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Weaving Transformative Resilience and Active Hope: An Alliance in the Face of Climate Change in the Gran Tescual Indigenous Reservation

Published 29 Jul 2025

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The inclusion of Indigenous Peoples is essential to protecting global biodiversity and is central to GCBC’s mission of advancing climate resilience through nature.

Colombia, one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, harbors around 10% of global biodiversity within just 0.7% of Earth’s surface. With ecosystems under growing threat, the sustainable stewardship of Indigenous territories, rooted in Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and rights, is crucial to safeguarding both ecological and cultural heritage

Corporación CIASE, in partnership with the Gran Tescual Indigenous Reservation of the Pasto People, is leading a research initiative to protect local ecosystems, enhance community well-being, and support biodiversity conservation. A recent key output of the project, the Illustrated Botanical Guide to the Gran Tescual Reservation, documents the region’s rich plant diversity and presents ancestral knowledge as a valuable resource for education and conservation.

To mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and to celebrate the guide’s release, CIASE members have contributed a special article, reflecting on their collaboration with the Pasto community and the role of ancestral knowledge in shaping inclusive, sustainable climate action.

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The following article was written for GCBC by Corporación CIASE. 

In today’s world, increasingly affected by the accelerating climate crisis, there is an urgent need to seek collective paths that challenge excessive consumerism, while teaching us about care and empathy for the world’s finite natural resources.

The alliance in Colombia between Corporación de Investigación y Acción Social y Económica (CIASE)—a feminist and mixed-gender organisation—and the Pan-Amazonian Indigenous Reservation of Gran Tescual, inhabited by the Pasto people, forms part of this collective search. This alliance has been consolidated through years of equitable collaboration and the implementation of various initiatives, the most recent being the development of the Climate Plan for the Reservation.

In this process, research oriented towards biodiversity protection and the integration of Indigenous knowledge to preserve biocultural heritage (see The Botanical Guide of the Gran Tescual Resguardo) has opened space for reflections on the safeguarding of strategic ecosystems such as the páramo (high treeless plateaus), food sovereignty, and gender dynamics.

Image 1 shows women from the Pasto community outside their restaurant initiative in the resguardo, with Daniela Torres,  Mama Genith Quitiaquez,  Taita Vicente Obando, Ricardo Ibarguen, Wendy Toro and Rosa Emilia Salamanca from Corporación de Investigación y Acción Social y Económica (CIASE). Image 2 shows the full CIASE team: Mama Genith Quitiaquez, Rosa Emilia Salamanca, Wendy Toro, Germán Niño (behind) Fredy O Chávez, Taita Vicente Obando, Angel E Gamboa, Patricia Luli, Ricardo Ibarguen, Maria Cristina Umbarila and Felipe Imbacuan.

 

Indigenous knowledge and feminist perspectives can walk together and contribute to building futures that are more just, more inclusive, and, above all, allow such transformations to become more embedded in the daily lives of communities.

— Wendy Toro, CIASE Researcher

Extractive industries, agricultural expansion, megaprojects and internal armed conflicts in our country have been historical obstacles to ensuring the quality of life for communities facing multiple forms of exclusion—such as Indigenous peoples, women, and others whose identities have been placed in positions of denial and oppression.

This unfolds within a broader context shaped by Western modernity, which has influenced how we relate to and make sense of the world. These ways of thinking have also informed scientific approaches, which, have at times led to an instrumental perspective on the environment, where everything is seen as a resource.

It is at this juncture that CIASE’s approach centered on gender justice and the Indigenous knowledge of the Pasto People interweave to form an inspiring proposal. In order to understand the roots of today’s climate crisis, this alliance brings the gender–environment intersection to the forefront.

It raises fundamental questions: To what extent does the association of weakness with the feminine—viewed as something to be possessed—sustain and justify violence against women and, to a large extent, against nature? And how does the notion of masculinity as a dominant and possessive force reflect itself in the extractive practices that destroy and exploit vital ecosystems? [1]

Feminism still feels like a somewhat foreign approach. In the Pasto community, it’s often mocked or seen as a loss of manhood—as if men are being feminised. [However], through the feminist lens, we’ve begun to raise awareness about economic mistreatment, and I find it quite striking how an approach like this can bring about transformation and change.

— Taita Vicente Obando, Indigenous Governor of Gran Tescual

Promoting women's participation isn’t just about creating a space for women—it’s about creating a better environment for the entire community. And in that sense, feminism can say: this is not only a struggle for women, it is a struggle for society as a whole.

— Mama Genith Quitiaquez, Authority of Gran Tescual

This experience has also been a space where everyday encounters and practice challenge the illusion of objectivity and the idea of a single truth. It demands situating knowledge, decolonising research processes, and recognising the legitimacy of Indigenous self-governance. This has allowed for mutual curiosity and learning, enabling the weaving of life experiences and knowledge towards a heartfelt construction of peace within the Colombian context—through active listening.

The synergy of knowledge systems, perspectives, and identities—even those within a single person—resonates with the relationship between the Andean and Amazonian ecosystems that converge in the Gran Tescual Reservation. From this interaction emerges abundant biodiversity and essential ecological processes that maintain the balance and vitality of both regions.

The Indigenous knowledge of the Gran Tescual Reservation offers a deeply relational vision, where spirituality, community and territory are inseparable.

— Daniela Torres, Climate Advocacy Specialist at CIASE

The relationship between CIASE and the Gran Tescual Reservation is not a mere coming together of good intentions – it is a novel construction between differences. Here, the “quality of the relationship” becomes the foundation for facing complex challenges of cultural transformation. This collaboration goes beyond technical support; it is based on building mutual trust through dialogue, and for that to happen, both parties have shown a necessary openness.

