Planet Money The habitat banker
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Dec 20, 2024 
Mauricio Serna, a Colombian entrepreneur and conservationist, is on a mission to create biodiversity credits aimed at restoring cloud forests. He shares how his family's land used to be a cattle ranch and how he aims to turn it back into a thriving habitat for endangered species. The conversation reveals the mechanics of biodiversity credits and their potential for environmental conservation while also addressing skepticism around their effectiveness. Serna’s innovative approach underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions amid widespread habitat destruction.
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Missed Elevator Pitch
- Mauricio Serna pitched biodiversity credits to companies in a hotel lobby.
- He missed a chance to give an elevator pitch to Unilever's head of sustainability.
Biodiversity Credits Explained
- Biodiversity credits are a new financial tool designed to save endangered species.
- They work similarly to carbon credits, but focus on habitat preservation.
El Globo's Transformation
- Mauricio's family transformed their land, El Globo, into a cattle ranch.
- This deforestation significantly impacted local biodiversity.