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?

In this episode of The Nature Pledge, we explore the burgeoning world of biodiversity credits, or ‘biocredits,’ a potentially powerful tool for incentivizing nature conservation and restoration.

As demand for biocredits grows in interest among private investors, individuals, and governments in the region, so do critical questions and concerns. Can we put a value on nature without risking its exploitation and exacerbating inequalities? Are biocredits susceptible to greenwashing, and how can we accurately measure and verify biodiversity gains? To navigate these complex issues, we hear from Manesh Lacoul, the Global Coordinator for the Biodiversity Credit Alliance. Drawing on his expertise, Manesh clarifies what biocredits are, why they matter, and the importance of integrity in their issuance.

In this episode, we explore the impact of corporate lobbying on human rights and nature with Tulika Bansal, a well-known business and human rights expert in our region. Tulika draws on decades of experience, including her work at the Danish Institute for Human Rights, to reveal how corporate influence has weakened or “simplified” sustainability accountability and reporting initiatives. From the Bhopal disaster to modern seafood industry practices in Asia and the Pacific, Tulika shares powerful stories of resilience, while looking over the horizon at the challenges to come.

The mood in the hallways of the UN Convention Center in Bangkok is both unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Stakeholders gathered here are troubled by what they see as a sudden and definitive drop in support for sustainable development, including climate action.

Recent political developments outside of Asia and the Pacific may be driving the prevailing sentiment. Still, where does that leave the sustainability agenda here in the region? Where do we find new sources of commitment and support? And what consequences might there be for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?

Elisa Morgera, the UN Special rapporteur on climate change and human rights, joins The Nature Pledge podcast to help us navigate the current landscape of hope and uncertainty, while covering other topics too, including the overlooked role of Nature-based Solutions to solving our climate crisis.

Government funding for biodiversity in Asia and the Pacific is a mixed picture. While countries like Australia, China, and India have increased investments, the region still faces a staggering $100–150 billion annual biodiversity financing gap. With economic stagnation, rising debt, and competing priorities like public health and education, where does nature fit into government agendas?

One potential solution lies in women’s leadership. Studies show that when women lead conservation efforts, success rates improve—boosting solidarity, rule compliance, and ecosystem regeneration. Could greater investment in women be the key to bridging the biodiversity funding gap, especially as conservation budgets remain stagnant? And what barriers still prevent women from taking leadership roles in this fight?

To explore this, we’re joined by Mrinalini Rai, director of Women for Biodiversity and a globally recognized advocate for gender equality, conservation, and Indigenous rights. She shares insights on how empowering women can drive better biodiversity outcomes and what’s at stake if we fail to act.

Economic recovery following COVID-19 has been uneven in SE Asia. Countries face rising joblessness, household debt, and pressures on export industries. Some argue for reduced business regulations—including environmental safeguards—to attract investment. Yet, elsewhere, business leaders recognize that nature loss is the second biggest risk to the global economy, second only to climate change. In this context, where do we place the ambitions of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and its 30x30 target—a global call to conserve 30% of land and sea?

In this episode, we sit down with Vivi Siriporn, founder of the 30x30 Thailand Coalition, a citizen-led initiative pushing for biodiversity protection in Thailand. Vivi works with businesses, government, and stakeholders to bring the GBF to life. Is it time to re-engineer our economies to prioritize nature? Or does conservation come at too high a cost for economic recovery?

Join us as we explore the future of nature-positive economic growth in Southeast Asia.