EcoStrategist

  When working with local communities, one of the most significant challenges lies in identifying the right approach to drive meaningful and sustainable development. The terms "capacity building," "education," and "training" are often used interchangeably, yet they represent distinct concepts with unique purposes, methodologies, and outcomes. Failing to differentiate between them can lead to poorly designed projects that miss their objectives or fail to meet the needs of the community. This blog delves into the nuances of these three approaches, exploring their roles, key differences, and how they can be effectively employed in community development. Along the way, we’ll also discuss how to assess community needs, align project objectives, and measure impact for each. What Is Capacity Building? At its core, capacity building is about enabling individuals, organizations, or communities to develop the skills, resources, and systems they need to achieve...

As the year draws to a close, I find myself immersed in reflection, revisiting the challenges, lessons, and triumphs that have defined 2024. This year has been a vivid tapestry of growth—woven with threads of leadership, conservation, and connection. It’s a story of resilience and transformation, and through it all, one truth stands tall: the power of people, purpose, and perseverance is boundless. This blog is not merely a summary of the year but a celebration of the principles that drive meaningful impact. It’s a tribute to the bridges we’ve built and the change we’ve inspired together. 1. Leadership: The Foundation of Transformation Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a responsibility. This year, I’ve embraced leadership as an evolving journey, drawing lessons from blogs like “Motherhood: My First School of Leadership” and “Listening, Learning, and Leading.” Leadership demands humility, empathy, and a relentless commitment to empowering others. Whether working with NGOs, private sectors, ...

 Organizational culture is often considered an intangible aspect of a workplace, yet it is one of the most decisive factors in determining success. Reflecting on my 25 years in conservation and management, spanning local initiatives to global projects, I’ve seen firsthand how a strong, people-focused culture can become an unparalleled competitive advantage—regardless of whether you’re operating in the private sector or leading mission-driven work within an NGO. When I served as Head of Conservation at BirdLife International, I witnessed the transformative power of a healthy organizational culture. The projects we led brought together people from diverse backgrounds to tackle complex challenges. What made those efforts successful wasn’t just the technical expertise on hand; it was the collaborative environment we nurtured, one where every individual felt their contribution mattered. In my experience, people are the heartbeat of any organization. When I directed watershed conservatio...

Two months ago, I entered a reality I never imagined we will have to face again: enduring daily power cuts lasting 8 to 14 hours. Each evening, as the lights went out and the steady hum of appliances ceased, I was faced with a stark reality—the once abundant resources we took for granted were dwindling. Far from mere inconvenience, this was a dire wake-up call, even here in the Andes, where water is the lifeblood of the region. Throughout my years working with organizations like Rare and Birdlife International across Andean nations, I was enchanted by the region’s natural bounty. Majestic glaciers nourished rivers that carved through expansive valleys, supporting agriculture and powering hydroelectric plants. The local communities, confident in this seemingly inexhaustible water supply, often dismissed any concerns of potential shortages. Yet today, their certainty is shaken. In Ecuador, where I currently reside, a severe drought—the worst in over six decades—has crippled the nation’s ...

Detente si has escuchado esto antes: hace décadas, nuestras abuelas y madres lucharon arduamente por la igualdad. Querían las mismas oportunidades que los hombres, un trato justo en el lugar de trabajo y el derecho a opinar sobre el futuro de la sociedad. Su lucha no era para ser mejores que los hombres, sino para crear un mundo donde las mujeres tuvieran las mismas oportunidades de triunfar, ya sea en una carrera, como madres, o en ambos roles. Últimamente, he tenido conversaciones y encuentros difíciles con mujeres que se llaman a sí mismas feministas o expertas en género, y me han dejado un mal sabor de boca. La dirección que parece estar tomando este movimiento me preocupa. Como madre de dos hijos, quiero ayudar a construir una sociedad inclusiva y justa, una que no cree el tipo de desequilibrio que veo que muchas feministas radicales están promoviendo. En lugar de igualdad, estamos viendo otra cosa. El feminismo radical ha dejado a muchas de nosotras, y especialmente a las mujeres...

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: decades ago, our grandmothers and mothers fought hard for equality. Their struggle wasn’t about being better than men; it was about creating a world where women had the same opportunities—whether in a career, as mothers, or both. Recently, I’ve had difficult conversations with self-proclaimed feminists and gender experts, and it’s left me uneasy. As a mother of two boys, I am increasingly concerned about the direction this movement is heading. Instead of fostering equality, we seem to be losing balance. What once was a fight for equal opportunities now feels like a battle against men. It’s unsettling to watch the values I grew up with—collaboration, respect, and family—give way to a narrative that emphasizes conflict over cooperation. Feminism was never about choosing sides but about creating a fair world for everyone, men and women alike. In this blog, I want to share my views on gender equality and how radical feminism has created a rift, not ...