The Executive Board of YAQU PACHA e.V.
Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen
First Chairman
Born and raised in Argentina, I became familiar with the fascinating wildlife of South America at an early age. In Patagonia, I encountered whales, seals, and dolphins for the first time. As a biology student, I also had the opportunity to experience what it means to conduct research. However, I quickly realized how fragile the marine ecosystem is. The fascination these animals held for me, the challenges of conducting long-term research in South America, and ultimately the threat we humans pose to these animals were and remain my motivation to do something for them. That is why YAQU PACHA was founded in 1992. Through our help in the areas of research, species conservation, and environmental education, we want to help people in Latin America to better understand animals. This understanding of nature is certainly the best prerequisite for protecting animals and their habitat in the long term.
Sandra Honigs
2nd Chair
Water has always held an incredible fascination for me. As deputy director of the Aquazoo – Löbbecke Museum, I am surrounded by both the element of water and its inhabitants every day. Among the numerous creatures that have developed the most fascinating adaptations to life in and around water, I am particularly fond of the bizarre representatives such as sea cucumbers, deep-sea fish, but also manatees. Since these animals do not have much of a lobby in this country, but need protection just as much as dolphins, otters, seals, and penguins, I searched for an organization that specifically focuses on the inhabitants of aquatic habitats in the sea cow environment and found it in YAQU PACHA. In order to make a small contribution to saving the aquatic habitat, I try to actively support the dedicated and inspiring team as often as I can.
Martina Hofer
Treasurer
I work as a clerk in an industrial company and came to YAQU PACHA through a friend. I work for YAQU PACHA as treasurer and also support YAQU PACHA at various events. This allows me to contribute to environmental protection and nature conservation. It is important to me that all YAQU PACHA employees work on a voluntary basis, which means that almost all income goes directly into the projects.
Stefan Wiessmeyer
Secretary
I have been working as a freelance jewelry designer since 1993 and began developing my own collection with marine motifs in 1995. As I have been diving since 1989, I wanted my collection to contribute to the protection of the oceans. While searching for a suitable nature conservation organization, I came across YAQU PACHA in a diving magazine. It was important to me to support an organization where I could clearly see how the funds provided were being used. After an initial meeting, it was clear to me that YAQU PACHA was the right choice. Over time, I became increasingly involved in the work of the organization. From 1997 onwards, I served as vice president of the YAQU PACHA e.V. association for many years. Today, together with Lorenzo as secretary, I take care of the day-to-day operations, member support, and maintenance of our website and social media channels on Instagram and Facebook. Through YAQU PACHA, I have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of nature. It is our world—we only have this one. It is up to us to preserve it for future generations.
The entire board and Team Germany work for the organization on a voluntary basis. This means that 100% of all income and donations go directly to our species conservation projects in South America and Latin America.
Support our species conservation projects by making a donation or becoming a member of our organization. YAQU PACHA e.V. has been active for 30 years. Learn more about our work in our videos.
Our partners | La Plata Dolphin Project | Animal species that YAQU PACHA works to protect