ABOUT_
Conservation #RootedIn_ technology, wisdom & collective action
Three key aspects to know before we start_
Latin America and the Caribbean is a global biodiversity hotspot
What happens in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has a global impact. The region is a biodiversity powerhouse, containing approximately 40% of the world's biodiversity, 50% of its tropical rainforests, and 30% of its freshwater resources.
Nature-based Solutions have an impact on climate
Achieving global carbon neutrality and other climate goals is impossible without conserving and regenerating biodiversity, as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have the potential to provide up to 30% of the CO2 mitigation needed.
Conservation action needs social equity and regenerative justice
Indigenous and other community-based stewardship of forests is critical. About 36% of the world's remaining intact forests are on Indigenous Peoples’ lands. Indigenous communities safeguard around 80% of the world's remaining biodiversity. Yet, they have often struggled to be heard and, together with local communities, receive less than 1% of biodiversity funding.
Challenges_
Biodiversity loss
We currently lack the incentives and next-gen tools to stop and reverse biodiversity loss and degradation in Latin America and the Caribbean by 2030. If not addressed, this will greatly exacerbate ecological and economic vulnerabilities in the region, impacting all living systems on a planetary scale.
Need for new paradigms
We need new paradigms that weave ecological, technological, social, economic, and cultural innovation into purposeful action. We also need to explore novel ideas for transboundary governance.
IN A NUTSHELL_
This is why we launched NaturaTech LAC, a comprehensive initiative contributing to stop and reverse biodiversity loss and degradation in Latin America and the Caribbean. We assist in the adoption of purposeful technologies to scale action and explore new models of hybrid and dynamic governance. We partner with local leaderships, integrate traditional ecological knowledge and incentivize collective action through a bioregional lense, with a deep commitment to understanding and adapting to the specific socioeconomic and cultural contexts.
What we do_
Adopt cutting-edge purposeful technologies
For greater impact, greater transparency, and financial innovation.
Build capacity in a two-way approach and bridge digital technologies with traditional knowledge
We work closely with our local partners to explore the possibilities of digital technologies for Nature-Based Solutions. We also work together on novel paradigms that integrate traditional ecological knowledge into said technologies, and engage in a long-term collaborative learning journey.
Scale action through ecosystem building and a biocorridor focus
We develop proof of concepts that allow us to test and refine our strategies. We then share lessons, connect communities and scale action through a biocorridor approach
OUR
ETHOS_
The urgency of the climate and biodiversity conservation work leaves one thing clear: we can no longer think of technological, ecological, social, economic and cultural innovation as separate things. And so the ethos of NaturaTech LAC is built into our very DNA, into every project and process: not merely a component of our work but its very heart, guiding every decision and action.
Hence, as we launch NaturaTech LAC, we are dedicated to co-creating our ethical framework alongside climate justice experts, grassroots movements, indigenous and local leaders, plus others from the Global South. Besides guaranteeing the ethical use of emerging technologies, we will center and build upon the experiences, skills, knowledge systems, and self-determination of our partners.
NaturaTech LAC stands at the nexus of socio-technological innovation and nature's intrinsic value, paving the way for a new era of cooperation and reciprocity
Moreover, we are committed to leading a transformation rooted in the respect for, and the well-being of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, and all lifeforms, and recognize the importance of understanding local needs, contexts, and the magnificently diverse nature of the LAC region, which drives every aspect of our mission.
This collaborative approach - plus the deep integration of social justice principles - will ensure that our initiatives are both innovative and reflective of the diverse voices that will be needed to address the immense challenges and possibilities we are facing at a planetary scale.
In fact, the very way we approach innovation is by expanding the circles of ideas and influence of the people who are at the frontline of a world in transformation - and who can, in turn, expand and deepen future possibilities for us all."
WHO WE ARE
Meet the team
Steering Committee
César
Buenadicha
Chief Discovery Officer, IDB Lab
Steering Committee & Head
Constanza
Gómez Mont
Founder, C Minds
Steering Committee
Anna Lerner Nesbitt
Executive Director, Climate Collective
Senior Officer
Svante
Persson
Senior Operations Specialist, IDB Lab
FOUNDER MEMBERS
Agradecemos a las personas e instituciones que nos ayudan a compartir nuestro trabajo y amplificar nuestro impacto.
ADVISORS
External Consultant
Esther Val
Future of Earth, C Minds
Senior Advisor
Victor Galaz
Associate Professor, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm Univ.
Asesora
Ana Velástegui
Coordinadora de Programa, Climate Collective
Founder, Experimentalista
Gabriella
Gómez Mont
Senior Advisor - Future Practices
Advisor
Ilán
Meléndez
Blockchain and Finances Expert
Blog Contributor
Daniel
Ramírez
Circular Economy Expert
Programs Officer
Smeldy
Ramírez Rufino
Private Sector Development Specialist, IDB Lab
TEAM MEMBERS
Interactive Developer
Xio Vázquez
C Minds
