Future For Nature Podcast

Exotic bird markets might seem colorful and full of life but behind every cage is a story of loss.In this episode of the Future For Nature Podcast, we uncover the scale, cruelty, and consequences of the global illegal bird trade. As we follow the journey from forest to market, the cultural drivers that fuel demand, and the ripple effects on ecosystems, animal welfare, and public health.From parrots and songbirds to rare species on the brink of extinction, we explore what’s being done to stop the illegal trade and how each of us can help keep birds where they belong: in the forest.

Every year, three young conservationists are chosen for the Future For Nature Award and their stories are as inspiring as the species they protect.In this episode, we meet our 2025 FFN Award winners: Anthony (Australia), Ruthmery (Peru) and Kumar (Nepal), who are working on the frontlines of conservation to protect frogs, tiny deers, and pangolins. From the cloud forests of the Andes to urban Sydney to Himalayan foothills, they share the threats these species face and the creative, determined efforts it takes to save them.Did you know you can also watch this podcast on YouTube?

What happens when conservationists from India, the Philippines, and Iran come together to tackle ocean threats? In this episode of the Future For Nature podcast conservationists Anna, Divya, and Mohsen dive deep into the devastating impact of marine bycatch — the accidental capture of non-target species like turtles, sharks, and dolphins.From shrimp trawling in the Persian Gulf to multi-species fisheries in the Philippines, they share personal stories, real-world challenges, and innovative solutions from the frontlines of ocean conservation.

What exactly are conservation dogs — and why are they becoming such valuable partners in the fight to protect wildlife?In this episode, we learn from Rebecca Cliffe (FFN Award winner 2022) and Caesar Rahman (FFN Award winner 2017) as we explore the world of specially trained canines that use their incredible sense of smell to help conservationists detect endangered species and wildlife scat (poop).Rebecca and Caesar both work with conservation dogs in Costa Rica and Bangladesh, where the dogs search for sloth scat, turtles, and pangolins. These remarkable dogs can cover rugged terrain quickly and efficiently, reaching places humans often can’t.Watch this or other episodes of the FFN Podcast on YouTube!

Wetlands are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in the health of our planet. In this episode, we explore why these unique ecosystems matter — from supporting biodiversity and filtering water to protecting communities from floods and climate change.Although they work in different parts of the world, Tiasa (India), Gabriel (Brazil), and Olivier (Rwanda) all share a common mission: protecting wetlands and the species that call them home.Did you know you can also watch this podcast on YouTube? Learn more about FFN and our winners on our website: https://futurefornature.org/winners/