Environmental Anthropologist in Rural Development w/ Diane Russell

On this episode of AnthroPuzzled, I speak with Diane Russell, an ecological and environmental anthropologist working in international conservation, climate change, and natural resource management. Diane focuses on the social factors that shape how communities understand and interact with biodiversity. Her work shows how anthropology can illuminate the drivers of environmental challenges and help design conservation strategies that are both effective and culturally grounded. She shares insights from her global fieldwork, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Philippines, Fiji, Jamaica, and Cameroon, where she collaborates with communities navigating complex environmental and economic realities. Her approach emphasizes balancing local needs with broader conservation goals. Listen in to explore biodiversity and climate issues through an anthropological lens.