As the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 16.2) resumes this week in Rome, Italy, one critical question takes center stage: Who needs the skills to connect, facilitate, and implement solutions for climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality — and how can these solutions be scaled across sectors and societies? 

Recently, the Wyss Academy for Nature explored this question through the lens of "telecoupling brokers" in Southeast Asia — individuals who bridge science, policy, and society. They tackle not only ecological challenges but also navigate social fragmentation and inequality, offering practical insights for building inclusive, evidence-based solutions that empower Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.  

Led by Dr. Van Thi Hai Nguyen and Prof. Dr. Margaret Owuor from the Transformative Integrative Biodiversity Conservation research team, the report is the result of a collaboration with NTFP-EP Asia and 44 representatives from eight ASEAN countries at the ASEAN CSO Forum.