Ask a Leader Q&A with Katie and Gold

Gold Chinder: The key is to make the experience of being and working with nature attractive. I decided to work in biodiversity conservation when I had a chance to connect with it through my teaching experiences. As I learned from that experience and others, it’s important to use nature as a lab for teaching. In my work in Mozambique, we provide guided visits in parks and reserves where young people and adults visit and learn about nature in the field. 

Moreover, we as human beings like to be valued, celebrated, and empowered. So when educating people, we need to use stories and hands-on activities that are accompanied by “celebration” and acknowledgement of small wins and achievements in the exercises.

Katie Hawkins: Find a local nonprofit in your community that works in support of conservation and protecting habitat and biodiversity. Organizations will benefit by utilizing your individual expertise to support whether it’s a stewardship day, becoming a regular donor, serving as an advisor or board member, or any support that optimizes your skillset. You have an outsized impact in your community and can inspire future generations of conservationists and stewards.

GC: We have to look at what matters to them: food, water, family, tradition. And share real stories from communities already impacted. 

KH: Coalition building for climate work is best approached by taking the time to connect with community members to better understand what is happening in their day to day lives. It takes time to build this trust and respect different opinions, but it is through these conversations you can establish common ground and understanding.

GC: Plant native species, protect habitat, report illegal hunting or trade, reduce plastic, and support community conservation efforts.

KH: California has seen firsthand the devastating effects of climate change. The state has addressed this by being part of the global movement called 30x30. In October 2020, Governor Newsom issued an executive order that established a state goal of conserving 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. 

The 30x30 goal is intended to help accelerate conservation of our lands and coastal waters through voluntary, collaborative action with partners across the state to meet three objectives: conserve and restore biodiversity, expand access to nature, and mitigate to build resilience to climate change. You can learn more here. (Opens in a new tab)

GC: In Mozambique I’m educating people about biodiversity conservation, and I inspire the younger generation to live a sustainable life and promote it. 

KH: Show up in my community. It could be working on trails, helping at my son’s school on an environmental project, donating time or resources to the local nonprofits, or giving public comment on climate resiliency initiatives at a town council meeting. Just show up, your community and the planet need you.