The Villars Institute’s Post

2023 in review. Looking back at some of the most outstanding #ConservationOptimism stories of past year.

I urge all those within my network to heed this urgent call: 1- To those championing climate change action by opting for trains over airplanes, adopting a vegetarian lifestyle to protect animals, and advocating against deforestation. 2- To those advocating for democracy, nurturing their children's critical thinking skills, autonomy, and civic responsibility. 3- To those vocal about human rights and equality, actively supporting women's, children's, and minorities' rights. 4- To those decrying oppression and inequality faced by people of color, confronting the shameful legacy of colonialism and its enduring repercussions. 5- To those advocating for peace and unity in society, rejecting division and strife. If you recognize yourself in any of the descriptions above, it's time for some serious reflection. Your actions—or lack thereof—have consequences. It's not enough to simply talk the talk; you need to walk the walk. Saving human lives and protecting animal welfare isn't just a nice idea—it's your responsibility. Demand real democracy from your government; don't stand by while they turn a blind eye to injustice. If you truly believe in human rights, then start acting like it—every life matters, regardless of who they are or where they come from. And if you're serious about peace, then you need to confront the uncomfortable truths behind conflict and push for real just change. It's time to step up, take accountability, and make a difference. If you resonate with this message, it's time to translate words into action. Join the national demonstration on Saturday, February 17th, at 13:30 in Dam Square, Amsterdam. Together, let's raise our voices to save the 1.4 million people squeezed in the cramped confines of Rafah, an area less than a quarter the size of Amsterdam!

History shows that powerful grassroots organizing has been a vital lever of major social change—from decolonization to civil rights to the environmental movements. Yet today, grassroots efforts often remain underfunded and overlooked. This missed opportunity is tremendous: Effective grassroots organizations and movements around the world inspire and enable local action to protect communities’ rights to water, soil, air, seeds, food, forests, livestock, and land. Grassroots solutions to climate change come from working directly with families and communities as they cope with climate chaos. As a result, these solutions embody an approach that addresses environmental, economic, and social issues simultaneously, recognizing the wholeness of people’s lives. Thus, grassroots solutions also address the root causes of climate change, including loss of land, territory, and resource rights, as well as the expansion of industrial agricultural systems, mega-dams, and fossil fuel extraction. When movements are born of organizing strategies that include people across borders and boundaries, they can spark broad, comprehensive social change powerful enough to address the greatest challenge of our age—climate change. https://lnkd.in/epeRsPZF

"With the right mix of trust, data science, community engagement, and public interest, data can be used in a way that sincerely enables ecological safekeeping, especially benefiting communities that endure the most burdens... and that just happen to benefit everyone else, too." How do I create for-profit, non-profit, and government alliances? How should partners approach community-driven, place-based design? How do I build the intellectual, financial, and personnel capacity I need to engage with communities in a way that's non-extractive? Check out this short story I wrote about LivZero's collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation and Greenlink Analytics! https://lnkd.in/gm8pppax

Are you tapping into the potential of #NatureBasedSolutions? 🚰 Black & Veatch's #Community & Ecosystems Solutions Lead Laura Adams outlines the benefits of, and funding for, nature-based solutions to solve water challenges in the face of #ClimateChange. Read her thoughts via National League of Cities. 👇💭

Reducing food waste is such an important topic! Check this interesting program out, I will be there too

Looking forward to listening to this one, beautiful words about the importance of all people from all works of life by Kathryn Machin!

History shows that powerful grassroots organizing has been a vital lever of major social change—from decolonization to civil rights to the environmental movements. Yet today, grassroots efforts often remain underfunded and overlooked. This missed opportunity is tremendous: Effective grassroots organizations and movements around the world inspire and enable local action to protect communities’ rights to water, soil, air, seeds, food, forests, livestock, and land. Grassroots solutions to climate change come from working directly with families and communities as they cope with climate chaos. As a result, these solutions embody an approach that addresses environmental, economic, and social issues simultaneously, recognizing the wholeness of people’s lives. Thus, grassroots solutions also address the root causes of climate change, including loss of land, territory, and resource rights, as well as the expansion of industrial agricultural systems, mega-dams, and fossil fuel extraction. When movements are born of organizing strategies that include people across borders and boundaries, they can spark broad, comprehensive social change powerful enough to address the greatest challenge of our age—climate change. https://lnkd.in/epeRsPZF

Every year, SouthCol Advisors works with clients to publish an Annual Stewardship Report. In addition to financial performance, the Stewardship Report helps clients understand the measurable impact of their portfolio. Thanks to partners including Envestnet, Inc and Breckinridge Capital Advisors, we can help clients quantify how their investments help amplify their work and their mission. SouthCol measures impact in five categories: Climate, Community, Conservation, Diversity, and Wellness.   If you would like a copy of the Annual Stewardship Report or are interested in learning more about how your institution’s portfolio can be invested to support its mission, please contact James W. Lumberg or Jeanne Elliott Enright.   #EmpoweringPortfolios #MissionInvesting #IMPACTInvesting #PowerYourMission #StewardshipReport #BCorp #CEFEXCertified

During my run yesterday, I was reflecting on last week's Conservation Land Foundation's Friends Summit. This wasn't merely an event; it was a reunion of passionate leaders united by a cause that stretches far beyond the confines of conference rooms and PowerPoint presentations. At its core, it's a celebration of what happens when we dare to imagine—and strive for—a world where nature isn’t just a backdrop to our daily lives but a vital, thriving part of it. “Protect What Matters”. Honestly, could there be a more timely call to arms? To protect what matters, we need all hands on deck — from policymakers to grassroots activists, from corporations to individual citizens. The path ahead is as daunting as it is necessary, but together, there’s no challenge we can’t overcome. Here’s to the next chapter in our journey. May it be one of bold actions, deeper connections, and unwavering dedication to the cause that has brought us together. Let’s keep the conversation going, lean into the discomfort, and, most importantly, never lose sight of the fact that we’re fighting not just for the world as it is, but for the world as it could be. #ConservationLandsFoundation