The Miss Earth competition is more than just a beauty pageant. For two decades, its contestants have put a spotlight on the environmental challenges facing the modern world — and while its contestants are certainly all beautiful, they each come to the stage with their own nuanced and sophisticated stances on the issues. But this year’s competition holds special importance to the people of Belize. Destiny Wagner has been crowned Miss Earth 2021, and it’s the first time that a Belizean has won a major international beauty pageant.
There couldn’t be a more fitting recipient for Miss Earth. Despite having received her education in New York, Destiny has kept home close to her heart. She’s been the editor and primary contributor to “Belizean Blues”: a collection that places the spotlight on authors from Belize. But her investment in the Miss Earth competition is more than just a platform for her own brand. Destiny’s long been an ardent environmentalist, and she worked with Clear Water Aquarium in a manatee research study. It’s not her only passion project. Destiny’s family runs Operation Kingdom, a non-profit that looks to combat inequality by advocating for fair education and accessible meals for vulnerable youth.
The effects of climate change have a tendency to show their most disastrous and immediate impact on marginalized communities in less developed nations, but Destiny is hopeful that technology can serve as a lever for equality and a means to wrestle with the impact of climate change. She addressed the issue during her acceptance speech. “I am so thankful to live in a digital age right now. Because of technology, we are able to spread awareness of things that are happening not only in my country but in other countries as well.” Belize is a country that’s wrestled with the difficult task of balancing the sometimes conflicting needs of the economy with the need for conservation. The country is home to the Belize Barrier Reef — the second largest ecosystem of its kind behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Today, Belize has found a careful path forward, and sustainable eco-tourism is a cornerstone of the country’s success.
As Miss Earth 2022, Destiny will spend the next year promoting environmental initiatives and spreading awareness about the complicated effects it has on our environment and our societies.
The staff of Chabil Mar congratulate Destiny Wagner on her win, and we look forward to cheering on our new Miss Earth as she continues to make history for Belize.
Visit our website for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
