Lessons from a decade in business: In conversation with Meriem Bouamrane of UNESCO

DESCRIPTION:

In the latest episode in our series celebrating a decade of business at Within People, Jeff Melnyk reconnects with Meriem Bouamrane, an environmental economist and Senior Advisor for Nature-Based Solutions Partnerships at UNESCO. Together, they discuss her transformative work with UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Program and her personal journey as a leader in sustainability. From their shared experiences in the field to stories of resilience, connection, and shared purpose, Meriem shares powerful insights on vulnerability, the importance of community, and the value of leading with authenticity. Tune in to learn about the power of storytelling in environmental work, the evolution of sustainability, and Meriem's hopes for the next generation of leaders.

SHOW NOTES:

Fostering Global Sustainability Through Storytelling and Leadership

In this podcast episode, host Jeff interviews Meriam, an expert in environmental economics and a long-time advocate for the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program (MAB). They discuss their initial meeting in Sweden, collaborations around the world, and the transformational impact of the MAB program on promoting sustainable development. Meriam shares her career journey, starting from her field research in agroforestry in Indonesia, to her significant contributions within UNESCO. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and communication in engaging stakeholders and highlights the evolving awareness and actions towards sustainability. The conversation also explores our 8 Essential qualities for 21 century leadership, the significance of vulnerability and authenticity, and the shift in global consciousness regarding environmental issues. Meriam reflects on her future aspirations, focusing on personal growth and continuing her commitment to sustainability through local actions like permaculture.

KEYWORDS:

UNESCO, Man and Biosphere Program, sustainability leadership, biodiversity, environmental advocacy, ecosystem preservation, global community, storytelling, purpose-driven leadership, human connection, cross-cultural collaboration, hope, resilience, vulnerability, authenticity, empowerment, sustainability evolution, climate action, positive impact, legacy, shared purpose

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Insights on how vulnerability and authenticity shape impactful leadership
• The evolution of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program and its role in global sustainability
• How storytelling bridges scientific data with public engagement to drive environmental change
• Shifting narratives in sustainability to bring a broader audience into the conversation
• Leadership lessons on staying hopeful and resilient amid challenges
• Meriem’s reflections on cultivating purpose-driven connections within communities worldwide
• Inspiring future leaders to make positive contributions to the planet through shared values

TAKEAWAYS

• Vulnerability as Strength: Meriem emphasizes that showing vulnerability as a leader can build trust, foster connection, and encourage a culture of openness and authenticity.
• Storytelling as a Tool for Change: Meriem and Jeff reflect on the importance of translating scientific knowledge into relatable stories that engage and empower communities to take action on biodiversity and sustainability.
• Sustainability’s Expanding Reach: Over her career, Meriem has seen sustainability discussions move from scientists and activists to include business leaders, finance professionals, and a global audience—creating a wider commitment to environmental action.
• Creating Global Connection through Shared Values: The Man and Biosphere Program unites diverse ecosystems and cultures under a shared purpose of protecting the planet, showing that common values can bridge differences and foster collaboration.
• Hope and Positivity as Drivers of Action: Rather than focusing solely on the urgency of environmental crises, Meriem advocates for an approach that highlights positive solutions and models for change, inspiring a hopeful outlook.
• Embracing a Non-Hierarchical Leadership Approach: By stepping away from conventional power dynamics, Meriem has fostered a collaborative and respectful atmosphere, empowering communities to share their knowledge and experiences freely.
• A Vision for Lasting Change: Meriem believes that true leadership comes from empowering individuals to make choices that align with their values, contributing to a legacy of kindness, respect, and care for each other and the earth.

Meriem Bouamrane Bio:

Meriem Bouamrane is an environmental economist and Senior Advisor for Nature-Based Solutions Partnerships at UNESCO, where she focuses on developing cross-sectoral partnerships to advance climate action and biodiversity conservation. She manages relationships with key partners, including LVMH. Previously, she served as Chief of Section for research and policy on biodiversity within UNESCO's Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, as part of the MAB Programme, where she worked since 2001. She also coordinated the EuroMAB Network, the oldest and largest network in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, and led research and training programs on biodiversity access and use, participatory approaches, and collaboration, using biosphere reserves as research and demonstration sites. She has organized numerous workshops applying various participatory techniques and tools and was involved in research programs focused on socio-ecological system resilience. She served as UNESCO's focal point for IPBES and biodiversity and was a member of the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC).