Home is where the heart is – Rewilding the Mira with Flora Hentz
Flora’s journey to a career with Mossy Earth (an organisation dedicated to restoring wild ecosystems and biodiversity through transparent, high-impact rewilding and reforestation projects) reads like a conservationist’s fairy tale.
Born in Austria, she moved to Portugal as a young child, growing up along the banks of the Mira Basin (a biodiversity hotspot encompassing diverse terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats along the 145km Mira River).
Her stepfather, an ornithologist, led guided tours, while her parents ran a rural ecotourism business, immersing Flora in nature and conservation from an early age.
A childhood shaped by nature
Flora vividly recalls school discussions about climate change. Living on the shores of Santa Clara Lake, a reservoir on the Mira River, she saw first-hand how intensive agriculture and a prolonged drought, worsened by climate change, drastically lowered water levels.
As a child, she remembers heavy rains refilling rivers and streams. But those streams, meant to flow year-round, dried up, reducing food and habitat for native species.
“It was a great shock and very scary,” Flora says. Her parents launched petitions and attended community meetings, which Flora joined – an experience she found inspiring.
Pursuing a passion for marine biology
Unsurprisingly and despite warnings that it was a “crazy idea” with limited job prospects; Flora pursued a bachelor’s degree in biology and then a master’s degree in marine biology with her thesis on endolithic symbionts (organisms living within sand grains) at Universidade de Aveiro.
She then became a researcher, and while she gained valuable skills, laboratory research left her underwhelmed. She craved the outdoor connection to nature she knew so well. Determined, she applied for conservation project roles.
A pivotal moment came when her high school biology teacher, a key influence in her life and career-path, directed her to an open position with Mossy Earth for a project in the Mira Basin – her home.
“It felt surreal. I cried when I saw the offer. I poured my heart into the application letter, gave my best in the interviews, and made it to the top three candidates – and…did not get the job,” Flora explains.
Though heartbroken, she stayed positive. The selection committee praised her but noted her lack of direct conservation project experience.
Landing a dream role
A month later, Mossy Earth reached out to offer Flora a role in managing international projects, including contributions to the Mira project. Initially, she oversaw partnerships, where Mossy Earth funds local groups to execute initiatives. Soon, her role shifted to fieldwork in the Mira Basin, fulfilling her dream.
Flora is now involved in international partnership projects with her primary role being in the Wilder Mira, specialising in aquatic freshwater and marine life. She works with three other conservationists – a plant specialist, a terrestrial fauna expert and a project coordinator – each bringing unique expertise.
A week in Flora’s work life
With bright eyes, Flora describes a typical week: “It varies greatly! We secure permissions from bodies like the ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests in Portugal) for drone mapping, crab-trap trials, or seed collection for rewilding nurseries. We plan sustainable, cost-effective strategies and brainstorm as a team. Before fieldwork, we conduct scientific reviews to meet Mossy Earth’s standards.
Recently, we’ve sampled for an environmental DNA survey and set up bioacoustics devices. We engage locals to foster community ownership and educate them on controlling invasive species.
New projects, like seagrass restoration, often emerge. We collect and analyse data to design new methods and contribute to research. There’s computer work, fieldwork—it’s infinite. I’m never bored.”
Flora’s team working with seedlings in the plant nursery.
Flora values her early laboratory work, noting, “The research behind the scenes is often the backbone of fieldwork.” She adds, “I feel privileged to work with this amazing team.” The natural world has always shaped her life, and she can’t imagine it otherwise.
Advice for aspiring conservationists
When asked what made her stand out to Mossy Earth, Flora reflects, “I’m knowledgeable, with my studies and growing up in the Mira Basin. But many applicants have strong backgrounds. I think it was my enthusiasm and willingness to learn, even outside of my comfort zone that stood out.
I didn’t get the first position, but they recognised my passion. I saw the role I was given as a chance to learn on the job, and I was ready to study or take courses to excel in it.
You show willingness by getting involved. At university, I joined the student union, led the biology student council, organised events, and participated in workshops for fun and learning. I did things that I thought I wouldn’t enjoy and in the end- I did, and I made friends too. The more you do, the more doors open.”
For more inspiration, explore Conservation Careers’ Key Conservation Role Profiles to learn about roles like Flora’s, such as Conservation Scientist and Conservation Project Manager. Follow Mossy Earth’s work at Mossy Earth.
Author Profile | Sarah Donaldson
Sarah Donaldson is a medical doctor by profession. After qualifying as an independent general practitioner in South Africa, she relocated to South-East Ireland where she currently provides patient care in a busy emergency department. Sarah’s passion lies in healing and protecting all things vulnerable.