The three most dangerous narratives in conservation

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So important to think about the narrative we use in Conservation! A great article by Chris Sandbrook. Check it out! and visit his blog!

Thinking like a human

Emery Roe, an American policy scholar, first developed the idea that ‘narratives’ – stories about the world and how it works – are used in policy making processes to cut through complexity and justify a particular course of action. We are a storytelling species, and people find it easy to understand and get behind a compelling story with strong internal logic and a beginning, middle and end. Once a narrative has taken hold they can be very difficult to shake off, at least until an even more compelling ‘counter-narrative’ arrives on the scene. A classic example from resource governance is the ‘resources will be over-exploited unless they are in private ownership’ narrative, based on Garrett Hardin’s 1968 Tragedy of the Common’s article. It took decades of careful scholarship, and ultimately a nobel prize for Elinor Ostrom, to demonstrate that this narrative was compelling, influential, and wrong.

There are numerous narratives…

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Community Resilience and Biodiversity conservation

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Four years later this is still relevant. The latest IPBES´ report on Land degradation and restoration shows that ¨“Achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and the Paris Agreement on climate change, all depend on the health and vitality of our natural environment in all its diversity and complexity. Acting to protect and promote biodiversity is at least as important to achieving these commitments and to human wellbeing as is the fight against global climate change”.

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I was lucky to participate in the Second Dialogue on Finance for biodiversity of the Convention for Biological Diversity held in Quito, last 9-12 April 2014. A variety of national and international experiences in dealing with biodiversity and ecosystem services, including views from intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, development agencies, social movements, farmer organizations, indigenous and local communities organizations, scientists and the private sector enriched the understanding about mechanisms to finance biodiversity.

In my opinion discussing the variety of mechanisms to finance biodiversity is necessary: taxes, compensations, offsets, paying for ecosystem services, all very interesting, BUT, are we really mainstreaming biodiversity in the development agenda? or are we just planning development at the expenses of biodiversity as usual? how can we make sure that the interconnections between biodiversity and human communities, are at the heart of all sustainability discussions? The reality is that the links between human beings and the nature…

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Alimentación Consciente

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Versión en inglés

Hace un par de días, una amiga preguntó en FB cuánto dinero gastamos en comida por mes. Me llevó algunos minutos responder y mi sorpresa fue que, aunque vivo bajo un cierto presupuesto, cuando se trata de comida, mis elecciones realmente no dependen solo del precio. organicTener una dieta basada principalmente en plantas, cocinar en casa y vivir en un país tropical donde abunda la disponibilidad de alimentos frescos durante todo el año, hace que mi presupuesto sea bastante razonable cuando se trata de comprar alimentos. He sido vegetariana durante casi 18 años y mi dieta ha evolucionado con el tiempo hacia una dieta donde mis valores se involucran cada vez más en mis elecciones de alimentos.
Como consumidores, creo que tenemos el poder y la responsabilidad de decidir qué iniciativas apoyamos y cuáles no. En el caso de la producción y el consumo de alimentos, nuestras elecciones pueden tener un impacto enorme en el medio ambiente y en las personas. Estas son algunas de las consideraciones que tomo antes de comprar mi comida:

  1. Orgánico: la elección de productos libres de pesticidas y fertilizantes químicos tiene un beneficio directo en nuestra salud y garantiza que los suelos y las fuentes de agua no se contaminen.
  2. Local: la elección de productos locales reduce tu huella de carbono, favorece  a la agrobiodiversidad y apoya a  las economías locales.
  3. Estacional: los productos de temporada son generalmente más baratos y tienen un mejor sabor. De hecho, estos productos tienen más vitaminas y nutrientes que los no estacionales.
  4. Precio justo: Prefiero comprar directamente al productor evitando intermediarios cuando me es posible y pago el precio justo. Otra opción es elegir productos certificados que garanticen que a los productores se les pague un precio justo por sus productos.
  5. Respetuoso con la biodiversidad: elijo productos provenientes de prácticas agro-ecologicas y permaculturales, ya que estas son compatibles con la biodiversidad. La agricultura intensiva, incluso si es orgánica y local, puede ser perjudicial para la mayoría de las especies.Vayu blog 2
  6. Una buena preparación: una vez que tengo todo mi bolso de ¨golosinas¨, dedico un tiempo a explorar recetas para una buena preparación y almacenamiento de alimentos para poder aprovechar al máximo lo que compro en términos de nutrición y reducción de desechos.