“Transformation also entails a reworking of everyday and family realities, and that, in turn, shapes how we relate to the territory.”
— Felipe Imbacuan, Researcher from the Pasto People and Municipal Councillor of Puerres

This alliance offers a viable and proactive proposal for addressing the changes brought by the climate crisis from a deeply rooted ethnic and gender analysis—perspectives that challenge historical logics and cultures of discrimination, while calling for the recovery of ancestral thought as a path to restoring the territory.

“This initiative is a powerful and promising pathway to transform power relations in an integral way. It helps build shared visions of peace and drive a deep cultural shift. It is an undeniable intercultural dialogue that weaves together the heart of feminism—one that rejects all forms of discrimination and oppression—with the Indigenous vision of harmony and care for nature and the people who inhabit it, so central to the spirit of Colombia’s Indigenous peoples.”

— CIASE’s Centre for Thought (Patricia Luli and Rosa Emilia Salamanca G.)

Endnote

[1] Questions we have taken from classical ecofeminism.

 

References

CIASE (2025). Recuperar el pensamiento, restaurar el territorio: Diagnóstico participativo de biodiversidad y medios de vida del resguardo El Gran Tescual. CIASE

Brigitte Baptiste-Ballera (2025). TransEcología: Una guía patafísica para habitar las transformaciones del mundo. Ariel.

Maristela Svampa (2015). Feminismos del Sur y ecofeminismos. Recovered from: https://nuso.org/articulo/feminismos-del-sur-y-ecofeminismo

 

Discover More: Gran Tescual Indigenous Reservation Climate Plan

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Recognising Indigenous Knowledge in Cambodia’s Biodiversity Management

Published 24 Jul 2025

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Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples is essential to safeguarding global biodiversity and is central to GCBC’s mission of leveraging biodiversity for climate resilience.

With a global population of over 476 million, Indigenous Peoples play a vital role in sustainability, managing or holding tenure rights to roughly a quarter of the Earth’s surface – regions that contain a significant share of the planet’s biodiversity. While disproportionately impacted by climate change, Indigenous Communities possess deep, place-based ecological knowledge that complements and enhances scientific research.

Recognising their critical role, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) includes a dedicated Target 22 to ensure the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples. In alignment with this global recognition, GCBC upholds the rights and voices of Indigenous Peoples as a core principle, and as a prerequisite for awarding research grants

The following report has been written by Sam At Rachana, Research Lead, Cambodia Indigenous Peoples Organization (CIPO)

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During June and July 2025, Cambodia hosted two significant events to launch the GCBC funded project, “Recognizing and Rewarding the Contribution of Indigenous Knowledge for the Sustainable Management of Biodiversity.” These powerful gatherings connected Indigenous communities, researchers, youth, elders, conservationists, and government representatives in collaborative shared spaces.

As a Bunong Indigenous person and lead researcher for this project, I found these events profoundly meaningful. They were not only a celebration of Indigenous knowledge but a practical step toward inclusive, co-designed biodiversity governance in Cambodia.

For context, the Bunong people are one of Cambodia’s largest Indigenous groups. We have a deep connection to the forest, land, and spiritual world, as reflected in our traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices, which center on respect for nature and the spirits of the land.

Images show 1) Rachana Sam At, Lead Researcher, CIPO, at the national project launch in Phnom Penh 2) Rachana Sam At, Lead Researcher, with Indigenous elders and government officials during a panel discussion at the project launch event 3-5) His Excellency Chuop Paris, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment, greets Mrs Yun Mane, CIPO  Executive Director during the traditional opening ritual 6) Project researchers from CIPO, WCS, and the Royal University of Agriculture, with the Chief of the Indigenous community committee of Andong Kraleung village 7) Elders from Andong Kraleung village sharing their perspectives on the value of traditional knowledge.

This project aims to identify innovative approaches to enhance Indigenous stewardship of biodiversity within the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary by exploring the knowledge and sustainable practices of the Bunong people. It is implemented by a consortium which includes the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Cambodia Indigenous Peoples Organization (CIPO), Monash University, the University of Oxford, the Royal University of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Environment.

 

Shared Beginnings

On June 16, 2025, the project launch took place at Phnom Penh’s Cambodiana Hotel. A traditional Bunong ritual, a symbolic act that grounded the project in Indigenous values and ways of being, showcased to all attendees, including officials and international partners, that Indigenous knowledge systems are living and deeply connected to nature.

A special performance by a young Indigenous man, blended traditional song with modern rap, demonstrating the innovative ways Indigenous youth are keeping their culture alive.

Featuring elders from the three participating communities, the panel discussion which followed marked a positive shift. Their direct address to officials, donors, researchers, and other stakeholders provided a crucial moment to address directly officials, donors, researchers, and other stakeholders. They shared stories, concerns, and ideas rooted in community, lived experiences, and ancestral knowledge, reminding everyone that Indigenous knowledge is a living, evolving spirit, passed down and actively practiced.

The active support of the Ministry of Environment added significant weight to the event. Their representatives not only attended but participated, listened, and expressed strong encouragement. One official even offered a three-day training on Participatory Action Research (PAR), that highlighted the potential for collaboration when understanding and respect are present.

 

Where Knowledge Lives

Following the national launch, a community event took place on July 2nd in Andong Kraleung village. Conducted in the traditional Bunong way, this event was an essential part of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, ensuring meaningful and culturally appropriate community engagement from the outset.

The Andong Kraleung launch was particularly special as it took place directly in the village, with the community leading. It began with a traditional Bunong dance performed by local students, a powerful display of cultural strength and identity. Mrs. Yun Mane, CIPO Executive Director, spoke about the importance of documenting Indigenous knowledge before it disappears, highlighting that for the Bunong, the forest is not merely a place but their market, bank, school, and sacred ground.

