Who would care about reading topics related to peace? A human rights activist? Or perhaps no one, dismissing it as a mere waste of time? I care deeply about writing on peace, for every person, in every corner of the world. I am fully convinced that in the pursuit of peace, we are, in fact, seeking a better quality of life. The peace I envision is woven into every interaction with my family, my colleagues, and the environment around me. It lies in the decisions both I and others make, whether we choose to act or remain passive, in the realms of politics, economics, society, and the environment.
I am Alejandra Prada Guevara, a Colombian engineer specializing in energy management. From a young age, I have been fortunate to immerse myself in diverse cultures, living experiences that have expanded my understanding and allowed me to embrace a multitude of perspectives. Over time, a powerful urge grew within me—a desire to take action, to inspire both myself and others to reflect, and to steer the simplest aspects of our everyday lives toward the collective construction of peace. And so, I took the first step by writing. This step is called Heron of Peace, inspired by a small but fascinating creature — the heron.
In my country, the dove of peace is often invoked. In fact, a renowned artist sculpted a nice chubby white dove and gifted it to the Colombian government to express his support for a peace process that was happening at that time. But why is the white dove specifically a symbol of peace? And where do gray doves fit in, for example? Personally, I resonate more with the symbol of the heron, irrespective of its color. Some herons feed on insects that are pests to livestock. This symbiosis benefits both the heron and the animals suffering from these pests. Of course, like any living creature, the heron may face discord within its environment, but I believe that makes it a more authentic and less idealized symbol. How much more could we humans strive to cooperate, just as the heron and livestock do in harmony?
In Heron of Peace, you will find writings divided into three primary sections:
• The Heron of energy: Here, I share insights on the global energy sector, offering figures and analyses that illustrate how energy and its resources can both provoke and prevent conflicts.
• The Wise Heron: In this section, I offer reflections on daily life, seeking to trigger the explosion of those bubbles we often live within—bubbles that cloud our ability to see the world around us through value-creating lenses.
• The Erudite Heron: In this part, I present data and analyses that I believe are essential for building peace, covering economic, political, social, and environmental perspectives.
Together, let us embark on this journey, transforming into herons of peace!