María Inés Miranda
Creative Director at Wise Women
Trustee at TreeSisters
When we think about the Earth, we often imagine its vastness—forests that stretch beyond the horizon, rivers carving pathways through mountains, and the countless species that call these places home. But as the recent COP16 on biodiversity reminds us, this vision of abundance is becoming fragile. Yet, within this fragility lies our greatest opportunity: a chance to unite as a global family to protect and heal our home.
At COP16, held in Cali, Colombia, the spirit of collaboration filled the air. The "COP of the People" was a meeting of politicians and scientists and a convergence of voices—Indigenous communities, young activists, and women leaders all shared the stage. It was a celebration of Nature’s wonders and a sober acknowledgement of the work ahead.
One highlight of this COP was the leadership of women. Their stories revealed an inherent connection to the Earth rooted in compassion and resilience. These women are weaving a vision of conservation that includes everyone, ensuring the wellbeing of both Nature and humanity.
Similar to the more familiar carbon credits, biodiversity credits emerged as a significant and controversial topic. This bold concept assigns economic value to preserving ecosystems, potentially transforming conservation into viable investments and directing much-needed resources to biodiversity-rich regions like Latin America.
However, this approach raises ethical questions. At TreeSisters, we strongly question the commodification of Nature. We believe the intrinsic value of the natural world cannot—and should not—be reduced to a monetary figure. Nature is a sacred, interconnected force that sustains all life.
Until further clarity and safeguards emerge, we are cautious about additional measures that risk treating Nature as a commodity rather than a living, breathing system that demands respect and care. We will remain open, watch closely, and listen to our partners to determine if this approach truly supports ethical restoration.
Despite the progress made, challenges loom large. Experts spoke of a $700 billion annual funding gap for global biodiversity—a sobering figure. Yet, as daunting as this may seem, it is also a rallying cry. We don’t have to fix everything overnight, but we must begin.
In the heart of this global movement lies an essential truth: every single one of us has a role to play. Whether planting trees in our communities, supporting organisations like TreeSisters, or simply rethinking our daily choices, these small acts ripple outward, creating waves of change.
To my fellow treesisters around the world, this is where we come in. Let’s take inspiration from these global efforts and bring it to our daily lives. By planting a tree, supporting education, or amplifying voices advocating for change, we embody the hope and resilience our planet needs. Together, we can move closer to the vision of "living in harmony with Nature" by 2050.
The Earth is calling. Will we answer?
María Inés Miranda is a Trustee on the Board of TreeSisters. She is Co-founder and Executive Director of Wise Women Network, and trained as a Business Director for the Board of Women Program of the IDB, Inter-American Development Bank. She attended COP16 in her role as founder of Innovature Global.