Intento considerar estos 6 puntos antes de comprar mi comida, pero no siempre es fácil. En ocasiones tengo que elegir un aspecto sobre otro y el precio sí entra en juego en este punto. Aun así  hago mi mejor esfuerzo y siento que es bueno pensar en esto antes de comprar.

Vayu blog 1Ahora imagina un lugar que se encargue de todos estos detalles por ti y te ofrezca deliciosos platos preparados de manera consciente. Investigando la calidad y el origen de los productos y cocinado de manera tal que te brinden lo mejor de cada ingrediente. Eso es VAYÚ- Alimentación Consciente, ubicada en el valle de Cumbayá, Quito-Ecuador. Un lugar acogedor que ofrece opciones vegetarianas, veganas, crudas, sin azúcar y más. Con espacios verdes, adecuado para niños,  donde nuestras mascotas son bienvenidas, buen clima, atención de casa … una verdadera cocina consciente. VAYÚ también tiene una pequeña tienda con productos deliciosos y sanos para ti.  Definitivamente es un lugar para visitar y disfrutar con tu familia, tu mascota y tus amigos…  muy recomendado! vayu2

Nuestras elecciones pueden tener un impacto enorme en el medio ambiente y en las personas #orgánico #local #estacional #preciojusto #compatibleconlabiodiversidad #alimentacionconsciente 

Conscious cuisine

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Spanish version

A couple of days ago a friend of mine asked on FB how much money do we spend in food per month. It took me some minutes to answer and my surprise was that although I do have to live on a budget, when it comes to food, my choices don’t really depend on the price alone. organicHaving mostly a plant-based diet, cooking at home and living in a tropical country where plenty of fresh food is available all year long, makes my budget pretty reasonable when it comes to buying groceries. I have been a vegetarian for almost 18 years now and my diet has evolved over time towards a diet where my values get more and more involved in my food choices.
As consumers, I believe we have the power and the responsibility of deciding which initiatives we support and which ones we don’t. In the case of food production and consumption, our choices can have an enormous impact on the environment and on people. Here are some of the considerations I take before buying my food:

  1. Organic: choosing pesticides and chemical fertilisers free products has a direct benefit on our health and ensure that soils and water sources  don’t get poisoned.
  2. Local: choosing local products reduce your carbon footprint, benefit agro-biodiversity and supports local economies.
  3. Seasonal: seasonal products are usually cheaper and taste better. In fact these products have more vitamins and nutrients that non-seasonal ones.
  4. Fair Price: I prefer buying directly from the producer avoiding intermediaries when possible and I paid them what is fair.   Another option is choosing certified products that ensure that the producers are getting paid a fair price for their products.Vayu blog 2
  5. Biodiversity friendly: I choose products coming from agro-ecology and permaculture practices that are compatible with biodiversity. Intensive agriculture even if it is organic and local can be detrimental for most species.
  6. Good preparation: once I have all my bag of “goodies”, I spend some time exploring recipes for good preparation and storage of food so I can make the most out of what I buy in terms of nutrition and waste reduction.

I try to consider all 6 points before buying my food but it is not always easy. In occasions I have to choose one over another and price does play a role in here, but I do my best and feel it is good to think about this before buying.