Dr Emiel de Lange, Wildlife Conservation Society, also shared insights, emphazing that Indigenous peoples have cared for the forest for centuries and possess unparalleled knowledge. He presented examples of documented traditional knowledge from Australia, encouraging the community to continue using their own voices to record their wisdom. This event felt like a strong, community-centered start.

 

Next Steps

The project will organize consultation meetings with Indigenous communities to identify research questions, clarify study objectives, and co-develop research questionnaires. These steps are crucial to ensure the research is grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, supports self-determination, and addresses the communities’ real priorities.

Challenges lie ahead, including ensuring meaningful community participation throughout the research, as well as addressing power imbalances.

These recent events have left me feeling inspired, having witnessed elders, youth, researchers, and government genuinely engaging with one another. It reinforced my belief that efforts to amplify Indigenous voices are gaining traction and reminded me why I do this work: to see our knowledge recognized, respected, and rewarded in meaningful ways.

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Pathways to Sustainable Agriculture: Insights from LEAF Indonesia in Gorontalo

Published 20 Jun 2025

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One of the things that excites me most about this project is the way it brings together local knowledge, based on lived experience of farming communities with formal scientific data and modelling, all in one innovative platform. It’s a rare opportunity to co-create solutions that are both grounded in community realities and speak the language of planning. The strong early engagement from such a diverse group of stakeholders reflects both the urgency of the challenge and the commitment of our brilliant local research team and partners to accelerate progress toward sustainable land use pathways.

Professor Fiona Marshall, Leaf Indonesia Project Lead, Professor of Environment and Development, University of Sussex

 

On March 13, 2025, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo (UNG) hosted a dynamic workshop as part of the LEAF Indonesia project — Land-Use, Ecosystem, Agriculture, Food Security in Indonesia. This collaborative initiative, involving UNG, Sussex University (UK), and Monash University Indonesia, is dedicated to exploring how land use changes related to Indonesia’s food estate program affect local ecosystems, food security, and rural livelihoods.

The participatory workshop, which brought together 86 participants, 46 in person and 40 online, included researchers, farmers, NGOs, government officials, and students. Together, they examined how Indonesia’s ambitious food estate program intersects with critical issues such as environmental sustainability, spatial planning, biodiversity, and agricultural livelihoods.

Images shows representative corn monoculture landscapes in Gorontalo, Indonesia and rice paddies in Kalimantan, Borneo –  subjects of research into sustainable and diversified agroecological practices by LEAF Indonesia. The other image depicts Professor Fiona Marshall introducing the project to workshop participants.

 

After words of welcome from the project lead, Professor Fiona Marshall from the University of Sussex, and Professor Iswan Dunggio from UNG, the day began with a keynote by Dr. Wahyudin A. Katili, Chief of BAPPEDA Gorontalo, who highlighted the promise of the food estate program to boost national food security and reduce import dependency through modern, mechanized farming. The presentation also acknowledged the challenges such as land conversion, spatial conflicts, and environmental degradation, and emphasized the need for stronger community engagement and sustainable policy frameworks.

Rina Tayeb, from Gorontalo’s Agriculture Agency, emphasized the province’s sustainable food zone approach, focusing on protecting agricultural land and empowering farmers and fishers. Her recommendations underscored the importance of infrastructure, education, and income diversification to ensure long-term agricultural resilience and rural welfare.

Later that day, conservationist Bagus Tri Nugroho of the Ministry of Forestry addressed the delicate balance between food production and biodiversity. Speaking about the potential impacts on Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, he warned against forest conversion and advocated for eco-tourism and community-based conservation as dual strategies for safeguarding biodiversity and supporting livelihoods.

Finally, Fery Novriyal from the Forest Gazettement Agency explored spatial planning policies under the Food, Water, and Energy Security program, particularly in managing the use of 20 million hectares of forest area. He presented both the risks of deforestation and the opportunities offered by agroforestry and social forestry initiatives that allow for sustainable development without compromising forest integrity.

Key discussion points emphasized that the Food Estate initiative must align with the Spatial Planning Act (Regulation No. 2 of 2024) and prioritize land use based on local wisdom and environmental sustainability. Participants stressed the need for irrigation infrastructure, strategic land identification, and alignment with sustainable agricultural and industrial development goals.

An integrated agricultural market, crop variety management, and the mitigation of critical land degradation were also discussed, alongside the importance of organic farming practices and reduced reliance on chemical inputs.

Next Steps

In summary, the workshop was a crucial step in fostering dialogue among stakeholders and informing more sustainable, inclusive agricultural policy. By engaging local voices and scientific insights, the LEAF project continues to pave the way for pathways that protect both people and the planet, reinforcing that future food security must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship.

Following this workshop, the project has focused on establishing a baseline of what the impact of Indonesia’s food estate programme has been, in Gorontalo and in the projects two other case study sites in West Papua and East Kalimantan.

They are doing this through further stakeholder engagement work, through careful policy analysis and historical research, and through gathering secondary data to feed into their bespoke mapping and modeling platform, LIMMMA. This will allow them to paint a picture of how land use has changed over the last 20 years, and what impact these changes have had on rural livelihoods, local ecosystems, and food security.

Once that baseline is established, the project will work closely with stakeholders to explore alternative land use practices that are realistic options for those communities. It will then investigate whether these alternatives could potentially provide a better path to the Indonesian government’s food security goals, while also alleviating rural poverty and improving climate resilience and biodiversity.

Find out more about this project on their website.

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Rooted Alliances: Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) Advances Inclusive Access in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Published 20 Jun 2025

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By conducting in-depth research, building trust, fostering dialogue, and empowering community leadership, we are advancing a transformation that is deeply rooted in the territory and designed for long-term resilience.

