The CIRAN Podcast Series is out!
The CIRAN project is excited to launch its new podcast series, “Reconciling Two Societal Needs: Resource Extraction and Nature Conservation.” This podcast will explore the delicate balance between sourcing Critical Raw Materials and nature conservation. Hosted by Anita Stein (INTRAW) and Luis Rosendo (Generator), the series invites experts to discuss the framework conditions needed for the responsible sourcing of critical raw materials in protected areas.
CIRAN is more than just a research project committed to sustainable development – as such, we wish to disseminate not only our results and project outcomes, but, importantly, the hot topics currently under discussion with the wider public. Our mission is to collectively rethink how we extract essential resources while protecting the ecosystems where they are found. Hence, the vision of this podcast is to add up another innovative channel for reaching audiences from across the globe, from all ages and backgrounds, and plant a seed in your minds to make you start asking yourselves the questions addressed in CIRAN.
In our seven-episode series, we explore crucial topics such as national security, geopolitics, and the environmental impacts of raw material extraction. Each episode offers expert insights, engaging discussions, and practical solutions to this global challenge.
You will receive a new episode of the podcast series every second Tuesday, so don’t forget to follow us and listen to it through the PodBean app, on YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!
Have your say, join the conversation in the CIRAN Community of Practice LinkedIn group today!
Stay tuned for a thought-provoking journey into the future of responsible resource management!
LISTEN NOW TO EPISODES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
& stay tuned for upcoming episodes!
Available on PodBean and wherever you get your podcasts!
Episode 1
Featuring Dumitru Fornea, Secretary General of the National Trade Union Confederation (NTUC) MERIDIAN (Romania), and Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, we will delve into:
✔️ Global supply chains
✔️ Strategies for Europe’s resilience
✔️ Effective risk management in sourcing CRMs
In his role, Mr Fornea has led many initiatives addressing industrial change, trade, and raw materials resilience.
Episode 2
Featuring Jorge Cristino, former Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Secretary of State for the Environment and, at the moment of recording of this podcast, Board Member of the Portuguese mining company EDM – Empresa de Desenvolvimento Mineiro, S.A., we will delve into:
✔️ Reducing waste, promoting recycling and reuse practices
✔️ Minimising resource consumption
✔️ Mitigating environmental impacts related to CRM extraction and processing through circularity.
Episode 3
Featuring Hildegard Bentele, MEP (Member of the European Parliament) & lead negotiator for the EU Critical Raw Materials Act for the European People’s Party. In this insightful conversation, you’ll learn more about:
✔️ Securing a domestic supply of CRM to protect national security interests
✔️ Risks of relying heavily on imports from politically unstable regions or countries with different strategic priorities.
Episode 4
Featuring Dr Özlem Adiyaman Lopes, Program Specialist at the UNESCO Earth Sciences and Geoparks section. She holds a PhD from the Sorbonne Université (Paris), in partnership with the Hacettepe University in Ankara. In E4, we’ll delve into:
✔️ Sustainable and responsible sourcing
✔️ Global shift towards ethical and sustainability approaches
✔️ Growing recognition of indigenous rights and engagement of local communities
Dr Özlem Adiyaman is specialised in geosciences communication, natural resources exploration, and supplier/programme management for the development and dissemination of new technical and scientific products and technologies.
Episode 5
Featuring Nuno Forner from the Portuguese NGO ZERO. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Geology from the University of Évora (Portugal) and a Master’s in Applied Ecology from the University of Porto, Nuno has been active in the environmental movement for nearly 20 years. He’s worked with several NGOs, including LPN, Quercus, and FAPAS. At ZERO, he serves on the General Council, focusing on public policies related to nature conservation, biodiversity, forests, commodities trading, bioenergy, and mining.
In this episode about the environmental impacts of raw materials’ extraction, you’ll learn more about:
✔️ The importance of sustainable practices in extracting critical raw materials
✔️ The critical views of certain stakeholders on stricter regulations and better environmental management
✔️ Diverse perspectives towards mining operations.
Episode 6
Featuring Emmanuelle Robins-Ouagne, Project Manager for Europe & International at Pôle AVENIA. Based in Pau, Paris, and Nancy, AVENIA is the only French competitiveness cluster dedicated to underground industrial sectors serving the ecological and energy transition. In this episode, we focus on Economic Competitiveness and Innovation, exploring:
✔️ The role of CRMs in driving technological advancements, innovation, and economic growth
✔️ How secure supply chains enhance Europe’s competitiveness in global markets and attract investments
✔️ How CRMs are related to job creation and economic development opportunities for Europe.
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For more information about the CIRAN project and to stay updated on our progress, please visit our Project & Results pages and Subscribe to our Newsletter.
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You will find all CIRAN Podcast episodes on YouTube below.
(New episodes will be added to this post as they get released)