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May was supposed to be quieter. But it wasn't. I cancelled the honey tasting I had planned and packed my bags instead. I flew back to Moldova—the country I left 24 years ago—with a small Kenyan delegation of founders and connectors who came to discover what East Africa and Eastern Europe can build together. What followed was two weeks we will carry for a long time, for a lifetime! We laughed, we cried, and we had a blast! We drove for days through landscapes so green they loo

Last weekend, I had the joy of speaking at the Longevity Event at Browns Farm, leading a honey and cheese tasting on apitherapy, gut health, and how bees can help us live better. But honestly? The best part of my day wasn't my talk. It was Stephen. Stephen is a beekeeper from Kakamega. He showed up with live hives of stingless bees. Not one kind, but Five. Here 's what I learned from him: Kakamega Forest is a hidden treasure. According to ICIPE research, it holds 18 out of K

I went to West Africa to work. Three weeks. Two countries. Two assignments: capacity building for 90 participants from Benin's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock on National Determined Contribution (NDC) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) climate planning; and Environmental and Social Management System training for AGRA staff in Burkina Faso. I came back changed. Not because of what I delivered in the training rooms, though that work matters deeply. But West Africa showed

I walked into the Business of Conservation Conference 2026 in Nairobi with questions from the field. I walked out with a clearer picture of where conservation finance is heading — and exactly where the gaps still are. Over three days, 350 leaders from 35 countries debated biodiversity credits, nature markets, bioeconomy, and the financial infrastructure needed to protect Africa's most extraordinary ecosystems. Here is what every European impact investor and ESG leader needs

Agricultural impact investment is entering a critical phase in 2026. This year reveals a growing detachment crisis between investors and the realities faced by smallholder farmers, who manage much of the land investors aim to support. At the same time, environmental and social (E&S) performance data is no longer a formality but a key factor in investment decisions. Understanding this shift is essential for investors who want to manage risks effectively and make meaningful con

I started this year with a new morning ritual . At 5:00 AM, when most of the city and my family are still asleep, the birds begin their chorus, and I naturally tune in. It’s a sacred time for me—a moment of profound clarity and quiet discipline before the demands of the day begin. In these early hours, I don’t just structure my personal day; I find the focus to structure the complex systems I advise on. This personal ritual, this internal blueprint, mirrors the meticulous ri

Photo taken in Aug 2016 in Amboseli during my first safari! (Photo: Marta Panco) This Sunday, I scrolled to find so many people mourning an elephant. In the beginning, I thought it was a sad story and felt compassionate with the legend: Craig , one of Africa's last "Super Tuskers." He had passed away at 54; he died as every elephant should—of natural causes, on the soil he called home, watched over by the community that loved him. As I sat with the news and was preparing this

Today, I sat down and cried while I was watching and reading the story about the harrowing four-day rescue mission by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust near Kilifi. Two massive bull elephants had become trapped in the suffocating mud of the tidal creeks. The teams worked tirelessly, battling rising tides and exhaustion. Tragically, one bull didn’t make it. He slipped away just as freedom was within reach. But his companion, after days of being pinned down, bolstered by IV drips a

I met Paula Carnell at Apimondia 2025 in Copenhagen and recently had the privilege of speaking with her. She is a renowned beekeeper, honey sommelier, and author with a truly unique story. Paula will be one of the inspiring voices featured in my upcoming book, "Women and Queens." Paula’s journey is a testament to the healing power of nature. From being a successful artist to facing a debilitating illness that left her bedbound, it was the bees—watched from her window—that h

I am incredibly proud to share that my latest research article, "From Grape to Glass: Biodiversity’s Impact on Moldovan Wine in a Changing Climate," has been published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Agricultural Research . This work, originally presented at the prestigious OIV Congress, provides a crucial insight: the future of Moldova’s famous winemaking sector, and its resilience to climate change, is deeply rooted in its local biodiversity and the dedicated w

This past September, I had the incredible opportunity to not only attend the global Apimondia Congress but also to take the stage as a speaker. After a whirlwind month, I've finally found a moment to sit down and reflect on what was a truly energising experience. I was there to present my research on beekeeping in challenging environments, drawing from my work in Ethiopia and Kenya with a specific focus on the resilience and innovation of women beekeepers. What I found at Ap

The cracked, depleted soil beneath our feet is a silent crisis. But hope—and funding—exists. Discover international grants with September...

Presenting the beehive to the children There's something magical about witnessing a child's face light up with wonder. This week, I had...

A story of vision, perseverance, and the remarkable rise of a wine region that captivated my imagination long before it captured the...

As I prepare to present my research at the upcoming International Wine Congress in Chisinau this June, I'm reflecting on the profound...

I can still feel the cool, crumbly earth between my fingers as I dug for potatoes on my family's farm near Orhei. Every shovelful...

Networking event on Gender x Climate Yesterday, I attended the Nairobi Climate Network event exploring gender, climate finance, and...

In a world drowning in climate fear and crisis headlines, how do we choose a path that doesn’t just sustain—but THRIVES? I’ll confess:...

Sustainable agriculture thrives not just on fertile land but on the diverse people who tend to it. Throughout my time in the agricultural...