Professor Omar Malagón, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL)

In the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), in collaboration with Terrambiente Consulting and SEDEFA, has reached a major milestone in its efforts to lay a strong ethical, legal, and cultural foundation for sustainable innovation.

Driven by research and the commitment of specialists Ana María Rodríguez and Omar Malagón, the project “Realizing the Potential of Plant Bioresources as New Economic Opportunities for the Ecuadorian Amazon: Developing Climate-Resilient Sustainable Bioindustry” (BIOAMAZ), seeks to establish sustainable bioindustries based on essential oil production. This initiative addresses the interlinked challenges of climate vulnerability, biodiversity loss, and poverty by promoting alternatives to unsustainable economic practices that degrade ecosystems, restrict local development, and deepen poverty in indigenous communities.

Images feature the BIOAMAZ team and stakeholders (image 1), the Terrambiente team during their presentation (image 2), Karla Espinosa outlining the project’s legal scope (image 3), Team Leader Ana María Rodriguez delivering her presentation (image 4), and fieldwork scenes in the Amazon, including a Community Assembly (images 6-8).

 

The project recently reached a pivotal milestone with the signing of a strategic agreement with the Shuar Federation. This marks a key alliance in advancing the project’s goal of an inclusive and participatory approach. The agreement acknowledges the vital leadership of Indigenous peoples in safeguarding and sustainably managing Amazonian biodiversity, setting the stage for ongoing collaboration grounded in mutual respect and equity.

Additionally, the project has secured Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Acts with seven other Indigenous communities: Jatari Ancestral, Kajekai, Cóndor Mirador, Obepare, San Antonio, San Virgilio, and Wita Waya. These agreements ensure respectful, transparent, and community-driven access to biological and genetic resources. The communities represent a rich mosaic of Indigenous nationalities: Obepare is Huaorani; San Antonio and Kajekai are Shuar; and Jatari, Cóndor Mirador, San Virgilio, and Wita Waya are Kichwa.

For these communities, the project represents more than an economic opportunity, it stands for autonomy, resilience, and cultural affirmation. After many years of calling for support, they see this initiative as a way of achieving greater sustainable economic independence, and a viable alternative of generating income for their people. As the project moves forward, they now look ahead to the next phase and the collaborative selection of plant species.

For the researchers, these agreements reflect a core value proposition: building a bioindustry that is equitable, grounded in dialogue, and shaped by the voices of Amazonian communities.

Next Steps

On 12 June, the teams from UTPL, Terrambiente, and SEDEFA delivered a dynamic presentation of their project to a diverse group of stakeholders, including high-level authorities from the Ministry of Environment, the National Congress, the United Kingdom Embassy, as well as members of local and international NGOs and the Ecuadorian pharmaceutical industry.

The next phase of the project will focus on establishing clear criteria for selecting potential plant species, conducting field visits to identify and evaluate promising candidates, conducting detailed studies of their growth cycles, collecting biological samples, and assessing natural populations.

These efforts will support the development of agroforestry systems, build local capacities, and strengthen strategic market connections for the resulting products. Insights from this phase will also inform regulatory recommendations aimed at ensuring the project’s sustainability and enabling its replication in other regions.

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People, Nature, and Resilience: Launching ILWGAWS in Ghana’s Coastal Wetlands

Published 17 Jun 2025

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The Integrated Land and Water Management of the Greater Amanzule Wetland System (ILWGAWS) is an environmental conservation initiative focused on conserving and restoring biodiversity within the Greater Amanzule Wetland, located in Ghana’s Western Region. This critical ecological zone spans over 50,000 hectares and plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity, enhancing coastal resilience, and sustaining local livelihoods.

However, the region faces significant challenges due to increasing pressures such as climate change, changes in land use and land cover, and hydrological and socio-economic dynamics. Funded by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) through the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC), the project is being implemented by the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), in partnership with Hen Mpoano and the CSIR-Water Research Institute.

Images depict deforestation, polluted rivers, and degraded mangroves in Ghana’s Amanzule Wetland System, captured during a reconnaissance visit by participants of the inaugural ILWGAWS workshop. Images courtesy of the ILWGAWS media team.

 

Project Launch: A Vision for People and Nature

The ILWGAWS project launched in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region of Ghana, marking a critical step in the project’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation. Led by Dr. Adams Osman, the ILWGAWS project adopts a multidisciplinary, community-led approach that integrates scientific research with local knowledge systems to promote long-term environmental health and economic well-being for communities living within the wetland landscape.

The launch brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, community members, development partners, researchers, and civil society organisations. Professor Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice-Chancellor of UEW,  delivered a compelling keynote address, emphasising the urgent need for sustainable development that enhances both the environment and human livelihoods.

Professor Mitchual stated, “Our innovations must be directed toward improving human life without compromising nature. As we build faster systems of communication and transport, we must also ensure we protect the very ecosystems that sustain us.”

Dr. Adams Osman provided an overview of the project’s core objectives: to assess the changes in the hydrological systems of the Greater Amanzule Wetlands, evaluate their impacts on ecosystem services and local livelihoods, and co-develop community-based solutions that support both biodiversity and socio-economic resilience.

Mr. Samuel Obosu, the Planning Officer of the Jomoro Municipal Assembly, emphasised the significance of the project to the district’s future, highlighting the value of the multidisciplinary nature of the project and the stakeholders involved in informing comprehensive policy decisions and community-driven restoration efforts.

 

Images show participants at the ILWGAWS launch workshop in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region of Ghana. Images courtesy of the ILWGAWS media team.

 

Reconnaissance Survey: Mapping the Landscape, Understanding the Issues

As part of the initial field activities, the ILWGAWS team embarked on a reconnaissance survey across several wetland communities, to assess baseline ecological and socio-economic conditions and identify hotspots for intervention. The survey began with a visit to the Ankobra River estuary, where pollution from illegal mining and waste disposal is severely impacting water quality. At the Asanta community, the team visited a mangrove nursery and conducted a walk-through of the adjacent mangrove forest, documenting signs of degradation and opportunities for restoration. Conversations with local fishers revealed how mangrove loss is affecting fish populations and, by extension, their livelihoods.

