Bats to biodiversity: Paola Bernazzani on conservation and corporate impact

Stantec’s ESG biodiversity lead Paola Bernazzani attended the Bloom 24 conference in Cali, Columbia, and was interviewed by Theresa Lieb, vice president, Nature & Europe, of the Trellis Group. They spoke about her conservation career and how biodiversity fits with environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

Paola discussed her early influences in conservation, beginning as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand, and later working globally on endangered wildlife projects. One of her favorite species to work with is bats, which she says are often misunderstood. “They are fascinating and beautiful and feisty creatures,” she says.

Now, she’s focused on helping companies implement practical, solution-oriented ESG approaches that make a real impact on biodiversity. Paola blends field insights with actionable corporate strategies for lasting environmental progress. “Working directly with companies is such an exciting way to move the needle on conservation, biodiversity, and nature,” she says.

Today’s companies, she says, need an understanding of new ESG regulatory frameworks, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, and other emerging laws in the US, to be successful.