News
Expert Q&A with Megan Epler Wood, Ecotourism Pioneer
Tourism is growing at a rapid pace, up to 10 percent in some countries. That’s why it’s so important to develop tourism in a way that supports local economies and conserves the natural areas that make these countries travel destinations in the first place. Megan Epler Wood, director of the International Sustainable Tourism Initiative at Harvard’s Center for Heath and the Global Environment, joined Rachel’s Network members for a discussion on how to manage tourism for the the protection of natural areas and communities worldwide.
Rachel’s Network Visits Patagonia, Arizona
“Preposterously beautiful.” That’s how novelist Jim Harrison once described Patagonia, Arizona, a town on the edge of the Sonoran Desert. Rachel’s Network members confirmed this view on a recent trip to the Sky Island region where they learned about local efforts to preserve this unique and biodiverse landscape. The trip was led by local Rachel’s Network Member Diana Hadley who supports a number of conservation programs on both sides of the US-Mexico border and possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the area.
2014 Annual Report
Sometimes we simply need a role model to show us that change is possible. For the women of Rachel’s Network, these “champions of change” are abundant. Their peers are leading campaigns to protect threatened wildlife and promote renewable energy, producing documentary films, filing shareholder resolutions in the name of sustainability at major companies, and helping keep the lights on with their general operating support. Read on to discover the many other ways we supported a sustainable future, women’s leadership, and philanthropy in 2014.
Building an Inclusive Environmental Movement
It’s well-documented that women and people of color are underrepresented in the leadership of large environmental groups. A number of environmental NGOs and foundations are taking steps to address the problem by pledging to submit their diversity data through Green 2.0. In light of this project, we reached out to Rachel’s Network Liaisons, women CEOs of major environmental nonprofits, to ask them about their own organizations’ diversity initiatives.
Leaving a Legacy of Ecotourism in Costa Rica
“No matter how you cut it, a rainforest left standing is worth more.” That’s the motto of the ecolodge Lapa Rios, a 1,000-acre preserve and resort that’s become a model for ecotourism in Costa Rica. Co-founder Karen Lewis shares her vision for the lodge, and her plans to keep it thriving into the future.
Expert Q&A with Marissa Brown on Money in Politics
Marissa Brown, Executive Director for the Democracy Initiative, joined members of Rachel’s Network to talk about her work to combat money’s influence on government. We asked Marissa to elaborate on the movement’s recent victories and how the environmental community and funders can get involved.
Fellow Janelle Orsi Helps Sharing Economy Take Flight
People’s thirst for alternatives to our current economic system has propelled Rachel’s Network & Ashoka Fellow Janelle Orsi into the spotlight. Through her nonprofit, the Sustainable Economies Law Center, Janelle’s developing legal infrastructure that supports this new economy. Here’s what she’s been up to over the last year.
Funders Go Fossil Free
It’s no great surprise that funders have taken up the fossil fuel divestment cause. For many, unloading these stocks and investing in positive social and environmental projects goes hand-in-hand with good grantmaking. As environmental funders, a number of Rachel’s Network members have made a commitment to divest from fossil fuels, both personally and through the foundations they direct. As we celebrate Global Divestment Day, they offer tips for those ready to move their money.
Standing with Elephants by Diane Brinkmann
In her travels across Africa over the last decade, Diane Brinkmann has come to deeply appreciate and love elephants. Here she shares her experiences at an elephant camp in the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya with Elephant Watch, and the dire need to protect these magnificent creatures from illegal wildlife trafficking.
Advisor Debbie Walsh Receives Leadership Honor
Rachel’s Network Advisor Debbie Walsh is among the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century recognized by Women’s eNews. The publication cites Walsh for her commitment to “changing the gender profile of those running for office and pushing for more women in every level of government.”