A 25-year-old businesswoman from Belize who promotes marine life and conservation of natural resources was crowned Miss Earth 2021 during a virtual presentation last Saturday night.
Destiny Wagner edged out 88 other candidates in the pageant that advocates the conservation and preservation of the environment.
This is the first time that Belize won in the competition, which was presented the second time around in a virtual show due to COVID-19.
On her advocacy, Wagner said she's focused on the sustainability of marine life and conservation of our natural resources and children's rights.
"The Manatee research I did with ‘Clear Water Aquarium’ and my interest in the ocean, inspired me to get my Open Water Dive Certification and participate in environmental campaigns. I believe everyone should do their part by protecting Mother Earth, so the next generation can reap the benefits we now enjoy," she said.
Wagner said she also focuses on children's rights.
"My family and I have a non-profit organization in which we supply sustainable meals to children in 3 plus villages for the past 10 years. We provide them with school supplies, toys, and resources necessary for them to excel in the classroom," she added.
Wagner said she's also an animal lover. "Growing up, I had so many pets. I had dogs, pigs, rabbits, turtles, and even a squirrel."
She also shared tips in promoting ecotourism and climate change.
"Take public transportation, carpool, ride a bike to help reduce Carbon Footprints. Limit our single-use plastic, and purchase locally. As far as climate change, we may think that we have a small impact on the earth, but we can cause a ripple effect. For instance, we can invest our money responsibly and shop at sustainable companies we can reduce the amount of energy that we use at our house by unplugging appliances, planting your own backyard garden to help you eat fresh," the beauty queen added.
Other winners were Marissa Butler, USA, Miss Earth-Air 2021; Romina Denecken, Chile, Miss Earth-Water 2021; and Jareerat Petsom, Thailand, Miss Earth-Fire 2021.
Miss Earth Philippines Naelah Alshorbaji finished in the top 8 of the competition.
Other delegates who finished in the top 20 were candidates from The Netherlands, Russia, Venezuela, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, and South Africa.