Behavioral economist Dan Ariely, the author of Predictably Irrational, uses classic visual illusions and his own counterintuitive (and sometimes shocking) research findings to show how we're not as rational as we think when we make decisions.

It's become increasingly obvious that the dismal science of economics is not as firmly grounded in actual behavior as was once supposed. In "Predictably Irrational," Dan Ariely tells us why. Filmed in December 2008.

Introduction to the Ecological Mangrove Restoration (EMR) method and an outline of the project objectives and deliverables. The video was shot in Krabi, Thailand at the March 2012 inception workshop of the the "Mangrove Restoration Project in Asia" which involves four countries,  five partners NGOs and is administered by the Global Nature Fund of Germany. Project Funders include the German Federal Ministry of International Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Foundation Ursula Merz.

Hal Wallis, an "ordinary kid" travels 6 ,000 miles from his home town in the United Kingdom to visit Thailand's threatened mangroves. He finds out about their vital role in the environment and about efforts to preserve and restore them. He interviews Udo Gattenlohner of the Global Nature Fund that coordinates a German funded, international project to  to help restore Asia's lost mangroves.

Related video on the Restoration Project in Asia is on EarthSayers here.

Sustainability: Forest management and Renewal, Biodiversity, Conservation

This is an EarthSayers Radio interview of videographer, Barry Heidt on his upcoming journey to Ecuador to interview indigenous leaders who speak on behalf of Mother Earth. His three week  journey begins on February 2, 2013 by connecting with Pachamama Alliance's David Tucker, director of Pachamama Journeys, and Ecuadorian Natalia Greene, director of Fundación Pachamama's program on Rights of Nature, to collaborate on the specifics of his journey.  Images used to illustrate Barry's story are from the Websites of the Pachamama Alliance and Rights of Nature. The image of Larry Merculieff is from the EarthDay 2012 Conference, Earth & Spirit Council, Portland, Oregon. 

Individuals and organizations wishing to collaborate with and support Barry Heidt's journey may contact him directly at 541-992-4230. 

Thomas Lovejoy discusses his experience in international conservation efforts and the conservation of African savannas. Published on Jan 29, 2013

"We still tend to think in the very short term and locally when in fact we are disturbing global systems and the way that the planet actually works. We need to consciously manage the planet."

Ben Collen explains the ways biodiversity loss has been monitored and discusses novel approaches. Published on Jan 29, 2013, Yale University channel on Youtube.

Katrin Boehning-Gaese discusses models and methods used to predict the impact of climate change on species distributions. Published on Jan 29, 2013

From the creation of the Boston Common in 1634 to the emergence of cross-boundary, large-landscape conservation initiatives in the 21st century, innovators have risen to address seemingly intractable land, water and biodiversity conservation challenges. It will require our best talent, technology, financial tools and social innovation techniques to tackle today's global conservation challenges. What makes for innovation? Five attributes: initiatives characterized by
Novel/Creativeness in conception, strategic or cultural significance, measuarble effecitvness; transferability to jurisdications around the world; and endur for not just years but decades perhaps centuries.

Jim Levitt is the director of the Program on Conservation Innovation at the Harvard Forest, Harvard University and a fellow at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

This animation provides a vision of what a post-consumer society could look like, with people working fewer hours and pursuing re-skilling, homesteading, and small-scale enterprises that can help reduce the overall size and impact of the consumer economy. Narrated by economist and best-selling author Juliet Schor. Produced by The Center for the New American Dream.

Order Dr. Schor's book from Amazon by clicking on the image or visit your local bookstore. Thank you.

WWF's Global Marine Programme is working to increase international attention for the conservation of vast expanses of ocean, and immediately protect the high seas. Around 64% of the oceans - an area covering half the planet - lie beyond the national jurisdiction of any country. Known as the high seas, these international waters are open-access common areas for everyone. For more information visit panda.org/highseas

Published on Dec 19, 2012