An interview with South Shore resident Photographer and Naturalist Petr Myska 

Nicole Martin a passionate animal lover and South Shore resident since 1989 has the opportunity to interview Naturalist Petr Myska and find out why he loves living South.

What made you move to the South Shore of Puerto Vallarta

Southern shore of Banderas Bay has everything a nature lover wants. That’s why I live here. 

What do you like most about living on the South Shore?

Two of my favorite playgrounds meet here – the ocean and the tropical forest. Both very rich in living organisms. I never get bored here. On the contrary – I don’t find enough time to admire and capture in photos the local natural beauty.

As a biologist and bird lover, what is the most spectacular phenomenon you have seen?

I don’t have to go far from my home to be amazed. Few people know that many of the photos published in my Viva Natura field guide were actually taken right from my balcony. I can bird watch all year around from my windows, and even observe whales during their winter migration. A breaching mother with a calf is something few can see from their home office. In summer months you can admire the most amazing electric storms. And don’t get me started on sunsets. Each and every one is different and I haven’t got tired of them in 13 years of living here.

What is your opinion on the development growth on the South Shore

The Southern shore is a natural gem. It has to be treated as such. It is a truly unique part of Vallarta’s charm and wealth. Damaging it will have a negative impact on the environment of the bay and consequently on the tourism. Development in such areas is always a tricky issue. Developers know the beauty of local nature increases the worth of their projects. They need to learn to respect it though and give back much more than they do now. There are many local groups, projects and individuals who work hard to protect and conserve the environment. Most of them are financially starved. They would benefit immensely from developers’ help. Every development in a sensitive area should be required to assign a substantial budget for such assistance. Even if not enforced by law, this should be a moral obligation.

Petr Myska is a biologist, conservationist and photographer of Czech origin, resident to Mexico since 2000. Former researcher of the Czech Academy of Science and BBC Radio correspondent. Founder and director of Viva Natura – initiative focused on promoting the biodiversity of Mexico. Author of several publications on fauna of Western Mexico and a frequent contributor to national and international printed media. Collaborator of CONABIO’s (Mexican Committee on Biodiversity) Image Bank Project. Cameraman, producer and co-creator of a number of documentaries on Mexican nature, including feature documentary “Touch of the Blue Crocodile” (2012). Find out more about Petr’s work visiting his website www.myskaphoto.com