GREENFLUENCERS IN THE WILD
can social media REALLY be a force for good?
Margarita Samsonova seems to think so.
This is the story of a young woman with a dream.
A young woman who, at 32, has dedicated her life and voice to environmental content creation and influence. AKA - 'Greenfluence'.
Margarita Samsonova is a Latvian born creator turned greenfluencer who has spent the last fifteen years of her life on the pursuit of positive change - using the platforms of social media to get there.
A host, activist, entrepreneur and a regular at COP summits around the world, she is a quirky yet charismatic young leader who has rallied a small army of young creators across the globe to join her on her journey.
I first met Margarita back in early 2022 in Portugal. Having stayed in touch I have seen the work she produces and her constant drive to make positive change. It’s infectious.
Margs, as she is affectionately known, invited me on to day one of her ten day ‘Greenfluencers in the wild’ programme - a course come experience, designed to teach young wannabe greenfluencers the skills necessary to succeed with a job in environmental content creation.
Taking us out for the day were Terra Incognito - an impact organisation run by Portuguese resident, Bernardo Queiroz. Having started the company 29 years ago originally as a way to democratise the sport of sailing, the organisation has now partnered with Mercedes to create the ‘Oceanic Lounge’ a space that focuses on protecting the ocean he so dearly loves.
Bernardo and his team now educate guests from around the world on marine life, environmental impact and cultural initiatives, all linked to the sea and its abundant life force surrounding Lisbon’s coasts.
After a safety and nature briefing, our boat departed from Alcantara docks, taking us along Caparica's coastline in search of whales, dolphins and more.
After what felt like probably a bit too long with nothing in sight, a pod was spotted. The energy changed and everyone scrambled to take a look.
Cameras rolling at every opportunity, yet also a deep desire to connect with nature, I feel somewhat torn between picking up my camera to film vs taking a meditative moment in the Atlantic.
I opt for a combination of the two - scrambling between photo and video mode on my own setup, whilst attempting to take it all in, without looking through a screen.
Turns out a couple of my dolphin images weren't too shabby. A win for my inner artist.
Joining us are a variety of other content creators and greenfluencers: Freedivers, cinematographers, social media experts, DOP’s and wannabe presenters, all here to learn, document and share in their own ways. With the hope that, somehow, a ripple effect is created and we inspire others to take action towards positive environmental journeys of their own.
I wanted to hone some of my presentation skills on camera - Margs forces (ok, gently suggests) me to record a piece to camera. I talk about using advertising and high value production techniques as a force for good. It’s later shared on her socials and I get a DM with a work opportunity off the back of it. I guess this really does work.
Oh, and did I mention she's also filming the experience in order to turn it into a reality TV show?
Yup. You heard it right.
Greenfluencers in the wild - coming soon to a Netflix near you..
A life long lover of all things ocean, this was no doubt a memorable experience.
Whether we see greenfluencers in the wild grace our homes and cinemas as Netflix's latest smash hit, is yet to be seen. But there's no doubt about it, the work being done by Margarita and her team inspires and motivates others towards positive change of their own. And isn't that what environmental content creation is all about?
It's certainly influenced my journey.
View more of Margarita’s work on her Instagram here.
