Present to Future on Environment and Peace (Launching of "Voices for Peace and Conservation" Podcast, Episode 7 — A Road to Geneva Initiative)

Jul 16, 2021 | Conservation International, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, PeaceNexus Foundation, and World Wide Fund for Nature Germany
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If we really want to make a difference, where should we be putting our energy, time and money to protect nature and build peace? In the final episode of “Voices for Peace and Conservation”, the organizers are bringing together voices from the field and global policy level. Together with Hassan Mowlid Yassin from the youth-led Somali Green Peace Association, Anna Akerlund and Ulrika Akesson from SIDA, we explore how we could better combine efforts to protect nature and build peace.

Host: Hesta Groenewald, Associate Consultant, PeaceNexus Foundation.

Hesta has 20 years’ experience in conflict, peacebuilding and gender work. She has particular expertise on implementing conflict-sensitive approaches and on incorporating gender into conflict analysis and peacebuilding. She previously worked for the international peacebuilding NGO, Saferworld, in a variety of roles, including Conflict Adviser, Regional Head of Programmes and as global Head of Research and Programme Support. Currently, she is an independent consultant and Associate Consultant with the PeaceNexus Foundation, with a particular focus on conflict sensitivity, conservation and environment.

Guest: Ulrika Åkesson, Lead Policy Specialist on Environment and Climate Change at the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).

With over 25 years of experience in development cooperation from Africa, Asia and Latin America, her work has focused on integrating the cross-cutting environmental and climate change issues into development cooperation. She also serves as the Chair of the OECD DAC´s Network on Environment and Development Cooperation (ENVIRONET). Guest:Anna Åkerlund, Lead Policy Specialist on Peace and Security at the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). She has over 20 years of experience in international development cooperation and international affairs with a focus on peacebuilding, conflict sensitivity and strengthening human rights and democracy.Her experience spans the NGO and government sectors, and includes advisory roles on peace and security issues in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and at global policy level.

Guest: Hassan Mowlid Yasin, co-founder and vice-chairperson of the youth- led Somali Green Peace Association and Somali focal point for the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change.

As a climate change teacher and environmental activist, he is passionate about leading Somali youth to address the challenges presented by climate change, environmental depletion, food security and conflict. He is active in multiple international and local environmental protection organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme for Children and Youth (UNEP MGCY), Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) and One Young World Ambassador.

Listen to the finale here:

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4GlFR8AVpcbgHqpMSUKHsX

Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/subscribe-by-rss-feed?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9wb2RjYXN0NTEwMTk1LnBvZGlnZWUuaW8vZmVlZC9tcDM=

Podigee: http://bit.ly/peaceandconservation

Throughout the series, we have seen how the destruction of nature is damaging our health, politics and the very fabric of our societies. However, we’ve also heard from our guests about the concrete ways in which our efforts as conservationists, environmentalists and peacebuilders could reinforce each other – from the very local to global policy level.

The organizers hope they’ve inspired you to make these links from within your own area of work.

For other episodes and more information about the podcast, visit: http://bit.ly/peaceandconservation