Brando's Adventures!
~Pro Natura International~
Agroecology | Empowering Communities for Environmental Preservation
Brando Crespi’s three-decade-plus commitment to global sustainability has reshaped both landscapes and lives. Co-founding Pro Natura International in 1986, he introduced biochar to agroecology and facilitated €1.6 billion in sustainable development across 63 countries, lifting over 7 million people out of poverty. As a result of this work, PNI was recognized with the 1997 US Academy of Sciences’ Mitchell Prize.
Early on, Pro Natura International was known for undertaking some of the world’s largest expeditions to study biodiversity, often collaborating with esteemed institutions like the French Museum of Natural History. Notably, their venture in Papua New Guinea involved over 180 scientists from 22 countries collecting an astounding one-and-a-half million life form samples over eighteen months, providing invaluable insights into global ecosystems.
Partnering with esteemed scientific organizations such as the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Kew Gardens, PNI has pioneered innovative agricultural practices, particularly in climate-smart agro-ecology inspired by agro-forestry and permaculture while championing the use of biochar. These techniques hold the potential to revolutionize reforestation programs globally.
Pro Natura International’s approach is rooted in empowering local communities, recognizing that their ownership and economic sustainability are crucial for the success of reforestation projects. PNI strives to integrate bottom-up, systems-based strategies to address complex issues like food security, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic development. Visit the PNI website for more information on how PNI is helping to build a greener, more equitable world.