

Discover how Colombian megadiversity holds the key to a more sustainable future. In this session our panel will discuss why Colombia is so important to the rest of the world, the challenges faced, how these are being addressed and whether COP26 has met expectations in the drive towards meaningful change in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
Watch the Humming for Change video here.
Federica Di Palma
Professor Federica Di Palma holds a PhD in Immunogenetics from the University of Reading and brings over 15 years of experience in genomics and data science.
She is currently Professorial Fellow in Biodiversity in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia. In addition she holds the role of Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President, Sectors at Genome British Colombia, a non-profit research organisation, leading genomics innovation on Canada’s West Coast and facilitates the adoption of genomics into society
Federica is passionate about exploring and preserving biodiversity around the world. She leads numerous multidisciplinary international research programs for Development Assistance Committee countries aimed at generating strategic partnerships, building human and infrastructure capacity, and translating scientific knowledge into policy and private sector engagement to deliver long-term impact.
Felipe García Cardona
Agronomist Engineer with an MSc in Economics and a Specialization in Rural Economics. Head of the Biodiversity Sciences Program at Humboldt Institute. Broad experience in managing biodiversity, bioeconomy, and natural resources projects and programs. Extensive background in research, consulting and advising diverse organizations in the public, nonprofit, and academic sectors.
Colin Martin-Reynolds, British Ambassador
Colin joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1990, he has served over 20 embassies across the FCO’s network in a variety of policy and operational roles. Ambassador Martin-Reynolds comes to Bogota from London where he spent 5 years as the FCO’s Chief Information Officer, leading a major transformation programme overhauling how the Ministry, its global network and its diplomats exploit knowledge through technology. He arrived in Bogota in September 2019.
Dr Juliet Rose
Juliet began working for the Eden Project prior to its opening in 2001. She has a background in plant science, horticulture and the restoration of degraded land. For the last 3 years she has worked with Federica di Palma to lead the public engagement for the GROW Colombia research programme working with an incredible group of Colombian and UK scientists who are working hard to conserve biodiversity and create a sustainable society. She has also become obsessed with Ajiaco a particularly delicious Colombian soup she could eat all day!