At Kamgbunli, the team engaged with traditional authorities and community leaders on the sustainability of fishing practices and their openness to adopting climate-resilient approaches. There were strong expressions of support for the project, particularly regarding mangrove restoration, pollution control, and environmental education. In Old Kabenla Suazo and Ezilinbo, further assessments were conducted, including visits to a lagoon site and the surrounding areas of a naval base under construction. These visits offered insight into the potential land-use conflicts and the need for multi-stakeholder coordination to align development with conservation.

Stakeholder Engagement: Strengthening Local Partnerships

Following the launch, the project team engaged key community leaders and institutional partners in a series of discussions. These engagements focused on identifying existing environmental challenges, possible solutions, refining project objectives and collective responsibilities. Stakeholders expressed concerns about uncontrolled logging, illicit mining, mangrove harvesting, pollution from agrochemicals and plastics, and the impact of infrastructural development on the wetland ecosystem. The dialogue reinforced the project’s commitment to a participatory governance model where communities are not just beneficiaries, but co-implementers of conservation action.

Looking Ahead: Building a Greener Future

The ILWGAWS project is envisioned not as a one-off intervention but as a long-term commitment to ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation. Over the coming weeks, the project will roll out activities in environmental education, hydrological profiling, biodiversity monitoring, mangrove and tree planting, pollution control, and sustainable livelihood training, including beekeeping for local farmers.

Intending to plant 60,000 trees within the Greater Amanzule Wetlands and train communities in sustainable practices, ILWGAWS aims to serve as a model for integrated wetland management in Ghana and beyond. As environmental threats intensify globally, initiatives like ILWGAWS underscore the power of collaboration, science, and community engagement in restoring ecological integrity and improving lives.

The journey has begun, and its success will be shaped by every voice, every tree planted, and every action toward a more resilient coastal ecosystem.

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Potatoes, People, and Photobooks: The International Potato Center’s (CIP) Climate Response in the Andes

Published 29 May 2025

GCBC

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As climate extremes increasingly challenge Andean agriculture, the International Potato Center (CIP) is working closely with communities in Peru and Ecuador to strengthen resilience and preserve agrobiodiversity.

At the heart of this effort is the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC) project – a multi-faceted initiative that brings together scientific innovation, traditional knowledge, and local engagement to equip farming systems for a changing future.

Mashua plants as natural pest management to protect potato fields from potato weevils in the Andes Potato harvest in Peru. Experimental plots have been protected by a traditional pest management strategy – the use of mashua plants as weevil repellent Potato harvest in Peru. Experimental plots have been protected by a traditional pest management strategy – the use of mashua plants as weevil repellent Potato harvest in the Central Andes of Peru. Experimental plots have been protected by a traditional pest management strategy – the use of mashua plants as weevil repellent (the orange spots are the mashua plants that are left in the fields slightly longer since mashua has a longer maturation period than potato) Participatory trial evaluation at harvest time in the Central Andes of Peru. Farmers rate their preferences based on drought tolerance, yield, and other factors such as texture, taste, cooking time, or pest & disease (late blight) resistance and tolerance to frost. (Farmer vote with seeds and deposit the seeds in little plastic containers which you may see on the potato sacks. Gender preferences are usually captured by using different seed types. The results are then discussed among farmers.)
The images show potato harvesting in Peru’s Central Andes, featuring mashua plants used as natural pest control against potato weevils. During participatory trials, farmers evaluate varieties at harvest based on drought tolerance, yield, taste, cooking time, pest and disease resistance, and frost tolerance. They “vote with seeds,” placing their preferred seeds in small containers on potato sacks. Gender preferences are captured using different seed types, and results are then discussed collectively.

 

CIP’s work begins in the field, where trials are underway to identify native potato varieties that can withstand prolonged drought. These drought-tolerant potatoes offer more than just resilience – they help safeguard the region’s rich potato heritage by keeping a diverse range of varieties in cultivation, even under stress. At the same time, researchers are exploring the promise of mashua, a lesser-known Andean root crop valued for its pest-repelling qualities and nutritional profile. As both a traditional food and a potential ingredient for modern food markets, mashua represents a link between heritage and innovation.

Beyond crop trials, CIP is leading efforts to restore lost agrobiodiversity. Through the repatriation and in vitro propagation of native potato varieties, communities in Peru are reconnecting with crops that had disappeared from their fields. This restoration work is already laying the foundation for community-managed in vitro laboratories – local hubs for conserving potato diversity and advancing climate-adaptive agriculture.

Equally important is building local capacity. CIP supports farmers, students, and indigenous technicians with hands-on training to ensure that scientific advances translate into real-world resilience. One standout initiative is the youth photobook project, which equips young people with cameras and storytelling tools to document the impact of climate change on their lives. These visual narratives elevate local voices, while farmers’ concerns have separately influenced policy and contributed to shaping Ecuador’s national biodiversity policy – an example of how community-centered initiatives can influence broader systems.

Together, these activities form a cohesive strategy grounded in science, collaboration, and cultural respect. CIP’s work through the GCBC project demonstrates that resilience is not just about enduring climate stress – it’s about transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

By connecting agricultural research with lived experience, CIP is helping Andean communities not only adapt, but thrive.

 

This report was prepared by Dr Bettina Heider, Project Lead and Genetic Resources Specialist, CIP and Joel Ranck, Head of Communications, CIP.

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The GCBC community is growing: Reflections from the 2025 GCBC Research Symposium

Published 24 Mar 2025

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By Samantha Morris

In March, the GCBC community came together in person and online to share big ideas, transformative practice, and stories of impact at the 2025 Research Symposium.

