To mark the launch of the Mentoring Programme, the TGBS Brazil Hub hosted a new episode of the “Improving Biodiversity Outcomes” webinar series on January 15th, titled “Functional Ecosystems: Building Habitats Beyond Vegetation.”
“The question is not whether we will restore, but if we will restore with ecological logic.”
This powerful statement from Felipe Feliciani set the tone for the discussion, moderated by Luiz Baqueiro from the TGBS Brazil Hub.
The session brought together three critical perspectives — Conservation Science, Impact Investment, and Methodology — to discuss the future of functional ecosystems. If you missed the live session, here are the key takeaways for the global community:
- From Green to Functional: Felipe Feliciani (WWF Brasil) warned against creating isolated patches of vegetation. The goal must be “Ecological Logic” — rebuilding landscapes that allow for gene flow and ensure genuine connectivity.
- The Social License: Antonia Burchard (Ecosia) revealed that for investors, safety lies in community ownership. Projects fail when locals are bystanders; they succeed when the community thrives economically from the standing forest.
- The Roadmap, Not the Stamp: Dr. David Bartholomew (TGBS) explained that TGBS is more than a certification “stamp” — it is a roadmap for improvement. It helps project leaders identify gaps in their ecosystem design, emphasizing that it takes a trained human eye — “boots on the ground” — to assess the true health of an ecosystem.
It was a masterclass on how to align high-quality projects with international market demands.
To bridge this skills gap, the Brazil Hub officially launched the TGBS Mentoring Programme, designed to train restoration practitioners to meet these rigorous standards.
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