Join UNA-Rockies on November 9 for a special discussion exploring how environmental conservation, Indigenous leadership and sustainable economic development can work together to protect the Amazon rainforest.
The United Nations Association of the Rockies (UNA-Rockies) invites you to the next Bill Kellogg UNA-Rockies Discussion Series, featuring three distinguished researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder who are working to address one of the world's most pressing environmental and economic challenges: How can we protect the Amazon rainforest while creating sustainable livelihoods for the communities that call it home?
The discussion will take place on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., in the Boulder Creek Room at the Main Branch of the Boulder Public Library.
Protecting Forests While Creating Economic Opportunity
The Amazon rainforest plays a vital role in regulating the global climate, preserving biodiversity and supporting millions of people. Yet efforts to protect these forests must also address the economic needs, human rights and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
At the center of this conversation is the Governors' Climate and Forests Task Force (GCF Task Force), the world's largest subnational network dedicated to protecting forests, reducing emissions and improving livelihoods across tropical forest regions.
Working with governments, Indigenous Peoples, traditional communities and research institutions, the Task Force advances an approach that recognizes a fundamental principle: successful forest conservation depends on the people who live in and depend upon these landscapes.
Rather than treating economic development and environmental protection as competing priorities, this work seeks opportunities to achieve both.
The discussion will explore how collaborative partnerships, responsible business practices, economic research and Indigenous knowledge can help communities create lasting prosperity while protecting the forests upon which they—and the wider world—depend.
Meet Our CU Boulder Speakers
Colleen Scanlan Lyons is an Associate Research Professor in CU Boulder's Environmental Studies Department and Masters of the Environment Program. She also serves as a Senior Director for the Governors' Climate and Forests Task Force and is a Research Associate with CU's Institute of Behavioral Science. Her work brings together environmental governance, community partnerships and approaches to sustainable development.
Joel Hartter is a Professor in CU Boulder's Department of Environmental Studies and the founding director of two professional graduate programs: Masters of the Environment and Outdoor Recreation Economy. With more than two decades of international experience, he brings expertise in sustainability, responsible business and the relationship between environmental protection and economic development.
Brian Lewandowski is Executive Director of the Business Research Division at CU Boulder's Leeds School of Business. His expertise includes regional economic analysis, economic forecasting, policy research and economic impact studies, providing valuable perspectives on how conservation strategies can support economically resilient communities.
Together, these speakers will bring complementary perspectives from environmental science, sustainability, public policy and economics to a challenge with profound local and global implications.
Why This Conversation Matters
Climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss and economic inequality are deeply interconnected challenges. The future of the Amazon cannot be considered independently of the rights and economic well-being of its inhabitants.
Indigenous Peoples and traditional communities are among the most important guardians of tropical forests. Their knowledge, leadership and territorial rights are essential to effective conservation.
This event offers an opportunity to learn how researchers, governments and communities are translating these principles into practical strategies—and what these efforts can teach us about sustainable development elsewhere in the world.
It is also a chance to consider how local action, international cooperation and research conducted here in Colorado can contribute to solutions with global significance.
Event Details
Event: Bill Kellogg UNA-Rockies Discussion Series — Protecting the Amazon, Empowering Communities
Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Time: 1:30–3:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Location: Boulder Creek Room, Main Branch, Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado
Speakers: Colleen Scanlan Lyons, Joel Hartter and Brian Lewandowski, University of Colorado Boulder
Hosted by: United Nations Association of the Rockies (UNA-Rockies)
Questions: Contact Robert McNown at mcnownr@gmail.com.
Join the Conversation
UNA-Rockies welcomes community members, students, educators, environmental advocates, business leaders and anyone interested in climate action, human rights, conservation and sustainable economic development.
We encourage you to invite friends, colleagues and others who may be interested in this important discussion.
Protecting the world's forests is not simply an environmental challenge—it is a question of how we build a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous future for everyone.
We hope to see you on November 9!
United Nations Association of the Rockies — Connecting our Colorado communities with the global challenges and opportunities of our time.
