Episodes

  • Forests: reasons to be hopeful with Marie-Noëlle Keijzer

    Forests: reasons to be hopeful with Marie-Noëlle Keijzer
    Jan 26 2026
    What does it really take to restore ecosystems at scale, beyond planting trees? In this episode of Beyond the Canopy, we sit down with Marie-Noëlle Keijzer, CEO of WeForest, to talk honestly about the realities of ecosystem restoration. From restoring more than 80,000 hectares to planting over 100 million trees, WeForest’s work reaches far beyond forests, it supports livelihoods, strengthens communities, and builds long-term resilience for people and nature alike. Together, we explore what works (and what doesn’t) in large-scale restoration, why community leadership is essential, and how science, transparency, and integrity are non-negotiable if we want restoration to deliver real, lasting impact. We also discuss the growing role of corporate partnerships and how to make sure they truly support ecosystems rather than just good intentions. Whether you’re working in conservation, sustainability, impact investing, or simply curious about how restoration really happens on the ground, this conversation offers grounded insights and hopeful perspectives. Hit subscribe, join the conversation, and let's grow a movement beyond the canopy.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Tim Christophersen: We're in a Toxic Relationship with Nature

    Tim Christophersen: We're in a Toxic Relationship with Nature
    Nov 20 2025
    Welcome to Beyond the Canopy — the podcast by OpenForests, where nature takes center stage. In this episode, host Alexander talks with Tim Christophersen, Vice President of Climate Action at Salesforce and former UN Environment Expert, about his groundbreaking book "Generation Restoration: How to Fix Our Relationship with Mother Nature". Tim, a key architect of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, shares his journey from UN diplomat to corporate climate leader. Discover why he argues the climate crisis is fundamentally a relationship crisis with nature, and how we can cultivate "conditional optimism" to drive action. This is essential listening for anyone interested in building a more resilient relationship with the planet.
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • The "Fake" Rainforest that pays for itself

    The "Fake" Rainforest that pays for itself
    Sep 16 2025
    In this episode , our host Alexander Watson is joined by Andreas Eke, co-founder of The Generation Forest, a pioneer in tropical forestry with over 30 years of experience. Join us as we explore what makes a high-quality reforestation project. Andreas reveals how they've developed a unique model that blends ecological sustainability with economic viability, creating productive, biodiverse, and resilient forests. He discusses the concept of "engineered naturalness" and how their approach challenges traditional forestry methods.
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Ecosia's CIRCULAR Funding

    Ecosia's CIRCULAR Funding
    Sep 16 2025
    In this episode, Alexander Watson (Founder & CEO, OpenForests) sits down with Mathias Perobelli Schmidt, Agroforestry Investment Specialist at Ecosia, to unpack the concept of Circular Funding—a regenerative finance model that recycles returns into tree-planting, agroforestry, and forest conservation rather than paying dividends. We explore outcome-based loans, how biodiversity and social impact de-risk projects, and real investments across Latin America. Hit subscribe, join the conversation, and let's grow a movement Beyond the Canopy.
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Beyond the Canopy Trailer

    Beyond the Canopy Trailer
    Sep 11 2025
    Welcome to Beyond the Canopy — the podcast by OpenForests, where nature takes center stage. From climate finance to forest technologies, from policies to on-the-ground impact — we bring you bold conversations with those shaping the future of nature restoration and conservation.
    Show More Show Less
    1 min
  • Commonland’s 4Returns Funding Approach

    Commonland’s 4Returns Funding Approach
    Aug 20 2025
    In this episode, Alexander Watson (Founder & CEO, OpenForests) sits down with Alejandro Diaz, Landscape Finance Manager at Commoland, to discuss how to unlock substantial fundings for large scale landscape restoration and scape from a project view to a more holistic approach and we'll dive into their 4Returns Funding Approach.
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • What makes a GOOD Carbon Project

    What makes a GOOD Carbon Project
    Jul 10 2025
    In this episode, Alexander Watson (Founder & CEO, OpenForests) sits down with Michael Rumberg, Managing Director at Volkswagen ClimatePartner, to answer a critical question: What makes a forest carbon project truly high-quality? You’ll discover: 🌳 What defines real impact — from increasing carbon stocks and biodiversity to earning community trust 🚩 How to spot red flags and manage project risks 🤝 Why long-term success depends on transparency, co-development, and aligning diverse stakeholder interests ⚖️ How to balance carbon goals with social outcomes 📈 Insights into the future of biodiversity, MRV, and carbon markets Dive into the evolving carbon markets, the challenges of biodiversity measurement, and Michael's personal drive to channel private finance into nature-based solutions. A must-listen for anyone keen on ecosystem restoration, impact investing, and the future of carbon credits! Hit subscribe, join the conversation, and let's grow a movement beyond the canopy. #ForestCarbon #NatureBasedSolutions #ImpactInvesting #EcosystemRestoration #ClimateAction #CarbonOffsets #SustainableForestry #ESGInvestment #Biodiversité #Podcast #BeyondtheCanopy
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Coffee and geo-transparency with Breece Robertson

    Coffee and geo-transparency with Breece Robertson
    Nov 22 2023

    We guarantee an informal yet highly interesting talk for your morning, afternoon, or evening coffee (or tea if that's your kind of cup).

    Breece has a lot of exciting stories to tell!

    Breece Robertson has more than 20 years of experience leading collaborative and strategic initiatives that leverage geospatial technologies for land, water, equity, and climate issues. She is a master of community-driven GIS approaches for strategic land protection.

    Breece currently holds the position of Director of Impact Assessment and Monitoring at One Tree Planted, a global environmental restoration and reforestation organization. She is the author of the book "Protecting the Places We Love: Conservation Strategies for Entrusted Lands and Parks":

    From 2001 - 2019, Breece led GIS, research, and planning teams at The Trust for Public Land that protected 3,000+ places and saved 2+ million acres of land, while serving over 9 million people.

    Esri, the world’s leader in geographic information system (GIS) technology, has honored Breece twice for innovation in helping communities meet park and conservation goals. In 2006, she was awarded the Esri Special Achievement in GIS award, and in 2012, the “Making a Difference” award.

    Breece loves exploring remote Southwest canyons, hiking tall mountains, foraging for mushrooms, snorkeling with marine life, and playing the mandolin. She has two awesome pups and a wonderful partner.

    Meet her this November by adding the coffee and geo-transparency talk in your calendar and see you soon!

    More about Breece Robertson

    More about explorer.land

    Episode image: Photo by Explore with Joshua
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins