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Food, Water and Biodiversity Nexus - Indigenous Knowledge & Nature-Based Solutions

Tracks
Food, Water and Biodiversity Nexus
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Speaker

Mr David Zvipore
Mel Specialist
EWMI / USAID

Strengthening Indigenous-Led Climate Adaptation Through Nature-Based Solutions in Zimbabwe

1:45 PM - 2:00 PM

Biography

David Zvipore, an expert in climate adaptation and impact measurement, has 14+ years of experience in MEAL across Africa and Asia. He integrates Indigenous knowledge, digital monitoring, and participatory research to enhance climate resilience. His expertise spans climate-smart agriculture, disaster risk management, food security, and gender-inclusive adaptation strategies.
Ms Chandapiwa Molefe
Phd Student
Botswana International University of Science and Technology

Policy opportunities for enhancing ecosystem-based climate change adaptation in rural communities of Botswana

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Biography

Chandapiwa Molefe brings over fifteen years of dedicated experience as an Environmental Scientist specializing in applied research focused on climate change, rural livelihoods, and land use/land cover change. Throughout her career and academic pursuits, Chandapiwa has worked on research initiatives aimed at understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems and human populations. Her expertise spans various areas, including sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and natural resource conservation. Chandapiwa's collaborative approach and excellent communication skills have facilitated effective engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, from local communities to governmental agencies and international organizations.
Miss Yi Bian
PhD Candidate
Griffith University

Ecological restoration as mahinga kai: policy pathways to avoiding maladaptation in regenerative tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Biography

Yi Bian is a PhD candidate in the Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith University (Australia). She holds a Master in Tourism from the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka the University of Otago (New Zealand). Her research interests focus on regenerative tourism, climate change and biodiversity. Professor James Higham is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith University (Australia), and Honorary Professor at the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka the University of Otago (New Zealand). His research addresses tourism and global environmental change. Lisa Ellis is a Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme at the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka the University of Otago (New Zealand). Her projects investigate how we can make environmental policy decisions that serve our interests in flourishing now and in the future. Brendan Mackey is a Professor and Director of the Griffith Climate Action Beacon, Griffith University (Australia). He was a Coordinating Lead Author for the 2022 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC 6th Assessment Report, Working Group II - impacts, vulnerability & adaptation.
Dr Belinda McFadgen
The Catalyst Group

Under the hood: how taking a natural capital focused, ecosystem services approach can improve the implementation of nature-based solutions for climate adaptation.

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Biography

Belinda has a background in environmental law, science, and policy. Her doctoral research focused on policy experimentation in climate adaptation, and she was a contributing scientist for the IPCC’s 2022 report on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. She has a keen interest in integrating biodiversity and adaptation goals through nature-based solutions.
Ms Di Rossiter
Co-chair
Knect

Towards a localised food system in the buller district: Mapping a pathway to a better way to feed ourselves in Aotearoa New Zealand

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM

Biography

Di is a scientist and systems thinker who works across a range of projects including climate risk, waste, food systems, biodiversity loss, and RMA planning. In her role as Co-chair of a local trust, she delivers regenerative enterprises that improve the wellbeing of her local community and the natural world. Angela is one of New Zealand’s Food System thought leaders and recognised by New Zealander of the Year Environmental Award, Federated Farmers Arable Food Champion and Cuisine Magazine. She leads Eat New Zealand, Aotearoa’s NFP food movement and co-owns a permaculture property, inspiring others to reconnect with where their food is from. Niki is an expert in sustainability and waste recovery. With a PhD in Sustainability from the University of Otago (2013), Niki has ten years’ experience working with businesses and organisations, helping them understand what a low carbon economy, resilient community, localising food or zero waste means for them.
Dr Francesca Ferlicca
Rachel L. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow
Urban School / Sciences Po

Political barriers to nature-based solutions: Implementation gaps in Latin American informal settlements

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Biography

Dr. Francesca Ferlicca, Rachel L. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow at Sciences Po Urban School, researches urban planning through sustainability and equity lenses. Her award-winning research on Buenos Aires urbanization appears in leading journals. She now leads "Nature in the City," examining climate adaptation in vulnerable urban environments.
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