Vayu blog 1Now imagine a place that takes care of all these details for you and offers you delicious dishes consciously prepared.  Looking into the quality and origine of the products and cooked in a manner that gives you the best out of each ingredient.  That is VAYÚ- Alimentación Consciente, located in Quito’s valley Cumbaya in Ecuador. A cosy place that offers  vegetarian, vegan, raw, sugar free options and more.  With green spaces, suitable for children,  pet friendly, great weather, homie attention…a true conscious cuisine. VAYÚ also has a small shop with delicious and healthy products for you to buy. It is definitely a place to visit and enjoy with family and friends. Really recommended!

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Our #foodchoices have an enormous impact on the #environment and on #people. Choose #organic #local #seasonal #fairprice #biodiversityfriendly#consciouscuisine 

The courage to go at your own pace…

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Life goes soooo fast sometimes, that I decided to take some time off  and explore… Not a holiday, not a break from work but an opportunity to find the courage to go at my own pace. My journey started with some homie adventures with my brothers. Biking, hiking and moutainering in the Andes of Ecuador just set the tone for a great adventure. Funny enough all 3 in our own sabbaticals and explorations shared a beautiful Shamanic drum meditation before leaving <3.

Quilotoa

Quilotoa Volcano – Ecuador

 

 

Ruminahui

Rumiñahui Volcano-Ecuador

 

 

 

 

 

 

I then spent some good time doing yoga, volunteering, biking and walking at the beach in Portugal, went skiing and beer/wine testing in Czech Republic (yes! white wine is pretty good in CZ) and finished helping prepare soil in a lovely permaculture project in the UK.

Jablonec

Jablonec-Czech Republic

I am back in Ecuador now, full of energy and  joy and want to share the 5 things I learned from my 6 months Sabbatical ..

  1. You are not the only one wanting to slow down and take life easier, and more important you are not crazy or irresponsible for wanting to do it. The more you travel and meet people the more you realise that a LOT of people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s… from all over, with all sort of motivations and life journeys use a sabbatical to slow down and bounce back better in whichever their path is.
  2.  A sabbatical allows you to crystallise and put your ideas together. Depending on how you plan your activities, you might end up having a lot of time with and for yourself, thinking maybe,  or NOT thinking at all.
    felicidad

    Praia São Julião-Portugal

    In my case, having a lot of time outdoors, hands-on activities, looong deep silent moments helped me be honest with myself and reminded me that nature, sports, healthy food and people is pretty much all I need to feel happy, creative and energetic. … as easy as that.

 

3. Volunteer volunteer and volunteer! Travel with a purpose if you can, it is incredible how reguarding “selfless jobs”  can be and how important is to leave a positive impact wherever we go.  Your skills are valued, needed and maybe can’t be afforded by some the most inspiring people and initiatives. In some cases you can exchange your expertise for food and accommodation which could make your journey more affordable as well.

portugal

“Behind every successful woman there is a tribe of other successful woman having her back”

4. Meet Like-minded people doing what you love!  It might seem obvious and intuitive but if you go to places  and engage in activities that make you smile… you will meet people with your same interests and ideals.  Surround yourself with people that inspire you, support you, respect you and nourish your life…find those whose weirdness is compatible with yours!

5. Visit and grow your global community as often as you can– Finally, it was overwhelming for me to realise how big, welcoming and loving is my global network of new and old friends, family, colleagues everywhere I went. So many laughs, hugs, walks, wines, talks, silences, adventures…so much love! THANK YOU to all who made my trip  an unforgettable experience  and from now on I will take life just as it is, live it at my own pace and keep exploring! 😉

Cascai

Cascais-Portugal

 

 

 

Bugs, glaciers and climate change

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Antisana 2

Antisana Volcano-Ecuador

Have you ever wonder how do scientist study/monitor glaciers?

