Dr. Surya Deva, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development is using his position to advance a planet-centered, participatory approach to development that, “prioritizes ecological sustainability and human participation, moving away from anthropocentric, growth-focused models.” How well is his message being received? What countries are buying it? And how might this novel interpretation of the right to development help us reach the aspirations of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?

Businesses and banks are leaving net-zero alliances and governments are walking back sustainability disclosure requirements. Are we in a "sustainability recession"? In this episode of the Nature Pledge, we speak to Eva Zabey, CEO of Business for Nature, about how the Asia-Pacific business community is reacting in these uncertain times. Eva challenges sustainability professionals to think of this period as an opportunity to take stock, reset and consider changes in our approach to business and finance. She offers a pathway forward and concludes with an inspired view of the value, economic and, policy and practice shifts necessary to reach our nature-positive future.

In this special episode of the Nature Pledge, we journey to Papua New Guinea, a nation of unparalleled natural richness and enormous economic potential. From the capital of Port Moresby to the remote, vibrant islands off the coast of West New Britain, we talk to policy makers, civil society actors and local communities to understand the impacts of economic growth and demographic pressures on nature. How might we fairly negotiate our interests in nature protection, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods to provide for all? What lessons might be applied to other middle-income settings, rich in biodiversity and ambition?