In this episode, we are joined by National Geographic Explorer and political scientist KM Reyes, whose passion for conservation by respecting Indigenous land rights contributed to the protection of a vast area of critical habitat on the stunningly biodiverse Palawan Island in the Philippines. KM’s story is one of self-discovery through global exploration, where the experience of being lost and unsure of her place in the world took her on an unmapped journey that led her to find clarity of purpose and a sense of belonging.

In KM’s We As Nature story, she shares:

• The impact of growing up as a first-generation Australian, born to Filipino parents.
• How the question ‘What am I?’ sparked a journey of connection to herself through Yoga, and marked the beginning of her connection to the natural world.
• The decision to drop out of university and embark on a global adventure.
• How learning multiple languages opened up doors to connect with other cultures and paved the way for her career to unfold.
• The realisations gleaned from time spent working with communities affected by narco-trafficking in Latin America.
• From human rights to environmental rights and how working with people led to working with the planet.
• The experience of both exclusion and inclusion based on her racial identity.
• How she returned to her roots and found a place of belonging on Palawan Island, the Philippines.

Find out more about KM’s work:

• The Centre For Sustainability PH
• KM Reyes on Twitter and Instagram
• 30 x 30 South-East Asia

Credits
Creative Producer & Host: Nathalie Joel-Smith on behalf of Flourishing Diversity
Music Composer and Sound Producer: Dom Martin
Live Event Production: Katy Molloy, Laura Tyley & Andrea Langlois
Illustrations: Rohama Malik

About Flourishing Diversity
We As Nature was recorded during an online gathering hosted by Flourishing Diversity.

Flourishing Diversity nurtures the human capacity to respect and uphold vibrant cultures and flourishing ecosystems. The events we produce, the narratives we amplify and the relationships we nurture seek to strengthen existing and emerging restorative cultures by supporting people to protect and deeply connect with the land on which they dwell and the multi-species communities they share these spaces with.

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