Support for research tackling the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty is essential. The GCBC is a programme that does this and more, bringing together researchers and practitioners from around the world to unlock the potential of nature to deliver climate solutions and improve livelihoods.

Each year the GCBC hosts a research symposium to share big ideas, transformative practice, and stories of impact. This year the research symposuim was bigger than ever with a full three-day programme, including the first ever GCBC Open Day on Tuesday 4 March.

This year’s symposium was a fully hybrid event, with online attendance supported throughout as part of the GCBC’s commitment to reduce barriers to global engagement within and beyond our growing community

Watch the GCBC Research Symposium Open Day here.

 

Prof. Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientific Adviser, UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.  

The GCBC Research Symposium Open Day shone a spotlight on results from across the programme highlighting important cross cutting issues for the programme including innovative research practice, working with the private sector, and connecting research and policy.

After a warm welcome from Kew’s Professor Monique Simmonds, OBE and Deputy Director of Science – Partnerships, the day officially began with opening addresses from Professor Alexandre Antonelli (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew), Professor Gideon Henderson (Defra) and Kate Hargreaves (DAI) who all shared their reflections on why research at the intersection of biodiversity loss, climate change, and poverty alleviation is so critical right now.

Professor Tim Wheeler, Deputy Director of International Science at Defra, spoke next hosting the first panel of the day: Contributing to global goals, the science behind frameworks and targets. Joining him were Dr Constanza Gonzalez Parrao (3IE), Dr Aster Gebrekirstos Afwork (CIFOR-ICRAF), Wendy Toro (CIASE), and Rithiny Teng (WCS Cambodia).

The second panel of the day was hosted by research uptake expert Louise Shaxson, and tackled the important issue of influencing policy and decision makers with research evidence. Louise was joined by a panel of five GCBC research project representatives both in person and online: Professor Elizabeth Cottier-Cook (SAMS), Dr Euridice Honorio (RBG Kew), James Mutunga Joshua (Nature Kenya), Fiona Nunan (University of Birmingham), and Damian Sulumo (MVIWAARUSHA). Louise and the panellists drilled down into a variety of new ideas and creative approaches to using research evidence to influence policy and practice.

The final panel of the day took on the challenge of how to harness private sector investment for nature based solutions. Panel chair George Whalley was joined in person and online by six panellists from a variety of sectors and backgrounds to tackle the question: what are the practical steps to harnessing private sector investment, and how do we get money flowing into biodiversity projects? The panellists were: Susan Forester (FSD Africa), Alicia Gibson (Finance Earth), Drea Burbank (Savimbo), James Naughton (DAI), Julia Martin-Ortega (University of Leeds), and Scobie Mackay (Imperative).

On the remaining two days, the symposium programme focused on connection and collaboration within the current group of funded GCBC research projects. With over fifty representatives at Kew in person and more joining the programme online it was a productive and busy couple of days covering early results, best practice approaches and innovative methods.

Breakout session at the GCBC Research Symposium

Overall, the 2025 Symposium was a collaborative and inspiring event. An opportunity to deepen existing connections within the GCBC research community and to build new links with a wider network of partners and organisations committed to working at the intersection of climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty alleviation.

Thank you so much to all members of our GCBC research community who joined us in person and online for the symposium, and to our wonderful speakers, panelists, and chairs for your insights, expertise, and for generously giving your time to be with us.

All funded projects are listed on the GCBC website here.

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Blog: Balancing conservation and livelihoods – exploring local perspectives within the Indonesian seaweed industry

Published 05 Mar 2025

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Coastal Ecosystems Conservation and Restoration Improving livelihoods Natural Resource Management Nature based solutions

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By Shaun Beattie, Early Career Researcher, GlobalSeaweed SUPERSTAR

Indonesia is the world’s second-largest seaweed producer, and for more than 267,000 farming households, it’s more than just an industry – it’s a way of life. Nowhere is this more evident than in South Sulawesi, Indonesia’s largest seaweed-producing area, where vast coastal communities depend on seaweed farming for their livelihoods.

With low cultivation costs, short production cycles and minimal labour requirements, red seaweeds such as Kappapycus spp. and Eucheuma spp. have become extremely popular exports in the region. As global demand for seaweed-derived ingredients, such as carrageenan and agar continue to grow, Indonesian seaweed exports are set to rise. However, sustainable and lasting seaweed cultivation depends on healthy marine ecosystems and biodiversity-rich habitats, including those created by seaweeds themselves. Balancing conservation efforts with the industry’s rapid expansion presents a growing challenge, as this push for greater seaweed production risks putting pressure on these vital environments.

Recently, I – along with Cicilia Kambey (University of Malaya) – have been in Makassar, South Sulawesi, as part of the GCBC funded Global SeaweedSUPERSTAR project. Our goal? To explore local perspectives on the ecological and community value of seaweeds and uncover the key barriers impacting its sustainable management.

Insights and Generous Hospitality

Our goal was ambitious: to speak with and interview 100 local stakeholders, including seaweed farmers, manufacturers, aquaculture organizations, industry professionals, government officials, academic institutions, and NGOs.

As a result, these three weeks absolutely flew by as we met a number of great people, sharing conversations and insights on the current state and future of Indonesia’s seaweed industry.

What really stood out was the overwhelming support we received. Everyone we met was eager to contribute, generously sharing their time and thoughts. We were welcomed with incredible kindness, along with a nice cup of tea or coffee, as we discussed the aims of our research. On occasion, we were even treated to some incredible seaweed-based snacks and beauty products from fantastic independent business owners!

