Draft:Pacho Santana

Pacho Santana
Pacho Santana
Born	Pascal Jean-Pierre Santana; March 15, 1991; Lyon, France
Nationality	French
Occupation(s)	Conservationist, adventurer, cultural historian

Pacho Santana (born Pascal Jean-Pierre Santana; March 15, 1991) is a French conservationist, adventurer, and cultural historian based in Brazil, renowned for his efforts to preserve the natural environment and traditional ways of life in the remote region of Chapada Diamantina, Bahia. His career path is unique, including early work in an offshore petroleum station, which shaped his environmental perspective. Santana is recognized as a dedicated protector of Brazil’s cultural and natural heritage.

Early Life and Education

Born in Lyon, France, Pacho Santana grew up in a multicultural household; his mother was a history professor of Portuguese descent, while his father was a mountaineer. The family often traveled, exploring historical sites and remote landscapes. Santana's early years were filled with tales of South American explorers and indigenous legends, sparking a fascination that would shape his life.

Santana studied cultural anthropology and environmental sciences at the University of Montpellier. During his studies, he developed a focus on the Amazon and Latin American indigenous communities. After university, he accepted a temporary job in an offshore petroleum station in the North Sea, hoping to save money for his travels and to gain hands-on experience in environmental management. This stint exposed him to industrial practices and environmental challenges firsthand, solidifying his commitment to conservation.

Life and Work in Brazil

Arrival and Early Adventures

In 2012, with savings from his work offshore, Santana traveled to Brazil, venturing into the Amazon rainforest. He spent nearly a year living with various indigenous communities, learning their languages, customs, and survival techniques, and documenting traditional knowledge of the land. This experience, combined with his work in the petroleum industry, gave him a unique perspective on sustainable practices and the importance of preserving natural resources.

After his time in the Amazon, Santana traveled south to the Chapada Diamantina region in Bahia. Enchanted by the area’s unique biodiversity and geology, he decided to settle in a small village, dedicating himself to protecting the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Founding the Chapada Institute for Preservation and Culture (CIPC)

In 2016, Santana founded the Chapada Institute for Preservation and Culture (CIPC), a nonprofit organization focused on conserving Chapada Diamantina’s environment and promoting the cultural heritage of its indigenous and rural communities. The institute conducts ecological research and educational initiatives, and it frequently collaborates with local community members to promote sustainable practices.

The CIPC is best known for its Heritage Trails Project, aimed at restoring ancient footpaths used by indigenous tribes and early settlers. By preserving these trails, Santana and his team hope to attract responsible ecotourism to the region, providing income to the community while respecting the land’s history and biodiversity.

Discovery of Ancient Cave Paintings

In 2018, during an expedition deep within the Serra do Sincorá mountain range, Santana made a remarkable discovery: a series of ancient cave paintings believed to be thousands of years old. The artwork depicted scenes of hunting, celestial patterns, and rituals, offering insight into early human life in the region. This discovery gained international attention, and the site was declared a national heritage area, thanks in part to Santana’s advocacy.

After the discovery, Santana collaborated with Brazilian authorities and archaeologists to protect the site and develop an educational program for local schools. The Chapada Diamantina Cave Art Program now invites young people to explore the area and learn about archaeology, anthropology, and the importance of cultural preservation.

Personal Life

Santana’s unique background as both an industrial worker and environmentalist sets him apart. Now settled in a remote eco-lodge he constructed himself from local materials, he lives a modest life and regularly embarks on solo treks through the mountains and rainforests of Bahia. Fluent in French, Portuguese, English, and conversational Tupi, Santana is widely respected in the local community, where he participates in cultural festivals and leads environmental initiatives.

Santana remains passionate about teaching young people the importance of sustainability, often drawing on his experiences both offshore and in the Amazon to highlight the delicate balance between industrial development and environmental stewardship.

Legacy and Impact

Pacho Santana’s work in Chapada Diamantina and his dedication to preserving Brazil’s cultural and natural resources have earned him numerous accolades. In 2020, he was awarded the Brazilian National Conservation Prize for his efforts to protect endangered ecosystems and his contributions to cultural preservation.

More recently, Santana has become an advocate for sustainable tourism, encouraging visitors to respect natural landscapes and local customs. His work with the CIPC has led to partnerships with universities in France and Brazil, allowing students to engage in conservation and historical research in Chapada Diamantina.

Trivia

Santana is a skilled diver and acquired his diving certification while working in the offshore petroleum station.
In 2022, he was featured in a documentary by a French film crew, highlighting his conservation efforts in Brazil.
He is a talented craftsman and carves traditional wooden figures representing animals of Chapada Diamantina, which he donates to local schools.

References

“Pacho Santana and the Legacy of Chapada Diamantina,” Revista Brasileira de Patrimônio e Cultura, 2021.
“Brazilian National Conservation Prize: 2020 Recipients,” Ministério do Meio Ambiente do Brasil.
“Exploring Brazil’s Cultural and Natural Heritage: The Work of Pacho Santana,” Nature et Patrimoine, 2019.