Respect for cultural diversity promotes vibrant and inclusive societies - strong, capable people from different backgrounds and cultures collaborate to solve some of our most pressing environmental challenges by bringing transformative ideas, traditional knowledge, and a respect for nature to the forefront

Culture and Development

Strengthening and protecting natural and cultural heritage have proved to be effective instruments of economic development. Involving local people in development initiatives that respect cultural priorities, while informing them of the consequences of development and resource stripping activities, leads to stronger communities and more sustainable activities. I work with extensively with indigenous communities to safeguard their cultural heritage and encourage culturally-sensitive conservation and environmental protection services that respond to their world views. Engaging the community as key stakeholders and decision-makers maintains a balance of power that is needed to make a real change in the world, creating investment-driven solutions.