Episode 1 - 30x30: Can Southeast Asia Balance Economic Growth and Nature Conservation?

Economic recovery following COVID-19 has been uneven in SE Asia. Countries face rising joblessness, household debt, and pressures on export industries. Some argue for reduced business regulations—including environmental safeguards—to attract investment. Yet, elsewhere, business leaders recognize that nature loss is the second biggest risk to the global economy, second only to climate change. In this context, where do we place the ambitions of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and its 30x30 target—a global call to conserve 30% of land and sea? In this episode, we sit down with Vivi Siriporn, founder of the 30x30 Thailand Coalition, a citizen-led initiative pushing for biodiversity protection in Thailand. Vivi works with businesses, government, and stakeholders to bring the GBF to life. Is it time to re-engineer our economies to prioritize nature? Or does conservation come at too high a cost for economic recovery? Join us as we explore the future of nature-positive economic growth in Southeast Asia.