Nature-based solutions for biodiversity and livelihoods: voices from the field

Professor of Ecology
ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Prof Thomas Crowther is a visionary ecologist leading pioneering research into reforestation and ecosystem restoration. Named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader for his work on the protection and restoration of biodiversity. He actively engages with global leaders and policy makers and empowers local communities to combat the impacts of climate change and improve human well-being.

Driven by his passion for understating intricate relationships within ecosystems Tom’s early work provided critical insights into soil carbon dynamics – how soil management practices can enhance carbon storage and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Tom founded Crowther Lab, an interdisciplinary group of scientists exploring ecological climate regulation and a hub for innovative research. His team uses cutting-edge techniques, remote sensing and big data analytics, to map global forest cover and assess the potential of reforestation as a climate mitigation strategy.

He is a professor in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich, chair of the advisory council for the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and founder of Restor, an online platform for the global restoration movement.

Science presenter and producer, UK

Greg is a dynamic, award-winning Science Presenter and Producer who is passionate about communicating the wonders of science to a range of audiences. He has written and hosted engaging, educational content on TV, YouTube, Radio, and Stage for the past 20 years, making complex scientific concepts accessible to the public.

A scientist by training, Greg is on a mission to find evidence-based answers through his hosting of weekly BBC Radio 4 show and podcast, 'Sliced Bread.’ He investigates whether the claims behind wonder products like face creams, air fryers and ice baths are indeed 'the best thing since sliced bread', or marketing BS.

You can also find him reporting from scientific expeditions with research teams in amazing places – the canopy of the Amazon Rainforest, the world's highest pop-up lab at Everest Base Camp, and 1000ft deep in the dark ocean. A regular on UK TV screens, he has hosted consumer segments on BBC Morning Live and was the in-house science expert on Blue Peter and Sunday Brunch for many years.

Greg regularly provides science communication training and hosts multiple awards and STEM conferences. He is also the creative director of digital-first production studio sciencemedia.studio and an Emeritus Public Engagement Fellow for The Wellcome Trust.

IPÊ - Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas, Brazil

Laury Cullen is a Forestry Engineer with an extensive research portfolio spanning mammal ecology, conservation, and the restoration of fragmented landscapes, community empowerment and best agroforestry practices. Recognized for his work as a social entrepreneur with an Ashoka fellowship, Laury has championed innovative new ideas within restoration to provide benefits for local communities. He has received several awards, including the Rolex Conservation Award, the Whitley Gold Award from England’s Princess Anne, a prize considered the Oscar for conservation and, more recently, the International Award from the Society for Restoration Ecology.

Laury has a master’s degree from the University of Florida (USA), a Ph.D. from the University of Kent (UK), and a Post-Doctoral from Columbia University. As Director of Conservation and Science for IPE, Brazil, he demonstrates his unwavering dedication to conservation and continues to inspire and drive progress within the scientific community and beyond.

Nature and People as One, Kenya

Adrian is a passionate conservationist working towards inclusive governance and effective management of protected and conserved areas. As CEO and Co-founder of Nature and People as One (NAPO), he partners with indigenous people and local communities to enhance their stewardship of biodiversity and landscapes, to create a more sustainable and equitable approach to conservation.

Growing up in conservation areas (national parks) around Kenya, gave Adrian a deep understanding of the environment, wildlife, and biodiversity conservation in the country. He was exposed to the complexities and challenges of conservation from a young age, and witnessed firsthand the importance of conservation efforts and the important role that communities play in safeguarding nature.

Adrian believes that conservation and economic development can be mutually beneficial and he is committed to advocating for this at a local and global level.

Annadana Soil and Seed Savers Network, India

Sangita Sharma is a natural farmer and a leading figure in sustainable gardening and regenerative agriculture, renowned for creating food forest knowledge hubs. Her passion for these fields was ignited by her visionary father and her love for food and forests.

A prominent safe food campaigner and an advocate for farmers' rights and livelihoods, Sangita has significantly contributed to the moratorium for a GM-free India and has played a key role in shaping various state and national organic farming policies. Her efforts in seed and soil conservation have garnered both national and international recognition, including the Rotary Club of India's Women Achievers Award for her dedication to preserving Indian native seed varieties.

As Chairperson and Founding Trustee of Annadana Soil and Seed Savers, Sangita drives the propagation of heirloom seeds and sustainable farming practices. Her initiatives empower farmers and youth, ensuring seed security and self-sufficiency in food production.

Sangita aspires to build a green army of rural youth entrepreneurs to carry forward their seed legacy, adhering to the founding principles of sustainability.