The Green Hour Podcast
The Biodiversity Series: Conversations from Latin America
In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, this 7-episode series brings you conversations from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Belize, and Argentina. The series explores the Amazon, bird and freshwater biodiversity, Indigenous communities, finance mechanisms, regenerative agriculture, and policies driving biodiversity.
Ep. 1: Biodiversity in the Amazon Rainforest
In the first episode in this series, we sit down with Ian Thompson, Director of Accelerate Impact in Latin America for The Nature Conservancy, to delve into the critical topic of biodiversity in the Amazon Rainforest.
Our discussion covers:
- TNC's Conservation Efforts: Insight into The Nature Conservancy's initiatives to protect the Amazon Rainforest.
- Importance of Biodiversity: Understanding the ecological roles and human benefits of biodiversity.
- Amazon's Species Diversity: An overview of the vast array of species inhabiting the Amazon.
- Threats to Biodiversity: The impacts of deforestation and climate change on the Amazon's delicate ecosystem.
Listen to the episode HERE
Ep. 2: Bird Species in Colombia
In the second episode of this series, we sit down with Tomas Walschburger, Senior Scientist in Colombia for The Nature Conservancy, to learn about the unparalleled bird species biodiversity in Colombia.
Our discussion covers:
- Colombia's rich biodiversity history
- Colombian bird biodiversity and its global significance
- Importance of COP16 CBD in Cali, Colombia
- The Nature Conservancy's efforts to protect bird species
Listen to the episode HERE
Ep. 3: Indigenous Communities in the Amazon
In the third episode of this series, we sit down with Isai Victorino and Gabriela Celi to learn about the impact of indigenous communities inside the Amazon Rainforest. Isai Victorino is the Community-Based Conservation Leader in Colombia for The Nature Conservancy, and Gabriela Celi is the Coordinator of the Amazon Conservation Strategy in Ecuador for The Nature Conservancy.
In this episode:
- Indigenous Communities in the Amazon Basin
- Indigenous Communities' Role in Climate Adaptation
- Threats to Indigenous Territories and Communities
- The Nature Conservancy's work with Indigenous Communities in the Amazon Rainforest.
Listen to the episode HERE
Ep. 4: Freshwater Biodiversity and Protection
In the fourth episode of this series, we sit down with Silvia Benitez to talk about freshwater biodiversity and protection in Latin America. Silvia is the Freshwater Director for The Nature Conservancy in Latin America.
In this episode:
- Economic, environmental, and social impacts of freshwater biodiversity
- Current threats to freshwater ecosystems
- Balancing development and conservation
- Nature-based solutions and water funds
Listen to the episode HERE
Ep. 5: Finance Mechanisms for Biodiversity
In the fifth episode of our series, we dive into finance mechanisms driving biodiversity conservation with Daniel Ballesta Quintana, Director of Sustainable Debt, Americas, and Julie Robinson, Belize Program Director, both from The Nature Conservancy.
In this episode, we explore:
- Finance mechanisms for conservation
- Traditional and innovative funding methods
- Scaling funding methods into larger countries
- The potential of Nature Bonds
Listen to the episode HERE
Ep. 6: Regenerative Agriculture
In the sixth episode of our series, we dive into regenerative agriculture and ranching with Mauricio Nuñez Regueiro, Gran Chaco Lead for The Nature Conservancy.
In this episode, we explore:
- Regenerative Agriculture Principles
- Latin America's Role in the Global Food Supply Chain
- The Agriculture Industry's Environmental Impact
- Scaling Regenerative Practices Globally
Listen to the episode HERE
Ep. 7: Policy Driving Biodiversity
In the seventh (and final) episode of our series, we discuss public policy driving biodiversity with Catalina Gongora, Policy Leader in Colombia for The Nature Conservancy, and Karen Oliveira, Director of Public Policy and Government Relations in Brazil for The Nature Conservancy.
In this episode, we explore:
- Policy's role in biodiversity conservation
- Biodiversity policies in Latin America
- Bioeconomy in Pará State
- Significance of COP30 for Brazil
Listen to the episode HERE