SUGi Talks

In this episode of SUGi Talks, we hosted an in-depth conversation with leading voice in regenerative health and ecology, Zach Bush, on the topic of human health, biodiversity, and why reconnecting with Nature is essential to our collective well-being.Together, we explored the profound interconnectedness between human biology and living systems, and examined the science linking biodiversity loss, soil depletion, and the rise of chronic disease. Drawing from clinical research and ecological insight, Zach shared bold ideas and practical pathways for restoring health by regenerating the natural systems that sustain us.From rewilding urban spaces and rebuilding microbial diversity to addressing the root causes of modern illness, we looked at how ecology, community action, and a renewed relationship with the living world can reshape our cities—and redefine what it truly means to thrive.

In September 2025, we hosted an in-depth conversation with leading experts in ecology, urban greening, and community development on the topic of Biodiversity & Belonging and why Wild Urban Spaces Matter for our health and well-being.Together with internationally recognised author of The Nature of Our Cities, Dr. Nadina Galle; founder of Nowadays on Earth, Kalpana Alejandra Arias; and our own SUGi UK Forest Lead, Adrian Wong, we explored bold ideas and real-world solutions for transforming urban life with wild, biodiverse Nature.From building climate resilience and restoring lost biodiversity to addressing the mental health crisis in our cities, we looked at how community action, science, and Nature can unite to reshape what cities can become—and how we can better work together to make it happen.

Our SUGi Forest Maker Brett Krause grew up on a sawmill in Northern Queensland. Witnessing deforestation and the destruction of habitats, he was inspired to be part of the solution. Upon discovering the Miyawaki Method of creating rapid-growth biodiverse native forests, Brett set about on a mission to restore habitat for endangered species, like the extraordinary Cassowary and the Mahogany Glider.Since 2014, and with our support, he’s been establishing biodiversity corridors in farm-degraded rural areas.In this episode of SUGi Talks, we’ll speak about how he went from growing up on a sawmill witnessing deforestation, to now leading the way on Miyawaki Forest building in Northern Queensland.

Since the Enlightenment public space has served a pivotal role in the exchange of ideas, the cultivation of national identity, and the integration of communities. In Beirut however, money-hungry privatisation and hostile policies have left much of its public spaces dwindling. In 2019, in a demand for change protestors reclaimed Beirut’s historical public space, Martyrs' Square.During the revolution, environmental architect and one of our first SUGi Forest Makers, Adib Dada was in the 2nd phase of his RiverLESS SUGi Pocket Forest, a project designed to help regenerate the Beirut River, and reclaim it as a public space. After a protest at Martyrs’ Square, he took people directly from the streets and brought them to plant trees on the banks of the Beirut River. 

Amman, Jordan is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, and the ongoing desertification of the region continues to threaten its resources. Our SUGi Forest Maker Deema Assaf watched her hometown of Amman become almost unrecognisable as urbanisation swept through its landscapes.Understanding the cost of losing so much Nature she trained to become a Forest Maker and in 2018 she planted the first Miyawaki Forest of the Arab world.Focussing on preserving the genetic diversity of Jordan, Deema’s important work has protected some of the country’s most endangered tree species. On this excerpt of SUGi Talks, we speak about Amman’s rapid urbanisation, and the importance of changing mindsets towards Nature