I was lucky enough to join a field trip with my friends from Catholic University in Quito.

vero 1

Antisa

The fresh water team has been studying the Antisana glacier in Ecuador, rivers and all the little bugs that live there for about a decade!!! yes! they know exactly who live in those glacier rivers and what is every bug doing there.  Who is visiting, who is a resident in the site and who is dispersing. They visit remote sites, pick some water samples, measure various characteristics of the streams  and study the macro invertebrate communities in each site. They also look for little holes  called “cryoconites” in the glacier where some microbes live. With that information they can monitor changes over time. This is especially  relevant for understanding  the biodiversity of the area, the quality of water and how climate change is affecting the glacier. This is how they do it! this was my day at a biologist’s office 😉 Because, science matters!

reserva antisana.JPG

Antisana Reserve-Ecuador

 

Pollinators, food security and rural development

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I am back to my (BUG) roots 😉 Check out my latest article about “Pollinators, Food security, and Rural Development”. caro bug 1My love for bugs, biodiversity,  sustainable agriculture and good/healthy food combined in a document that will support the discussions at the first-ever IPBES Trialogue in Sarajevo. The Trialogue will bring together around 50 scientists, policy-makers and beekeepers/farmers to discuss about the situation in Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, Bosnia&Herzegovina and Georgia.

Download the full article here.

Key messages:

“Why are pollinators important?

  • Globally, nearly 90 per cent of wild flowering plant species depend, at least in part, on the transfer of pollen by animals. Plants are critical for the continued functioning of ecosystems as they provide food, form habitats and provide other resources for a wide range of other species (IPBES, 2016a).[…]
  • […] Pollinator-dependent food products are important contributors to healthy human diets and nutrition. Pollinator- dependent species encompass many fruit, vegetable, seed, nut and oil crops, which supply major proportions of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals in the human diet (IPBES, 2016a). […]
  • […] pollinators provide multiple benefits beyond food production. Their value has as well an important cultural and social component. Many livelihoods and cultural practices depend on pollinators, their products and multiple benefits such as medicine, fibres, materials for musical instruments, source of inspirations for arts, literature to name a few (IPBES, 2016a).[…]

What is the problem?

  • […] Globally, there is a well-documented decline in some species of wild pollinators, and an important lack of data on the status of most wild species. Concerning managed species, honey bee numbers are generally increasing with local declines and important seasonal colony loss registered in several countries. As a result, there are losses of genetic diversity and local adaptations in honey bee populations. Populations of pollinators face multiple threats and there is a wide range of response options drawing from Indigenous and local knowledge and science (IPBES, 2016a).[…]
  • […]Multiple causes are linked to the decline in pollinators such as land use change, intensive agricultural management, risks associated with pesticides and particular inputs (insecticides and herbicides) associated with Genetically Modified (GM) crops, pathogens, pests and predators, climate change, invasive alien species and the various interactions among these threats.” […]
bee.JPG

Photo by Robert Bensted-Smith

 

 

The effects of climate change on a mega-diverse country: predicted shifts in mammalian species richness and turnover in continental Ecuador

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Would you like to learn more about the effects of climate change in Ecuador? check this article out! My good friend Paula Iturralde- Polit and her team found on their study that in Ecuador “all scenarios predicted that climate change will have effects on species richness distribution patterns” and that “some species may not be able to shift their ranges fast enough to track their suitable climates.” Really interesting evidence to take into consideration when designing resilient conservation  and adaptation strategies…

Read the full study here: Iturralde-Pólit_et_al-2017-Biotropica

OMACA

Happy reading!

Advice for getting your dream job in conservation science

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A great post! check it out!

ConservationBytes.com

people management

A few weeks ago I heard from an early-career researcher in the U.S. who had some intelligent things to say about getting jobs in conservation science based on a recent Conservation Biology paper she co-wrote. Of course, for all the PhDs universities are pumping out into the workforce, there will never be enough positions in academia for them all. Thus, many find their way into non-academic positions. But – does a PhD in science prepare you well enough for the non-academic world? Apparently not.

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Many post-graduate students don’t start looking at job advertisements until we are actually ready to apply for a job. How often do we gleam the list of required skills and say, “If only I had done something to acquire project management skills or fundraising skills, then I could apply for this position…”? Many of us start post-graduate degrees assuming that our disciplinary training for that higher degree will…

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