Webinar Highlights: Leading Ecosystem Restoration Across Borders and Gender

On May 16th, 2024, we had a conversation with two incredible women as part of our Community Webinar titled Leading Ecosystem Restoration Across Borders and Gender.

Amanda Fernandes is an Environmental Engineer and specialist in socio-economic and environmental monitoring. Currently working a Project Analyst at Pacto pela Restauração da Mata Atlântica, Amanda shared her passion for engaging with Brazilian landowners in Pacto’s cooperative efforts for the restoration of the Atlantic Forest. Growing up on a farm sparked her interest in why farmers choose to preserve or reduce forest areas on their land. Amanda highlighted her work in socio-economic and environmental monitoring and engaging stakeholders in restoration.

Emphasising the challenge of gender equity in environmental efforts, she advocates for more robust support networks (e.g. parental leave policies) to help women balance professional and personal responsibilities. In addition, Amanda also called for balanced gender representation within restoration organisations, particularly in positions of leadership. Leading by example, Pacto has nearly 50% female representation in the organisation and active decision-making by women within task forces*.*

María José Iturralde (Chochi) brought a very inspiring perspective from her work as the Executive Director of Fundación Pachaysana and co-founder of Humans for Abundance project. As an Ecuadorian social entrepreneur, Chochi focuses on the well-being of indigenous communities and biodiversity in the Amazon Rainforest and Andes. Her initiatives aim to transition from monocultures and timber extraction to diverse ecological systems.

Humans for Abundance combats regional poverty through alternative education and financial incentives, empowering local residents to become restorers and ecopreneurs. Chochi also engages with sensitive gender issues in these communities, noting that men often dominate decision-making. Through transformative education and tools such as “Theatre of the Oppressed”, their programs amplify women’s voices and enable local communities to engage with subtle gender dynamics.

Both Amanda and Chochi highlighted how their organisations marry environmental and social goals. Their journeys and stories reinforced the need for inclusive, participatory, and community-focused restoration efforts. As we reflect on this webinar, let’s remember the powerful impact that organizations like Pacto pela Restauração da Mata Atlântica and Humans for Abundance have in driving both ecosystem restoration and gender balance. Together, we can support and amplify these efforts for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Missed the webinar?

Catch up on the work of these two outstanding humans shared in the webinar through our YouTube recording.