I'm putting myself and my thoughts out there.

Raw, unfiltered, bare.

Conservation needs to change, yes.

But also:

Our world needs to change.

Are you in?

In today’s episode, Lynn and I talk about Conservation Nation, the environmental non-governmental organization (ENGO) she runs. They have three pillars to their mission:

1. Expand funding to role model conservationists
2. Educating and inspiring a more diverse generation
3. Convening & bringing together people from all backgrounds so we can brainstorm larger solutions together.

We also chat a LOT about money, capitalism, and how we can divert more funds to protecting our planet. Regardless of your background and experience in wildlife or environmental issues, this conversation is for you. It’s for all of us.

As Lynn says, “let’s break barriers to bring a more diverse, representative, and inclusive core of conservationists to the fight.”

**Also: I’m taking a slightly different approach with the podcast. I love talking about all things conservation and science, but I’m realizing my gifts and interests are better suited to emotionally nuanced discussions. Therefore, future episodes will focus on somewhat sensitive topics relating to mental health, addiction, depression, eco-guilt, eco-anxiety, and more.

Resources:

Conservation Nation: https://conservationnation.org/ 

The Ministry for the Future (book): https://www.amazon.com/Ministry-Future-Kim-Stanley-Robinson/dp/0316300136 

Nova Conservation Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/novaconservation

This is probably one of the best episodes yet of Nova Conversations. When I started this podcast, this is exactly the type of discussion I wanted to have: Informative & emotionally deep discussions where we look at global conservation issues from multiple frames of reference. 

Even though Danielle’s research has focused on elephants, this episode applies to anyone hoping to make conservation a full time career. We openly discuss the pros and cons of white westerners conducting research in other countries (sometimes labeled as “parachute science”). More discussions need to be had to find solutions, but I hope this can open the door for future dialogue.

Danielle and I talk about everything that I’d hoped this podcast would be about. From trauma in elephants and conservation work, online shaming to posting on social media, underpaid work to toxic career cultures, we cover a lot in this conversation. No matter your background or culture, one thing stands out from our talk: collaborations are absolutely essential to global conservation success.

Resources:

Danielle’s blog The Call to Conserve: https://www.thecalltoconserve.com/

Join our growing Patreon Community: https://patreon.com/novaconservation

Connect with us! IG @nova_conservation, TikTok @novaconservation

Learn more about how we are using travel to give back at novaconservation.com