About this episode

Dr. Mauricio Díazgranados discusses the intersection of ecotourism and conservation, emphasizing sustainable travel and its benefits for local communities and biodiversity.

We’re wrapping up Season 2 with NYBG’s Chief Science Officer, Mauricio Díazgranados, Ph.D., who discusses how engaging with nature through travel makes us more inclined to protect it—and the ways that tourism can actually help our planet. As an avid adventurer and botanist who has worked all around the world, Dr. Diazgranados knows how vital it is to make exploration both sustainable and economically beneficial. Here he walks us through his vision for the bioeconomy, where the world’s biodiversity hotspots become opportunities for ecotourism, enhancing the lives of local communities while funding the conservation of our planet’s irreplaceable flora and fauna.

People in this episode

Guest: Mauricio Díazgranados, Ph.D.

Topics covered

• ecotourism
• sustainability
• bioeconomy
• biodiversity
• conservation
• local communities

Keywords

• ecotourism
• sustainability
• bioeconomy
• biodiversity hotspots
• conservation
• plant-powered economy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New York Botanical Garden

More episodes of Plant People

• Cacao with Professor Pathmanathan Umaharan · April 27, 2026 · 26 min
• Pawpaws with Anya Stansell · April 13, 2026 · 24 min
• Pitcher Plants with Dr. Rob Naczi · March 30, 2026 · 26 min
• Ghost Orchid with Dr. Melissa Abdo · March 16, 2026 · 27 min
• The American Chestnut with Michael Goergen · March 2, 2026 · 22 min
• Turkey Tail Fungi with Eugenia Bone · February 16, 2026 · 26 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Plant People podcast page.