The seaweed farming communities were also eager to share their knowledge and showcase their daily routines. As we toured their farms, we often arrived to find groups of (mostly) women carefully tying individual seaweed seedlings to long lines before transporting them out to sea for cultivation. It was fascinating to see just how fast they could tie each seedling to the line at perfect intervals.

Economic Stability vs the Call for Conservation

It quickly became clear that many farmers understood the important ecological role that seaweeds played in marine ecosystems. They frequently mentioned how seaweed supports local fish stocks and acts as a nursery for juvenile fish. However, this awareness was often followed by a candid admission: that the protection of natural seaweed stocks was largely overlooked because they held little to no economic value. With the price of seaweeds fluctuating significantly in recent years, farmers were predominantly focused on securing sustainable incomes from cultivated seaweed. As a result, the protection of cultivated seaweeds was considered important, but the conservation for natural seaweed stocks was often an afterthought.

The mood for economic assurance was echoed by many of the other stakeholders we spoke with. Local NGO groups and government officials in the Department of Fisheries strongly emphasised the need for international investment to support the expansion and sustainable management of the seaweed industry. Without incentives or clear guidance, it was feared conservation would remain a lower priority for many in the industry.

Shifting Attitudes

So how can seaweed protection be implemented whilst also ensuring the needs of local communities are met?

Despite their lack of immediate ‘economic value’, corals and seagrass conservation efforts have gained significant traction in recent years. Coastal communities have become champions of their restoration and protection, largely because they now better understand healthier ecosystems benefit their livelihoods, particularly in relation to fish farming. A similar shift in attitudes could occur for seaweeds through targeted educational awareness and capacity building programmes. Many community members we spoke to were open to conservation efforts, provided they could see tangible benefits to their own lives.

One promising approach would be preliminary financing for sustainable cultivation that nudges farmers away from overharvesting practices, whilst promoting long-term sustainability. If farmers could see the economic and environmental advantages of protecting both cultivated and natural seaweed stocks, attitudes and practices may begin to shift.

Looking Ahead

These are just a few of the early observations from our time in Makassar, but one thing was clear: the immense passion and energy people have for seaweeds in South Sulawesi. I look forward to diving deeper into the responses and perspectives gathered from our interviews.

I will be presenting the results of this research at the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) conference in Nice, France in June 2025. I hope to discuss how these local views and practices align or contrast with global priorities in seaweed conservation, and aim to provide actional insights for advancing the sustainable management of seaweeds, that both safeguard marine biodiversity and local livelihoods.

On a final note, this research trip has reaffirmed a crucial point: harmony between conservation and economic stability remains necessary for a sustainable and successful seaweed farming industry and with the right strategies in place, this balance can start to be achieved.

 

 

 

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Coastal Ecosystems Conservation and Restoration Improving livelihoods Natural Resource Management Nature based solutions

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GCBC project leaders build connections and share learning at International Environment and Climate symposium

Published 22 Oct 2024

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Capacity Building Financing Food Systems Governance and Policy Partnership

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By Samantha Morris, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC) project leaders joined practitioners, researchers and representatives of Indigenous peoples’ organisations from other UK Government environment and climate research programmes in Nairobi for the first International Environment and Climate Research Symposium.

Nature and the environment are the bedrock of our planet, which is facing a triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Action is urgently needed to address these critical issues to secure sustainable livelihoods and human wellbeing.

In September, the International Environment and Climate Research Symposium brought together 84 practitioners, researchers and representatives of Indigenous peoples’ organisations from three of the United Kingdom’s largest environment and climate research programmes. Collectively these three programmes manage £50 million across Africa, Asia, and Latin America:

Establishing shot of attendees at the Kenya Symposium
Delegates at the International Environment and Climate Research Symposium in Nairobi, Kenya Picture: Kew Gardens

The Symposium was held in Nairobi, Kenya. It was planned and delivered in partnership, drawing on the unique skills and experience held by each of the three programmes. Sessions were split over several days, with each programme taking time to meet individually, ending with a joint programme day on 19 September.

Connection in action

For the GCBC, connecting and collaborating with other research programmes demonstrates the potential of working to coordinate research to find solutions to climate change that benefit both people and nature.

All 14 GCBC projects that received funding from the first competitive research grant competition attended the Symposium with 28 project leaders and partners in Nairobi.

During the individual day, the GCBC projects were given space to get into the detail, mapping the characteristics of each project with a focus on geography, themes, methods, and partners. This identified a wide range of synergies across a diverse group of research projects. These points of connection will support the GCBC programme to identify areas where we can develop tools, evidence, and resources to deliver greater impact.

The day also addressed Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), barriers and opportunities to research impact, and strategies for communicating and influencing to amplify research outcomes. Across these areas, projects shared their experiences as they move from existing practice to better practice, exchanging tools and ideas along the way.

During the joint day, participants from all three programmes enthusiastically exchanged practical ideas, concrete solutions and lived experiences to turn knowledge into impact.

Watch the video from the Symposium below:

The rich discussion highlighted several opportunities:

  • The value of building trust with communities to genuinely devolve decision making, power, and resources to local actors.
  • Sustaining effective stakeholder engagement from the start of interventions and building long term relationships beyond project cycles.
  • Constantly evaluating trade-offs and synergies that accompany a systems approach

To carry these ideas, forward participants from all three programmes discussed the potential for ongoing learning exchange, as well as opportunities and pathways for knowledge sharing.

From connection to collaboration

Overall, the Symposium was an energising and inspiring event, an opportunity to build connect and share both within the GCBC programme and with other UK Government programmes.

Work is underway to explore what future connection and collaboration between UK Government programmes could look like, building on the ideas shared by participants at the Symposium.

