Perspectives : Asia | The importance of women's voices in conversations around conservation 

Guests:
Robyn James - Director of Gender and Equity, Asia Pacific from The Nature Conservancy
Madlyn Ero - Conservation Practitioner, Solomon Islands
Dillie Maezama - KAWAKI executive, Solomon Islands
Abstract:
Climate change does not threaten humanity equally, it is gendered. Of those displaced due to the impact of climate change, 80% are women and girls. And yet, when it comes power and decision-making, women are consistently left out - globally, women constitute less than 15% of environmental ministers and less than 25% of the most cited climate scientists.
Furthermore, a growing body of scientific evidence shows that increasing women’s ability to participate in natural resource management creates a win-win situation for people and nature. It can promote self-determination, increase employment opportunities, improve women’s ability to plan for their families, and strengthen the resilience of communities. Studies have found that greater representation of women in natural resource management projects leads to not only more equitable benefit-sharing in communities but also improved and enduring conservation outcomes.
It is therefore essential that we nurture strong women leaders in conservation. The Nature Conservancy Asia Pacific strives to achieve this and advance gender equity in conservation through partnerships with women-led community-based groups across the region. This seminar will highlight the work of one of these groups in Solomon Islands, KAWAKI, and their inspiring achievements at the intersection of conservation, culture, and community.