~Labour of Love~
Policy Work
In April 2025, I was selected by the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface Secretariat to join 35 other scientists to ensure the delivery of policy-relevant information, knowledge, and advice to support the implementation of the Convention is accomplished.
The UNCCD Science-Policy Interface (SPI) comprises globally selected independent scientists, regionally nominated independent scientists, policymakers (CST bureau members), and observers.
The CST Bureau selects members for the SPI through an open application process. As an appointed independent scientist and Indigenous scholar, I aim to highlight the importance of Indigenous knowledge and ensure its inclusion in policymaking, particularly in the upcoming Global Land Outlook 2025-2026 report.
I am a nominated ILK Taskforce member. This vital initiative carries a mandate from 2024 to 2028, aimed at integrating Indigenous and local knowledge into biodiversity and ecosystem services decision-making processes.
This event was held in Parma, Italy in September 2019, convened practitioners, international experts, government representatives, IGOs, and NGOs to explore innovative pathways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through panel discussions.
International Community Service: as an expert consultant on the report of the FAO High-Level Panel of Food and Agricultural Organization (HLP FAO) of the UN entitled “Promoting youth engagement and employment in agriculture and food systems”.
Held at the UN’s headquarters in New York City in 2019. The international expert group meeting was also attended by observers from Member States and the specialized agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations system, other intergovernmental organizations, indigenous peoples’ organizations and non-governmental organizations.
Lead Author in the report on the “diverse values and valuation of nature” of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
International Community Service: as an expert consultant on the report of the FAO High-Level Panel of Food and Agricultural Organization (HLP FAO) of the UN entitled “Reducing Inequalities in Food Security and Nutrition”.