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Capacity Building Financing Food Systems Governance and Policy Partnership

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GCBC Research Symposium 2024: fostering connections and learning

Published 11 Apr 2024

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Capacity Building Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

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by Claudine Domingue, Communications & Engagement Manager, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

GCBC Phase 1 and RGC1 projects meet for knowledge sharing, learning and networking

Underpinning GCBC’s mandate to unlock the potential of nature to deliver resilience to climate change and improve livelihoods is the need for funded projects to explore scalable solutions and develop trans-disciplinary partnerships within the programme.

In its role as Strategic Science Lead for GCBC, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (RBG Kew) organized an all-day Research Symposium of talks and presentations to encourage collaboration between projects, hosting project leads from both established and newly funded projects. Representatives from the 14 projects who were funded as part of Phase 1 of the GCBC programme (2022 – 2024), as well as 13 projects announced as the recipients of the Research Grant Call1 (RGC1) funding in January 2024 were invited to attend.

The Research Symposium on 21 March 2024, also included staff from GCBC’s funding body – the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and Fund Management Lead DAI Global. With so many projects spread across the globe, we were fortunate to welcome many project representatives in person and several more were able to join online.

We were gifted with a beautiful spring day in which to congregate in Kew Garden’s historic Cambridge Cottage.

After a warm welcome from Kew’s Dr Monique Simmonds, OBE and Deputy Director of Science – Partnerships, the day officially began with insightful opening remarks from Professor Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientific Adviser at Defra.

Monique Simmonds with Gideon Henderson who reminded us all how urgently these programmes are needed and their potential benefits to us all.
l to r: Frida, Jessica, Constanza with Tim Wheeler.

Prof Tim Wheeler, newly appointed Deputy Director of International Science at Defra, spoke next and hosted the first panel of the day focussing on three of the seven projects awarded grant funding as part of Phase 1. These projects are identifying evidence gaps, new metrics, and policy options; with their outputs helping to shape GCBC’s priorities and guide future research and investments.

Joining him were Dr Constanza Gonzalez Parrao, Technical Lead on the Climate Change and Biodiversity Evidence Gap Map (based in Washington DC), Frida Diaz, Project Lead on the Nature Transition Support Programme (Columbia & Ecuador), and Dr Jessica Witt, Technical Lead on The Safe & Sustainable Food Systems (One Food) in South Africa.

Continuing with Phase 1 projects, the second panel of the morning was chaired by Dr Elizabeth Warham, Head of GCBC for Kew. These projects had focussed on research outcomes and impact for farmers and communities.

l to r: Richard, on stage with Elizabeth Warham, and Yves discuss the Bio+Mine project.
l to r: Richard, on stage with Elizabeth Warham, and Yves discuss the Bio+Mine project.
Carolina presents her project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speakers included two from the Biodiversity positive mining for the net zero challenge (Philippines), Prof Richard Herrington, Science Lead, and Yves Plancherel, Lead of the drone team. Kew’s Research leader in Ecosystem Stewardship, Dr Carolina Tovar, followed with her project, Realising the potential of plant bioresources as nature-based solutions in African biodiversity hotspots (Ethiopia).

Dr Elizabeth Cottier-Cook, Coordinator of Global Seaweed SUPERSTAR (Indonesia & Malaysia) and Dr Petr Sharov, Manager of Environmental Pollution Programme (Vietnam) also joined us remotely to talk about their work.

Helen is the Policy lead for Sexual Exploitation Abuse & Harassment (SEAH) Safeguarding for Defra ODA programmes.

Before our lunch break, Helen Poulsen, the Senior Social Development Adviser in Defra’s ODA Hub, gave us a thought-provoking presentation on the importance of considering gender equality and social inclusion as the GCBC grantees develop their projects.

After lunch – and for many, a stroll through Kew’s gardens – we returned for an afternoon of 5-minute flash talks by our newest grantees, facilitated by Samantha Morris, GCBC Project Manager for Kew. Ten of the 13 RGC1 projects attended both in-person and online giving us an informative overview of their upcoming work.

l to r: Bettina, Aster and Samantha listen to Mark Grindley’s talk online.

Joining us in person for these sessions, were Aster Gebrekistos (CIFOR-ICRAF) talking about Multifunctional agroforestry for Ethiopia and Bettina Heider (CIP) who spoke on Andean diversity for climate change (Peru & Ecuador).

Fiona Nunan (University of Birmingham) on Building adaptive fisheries governance capacity (Malawi & Uganda), Isabella Bovolo and Dr Anthony Brown (both University of Durham) presented on Enhancing coastal ecosystem services in Suriname and Guyana, and William Thompson (Oxford University) introducing his Flourishing Landscapes Programme in Ghana, Ecuador, and Vietnam.

 

l to r: Zuhail Thatey Mohamed (UNEP-WCMC), Lubasi Limweta (Oxford University).

Online we were pleased to meet Mark Grinley from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) with his project Following the Water in Madagascar, Stefano Barcheisi (Birdlife International) on Ecosystems services under climate change for Key Biodiversity Areas in Ecuador, and James Gibbons (Bangor University) on Habitat – harnessing smallholder pasture management for biodiversity in the Kenyan highlands.

l to r: Ryan Goldrick and Thomas Shaw (Defra), Subira Bjørnsen (Cadmus), Edward Gould (Defra).

 

Defra’s Jamie Carr, Bettina, and Aster – who travelled from Peru and Ethiopia for the symposium – chat during a break.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Strategic Science Lead for GCBC, one of Kew’s goals is to encourage and nurture collaboration and learning within project groups and between research projects, and, by every measure, the research symposium achieved that result.

Our thanks to all the symposium participants and our Defra and DAI partners who attended.

All funded projects are listed here on the GCBC website: Projects – GCBC

* The GCBC is funded by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) with International Climate Finance and managed in partnership with DAI as Fund Management Lead. The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is the Strategic Science Lead.  

** All photos ©RBGKew

 

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Capacity Building Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

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