INDEPENDENT COUNCIL for
ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

Dr. (h.c.)* Maude Barlow, a globally renowned Canadian activist and author, serves on the ICER Science Council, bringing decades of experience in environmental advocacy and human rights to the field of ecosystem restoration. As a leading voice for the Rights of Nature, she has worked tirelessly to promote policies that protect natural systems as essential, rights-bearing entities rather than commodities for economic exploitation.
 

In her recent paper, "How the Commodification and Financialization of Nature Endanger the Rights of Nature," authored on behalf of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, Dr. Barlow delves into the growing global trend of monetising ecosystems under the guise of conservation. The paper critiques market-driven approaches such as biodiversity trading and carbon offsets, highlighting their potential to undermine both ecological health and community sovereignty. Dr. Barlow calls for a paradigm shift that emphasizes democratic governance, ethical stewardship, and the intrinsic value of nature beyond its economic utility.
 

Her work continues to inspire and guide efforts to establish equitable and sustainable practices for ecosystem restoration worldwide.