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In this episode, I’m joined by Florent Kaiser, CEO of Global Forest Generation and co-lead of Acción Andina, winner of the 2023 Earthshot Prize. Florent shares how a grassroots movement born in the Peruvian Andes has evolved into a six-country restoration effort—reviving the world’s highest forests by combining Indigenous principles of Ayni (reciprocity) and Minka (collective service) with modern science, technology, and climate finance.
We explore what authentic community engagement looks like in practice, how to balance trust and expectations in long-term partnerships, and why forest restoration must begin by listening—to people, to landscapes, and to water.
Florent also outlines the next phase of Acción Andina’s mission: linking forest restoration and water security to attract new forms of capital, and inviting investors to build relationships rooted in dignity, co-ownership, and respect.
Seeing tens of thousands of people planting trees together isn’t just ecological restoration — it’s an act of hope. It reminds us that working with nature unites us beyond economics or politics.
Chapters
[00:00] Welcome & introduction – Shauna Matkovich and Florent Kaiser (Global Forest Generation / Acción Andina)
[01:00] From childhood curiosity to creating a global forest movement
[03:00] Founding Acción Andina and Global Forest Generation
[07:30] How Indigenous principles of Ayni and Minka guide restoration
[12:30] What real community leadership and engagement look like
[17:00] Winning the Earthshot Prize and what it means for restoration
[21:30] Building trust and managing expectations with local partners
[33:00] Linking forest restoration with water security and long-term finance
[49:00] Blending ancient wisdom with modern tools and innovation
[54:00] Advice for investors: visit, listen, and invest in relationships
Production team
Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Sound library
Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.