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.