Webinar
Why is biodiversity a priority for landscape restoration projects?
A panel discussion with some of our reforestation partners
Webinar overview
Given the lack of attention scheduled to be directed towards biodiversity at COP29, Ecologi wants to focus the spotlight on why biodiversity is a key element of focus for the landscape restoration projects we support around the world. We will be joined by some of our partners to discuss the importance of designing restoration projects so that they protect and enhance biodiversity, and how this brings increased benefits for the climate and local communities.
Agenda
The panel will be invited to share their thoughts on some important questions surrounding biodiversity, including why biodiversity is a key concern for restoration organisations, what the risks of neglecting biodiversity are, and how they put biodiversity at the heart of their work.
Panelists
Charli Adamson - Head of Commercial Operations, Ecologi
Charli leads efforts to optimise Ecologi’s commercial processes and drive growth. This involves working closely with our Impact and Product teams to ensure Ecologi’s offering remains at the forefront of the latest climate science and our customer-facing teams are well equipped to support our business community in accelerating global climate action.
Dave Bircher - Director of Growth, WeForest
With 15 years’ experience in fundraising and NGO management, Dave leads the cultivation of a robust network of philanthropic and investment partnerships at WeForest while also building on strong corporate partnerships. Based in Paris, Dave’s career has focused on cross-sector synergies with studies in business, public policy, and political science.
Constantino Aucca - President of Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN), Co-lead of Acción Andina
Tino has empowered communities by helping them secure land titles, access medical supplies, build greenhouses, install solar power, and enhance local tourism and textile markets. His conservation work has earned him honors such as the 2023 Rolex Prize for Enterprise, the 2022 UN Champion of the Earth, and several other prestigious awards. A proud Quechua, Tino overcame significant discrimination to earn his degree in Biological Sciences in 1993, a milestone he considers one of his most meaningful achievements.
Florent Kaiser - CEO of Global Forest Generation, Co-lead of Acción Andina
Florent Kaiser is a conservation entrepreneur committed to scaling forest ecosystem restoration globally. With experience in over 200 forest and land use projects, he excels in developing, financing, and expanding impactful initiatives. Through his roles in the World Economic Forum’s 1t.org Trillion Tree Campaign and the Global Partnership for Landscape Restoration, Florent collaborates with global partners to drive transformative ecosystem solutions.
Lindsay Mackinlay - Head of Biodiversity, The Future Forest Company
With over 30 years in ecology, Lindsay has dedicated his career to wildlife and environmental conservation. Holding degrees in Ecological Sciences and Environmental Impact Assessment, he has worked globally across research, government, and NGOs, studying species from Scottish wildcats to Houbara bustards. Most recently, he led his own consultancy, focusing on forestry, agri-environment, protected species, rare plant surveys, and deer management.
Host
Katie Pownall
Impact Partnerships Manager, Ecologi
Katie works closely with Ecologi’s reforestation and other implementation partners, ensuring that funding from our community goes to the best projects, and sharing stories and updates from the projects. Katie has a Master’s degree in Biology from University of York; her understanding of conservation and ecology helps her to guide Ecologi’s decisions to optimise Ecologi’s positive impact on people, biodiversity, and the planet.