Tribute
Yearly, Filmambiente honors those who, with love and dedication, devote themselves to making a difference in environmental preservation and/or its recovery. In 2026, our tribute is to someone who early on heard The Call of the Sea: biologist Liliane Lodi.
Liliane, born in Rio de Janeiro, holds a degree in Biological Sciences from Gama Filho University, a Master's degree in Environmental and Forestry Sciences (Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro), and a Doctorate in Marine Biology (Fluminense Federal University). She is one of the pioneer researchers in the study of whales and dolphins in Brazil. She began her studies with marine mammals at the Brazilian Foundation for Nature Conservation, where she studied bottlenose dolphins in Guanabara Bay and the distribution of southern right whales in the South and Southeast regions.
After these two studies, I became even more interested in learning about the lives of these intelligent, powerful, and gentle animals, with their complex and elaborate social systems. Many things are good for whales and dolphins, just as they are for us: clean air and water, an abundance of fish, freedom, and family life.
Her studies and research also include other marine species, such as the spinner dolphins of Fernando de Noronha, the humpback whale in the Abrolhos Bank, the manatee in Paraíba, among others.
Liliane is also a member of the Consulting Council of the Cagarras Conservation Unit (a unit she helped create), coordinator of the Whales & Dolphins of Rio de Janeiro project (Mar Adentro Institute), and the lead researcher for the cetacean area of Ilhas do Rio (Mar Adentro Institute).
I believe that these animals, which have inhabited the Earth for millions of years, face increasing threats today, mainly due to our presence in the sea, the misuse of marine resources, and the climate crisis. I face constant challenges, but I remain steadfast, believing that science, education, awareness, and collective effort are essential for conservation. Caring for the marine environment and its species is not an easy task; it requires dedication, continuous effort, victories, and also defeats. I continue with my mission on the Blue Planet.
