The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women (HERO)

Season 9 · Episode 3 · March 18, 2026

Nature-based solutions reduce the effects of climate change by using nature to help nature — mangrove forests preserving shorelines, or cover crops rejuvenating soil. According to research from the Nature Conservancy, nature-based solutions can provide up to 37 percent of the carbon emissions reductions needed by 2030. This episode focuses on their enormous environmental potential. First, we head to Bolivia, where host Zainab Salbi speaks with Dayana Blanco Quiroga, co-founder of the Uru Uru Team — a grassroots initiative of Indigenous women dedicated to restoring Lake Uru Uru, heavily degraded by nearby mining and pollution. Then we talk with two investors about how they approach this work financially, which can be challenging: Nela Duke Ekpenyong, founding partner at Obudu Capital, a venture firm investing in climate tech, energy, and sustainability across sub-Saharan Africa; and Alexa Firmenich, founder of the ecocentric investment firm Naia Trust and host of the podcast Lifeworlds. Guests: Dayana Blanco Quiroga, co-founder of the Uru Uru Team; Nela Duke Ekpenyong, founding partner of Obudu Capital; Alexa Firmenich, founder of Naia Trust.