Guerrilla Fighter to Environmental Peace Activist

Shownotes

This episode's content was provided by WWF as part of the Parks & Peace project supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB). WWF is an independent conservation organization active in nearly 100 countries working to create a world where nature and people can thrive. Like all other partners of this podcast, WWF sees the need to strengthen conservation and peacebuilding efforts to ensure the long-term conservation of the world’s most biodiverse places that have been persistently affected by war. For more information on WWF visit https://www.wwf.de.

Host: Hesta Groenewald, Associate Consultant, PeaceNexus Foundation. Hesta has 20 years’ experience in conflict, peacebuilding and gender work. She has particular expertise on implementing conflict-sensitive approaches and on incorporating gender into conflict analysis and peacebuilding. She previously worked for the international peacebuilding NGO, Saferworld, in a variety of roles, including Conflict Adviser, Regional Head of Programmes and as global Head of Research and Programme Support. Currently, she is an independent consultant and Associate Consultant with the PeaceNexus Foundation, with a particular focus on conflict sensitivity, conservation and environment.

Story of: Isabela San Roque. Isabela was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and joined the former FARC guerrilla in 2004. She defines herself as a revolutionary, feminist and environmentalist. While she was a FARC militant, she spent most of her time living in the Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park and its surrounding departments. In 2016, Isabela became a signatory of the Peace Agreement in Colombia, and after demobilizing, she joined the ex-FARC political party “Comunes” and works on issues related to the environment, conflict resolution, and women's rights. She is currently a member of the Colombian National Peace Council, where she works on reconciliation and truth.

Guest: Dr. Julia Gorricho: Senior Project Manager South America, WWF Germany. Julia is a passionate Colombian anthropologist with more than 15 years of experience on biodiversity conservation; environmental governance & rights; Nature based solutions and conflict sensitive conservation. In 2015, Julia received the "Marjan-Marsh" award from King's College London (UK), for her contributions to the conservation of biodiversity in areas of armed conflict.

In making this episode we really wanted to hear stories of peace and conservation from people around the world. But time zones and internet connections were, as always, a challenge. We hope therefore that you’ll forgive us if you sometimes hear us switch from one speaker recording to another.

The graphics for this podcast were provided by Camden Edmond and Skyler Beatty - Ancient River Design ancientriverdesign.com.