad.
You are a second generation expatriates Bali. What was it like growing up here?
Absolutely amazing. I feel so blessed to have been raised on a beautiful island filled with rich and diverse culture of people. All the expatriate community here is like a big family. I really feel that we're lucky to have each other as such a close-knit support system.
Tell me about your education while in Southeast Asia.
I did most of my schooling at Bali International School, I loved. When I was in ninth grade, my mother and I decided it was time for a change, so I enrolled in Prem Tinsulanonda International School in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where I completed my last three years of high school . Those years were a very exciting time for me because everything was fresh and unknown. Thailand is amazing. Boarding school showed me a new sense of independence and the current International Baccalaureate I was really challenged me and taught me the importance of a strong work ethic. I made good friends that I am still close with to date, and it's also something that I am eternally grateful.
What inspired you to study Environmental Science in the United States?
I've always had a love for the outdoors since I was a child. It's hard not to when you're in a paradise like Bali, especially the old Bali. I spent my free time either at the beach or wander aimlessly in the nearest sawah. Life in Chiang Mai also showed me a different side of the beauty of nature. Our campus is nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, and everyone made the most of it by hiking and rafting. After I graduated, I moved to Los Angeles for a year and then transferred to the University of Hawaii on Oahu Pacific. Again, another decision I will never regret.
What do you like best to be in the US?
The variety! There are so many choices in the United States. I think it is a country that has something for everyone and I would like to explore more. I will never forget my first trip to the supermarket in LA- I got lost in the corridors for hours; I could not believe how much variety there was to choose from. Even after five years of living in the States, I always get a little overwhelmed at the store.
What environmental projects you have been involved in the state side?
I did a lot of volunteer work during my studies in Hawaii. I have been involved in projects to restore coastal wetlands, beaches cleaning, monitoring water quality in the ocean and in rivers, and elimination of invasive plant species in forests. Hawaii has a huge problem with invasive species, so that the fight against parasites organizations are always very grateful for any help they can get.
When I arrived in California after graduating, I did a nine-month internship with a small nonprofit called Friends of the Petaluma River. I was working in the conservation of watersheds, which I really enjoyed.
What do you miss most being away from Bali and Indonesia?
My family, friends, and, of course, nasi campur.
Which projects do you think need to be addressed here?
Where to start? We basically need a paradigm shift in our attitude towards nature and its resources. The lack of education needs first and foremost to solve. This is the root of all this, I think. It would be surprising if even the most basic lessons of sustainability were implemented in the Indonesian public school system to bring awareness among the local population, especially at a young and impressionable age.
And our dependence on plastic is a huge problem! We need to work on reducing the use of plastic bags and plastic bottles of water and cups. Small lifestyle changes like bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store and package a bottle of water when you head for the day would already make a big difference. It is so sad to see our oceans and rivers filled plastic; the rainy season is particularly worrying.
Bali certainly has its own environmental problems, but Indonesia as a whole has a ton more that needs attention as well.
What got you interested in nature photography?
I think that taking pictures was just an inevitable result of spending much time outdoors. Every time I see a beautiful view I have a desire to document snapshot so I can relive a part of it through a photo many years later. Nature is perfect as it is, and I think that's why I prefer to take natural elements, as opposed to human subjects. I do not need to direct and correct when I turn natural scenes, so that always makes a peaceful experience.
I also like to share my adventures with others through photography, and I think that social media played a huge role in this. I think the same goes for many of my age, we are all made in social media in one direction or another. It is so widespread, and can be both a blessing and a curse.
I especially like your photos simple topics such as water. You show the movement and life in these parts. How do you do what most of us give?
Thank you. Water is my favorite item for photographing, and I think it is because the water is so beautiful without effort. He brings a literal meaning of "go with the flow", one of my primary approaches to life. I think the water is so fascinating to photograph because it represents a large part of the unknown. You really never know what lies beneath the surface unless we go in and find out for ourselves. Get my diving certification really opened my eyes to a world colorful as most of us do not know.
What are your plans for the future?
I'm not entirely sure to be honest. I am very happy to be back home and live in Bali yet. I have plans to help my mother with her spa business, and hope that I will find my way in some coastal conservation work here in Indonesia. I really want to take what I learned in college and use it to give back to my country.
Thank you, Akasha! To contact, e-mail: akashamodesta@gmail.com