Speaker of the day: Emilie Barrucand — Anthropology & Sustainability

Every day we spotlight one voice from the UnoMe network. Today: Emilie Barrucand, Anthropology & Sustainability — one of the keynote speakers we recommend for corporate events and conferences in Medina, Al Wakrah and across the GCC.

Who is Emilie Barrucand?

Émilie Barrucand – Anthropologist, Indigenous Peoples Specialist | Keynote Speaker on Biodiversity, Resilience & Societal Impact

A committed anthropologist, Émilie Barrucand dedicates her life to defending indigenous peoples, preserving biodiversity, and driving societal transformation. With 23 years of fieldwork, she has lived for several months in the Amazon rainforest among the Kayapo, Paresi, Guarani, and Huni Kuin peoples, and also supports projects across India and Africa.

She acts as an expert consultant for the UN, AFD, government ministries, impact investment funds (Eurazeo, Moringa Fund…), responsible corporations, and local communities to co-create ESG strategies, impact-driven projects, and equitable partnerships.

Founder of the NGO Wayanga and French ambassador for BelieveEarth, she is the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Prix Conscience presented at the French Senate. Her latest book, « Les Gardiens de la Forêt », highlights indigenous wisdom on universal issues: governance, resilience, education, happiness, and the environment.

🏆 Key Achievements

• 🌿 23 years working alongside indigenous peoples, leading projects in Brazil, India, and Africa

• 🧩 Expert in ESG, impact finance, biodiversity, and sustainable development

• 📕 Author of the book Les Gardiens de la Forêt (Éd. du Cherche Midi)

• 🏛 Laureate of the Prix Conscience at the French Senate

• 🏆 Named "French Environmental Woman of the Year" (Féminin Bio / LéaNature)

• 🌍 Founder of the NGO Wayanga

Languages:

• French
• English

🧭 Topics & Areas of Expertise

• Drawing inspiration from indigenous wisdom to transform modern business models

• Resilience & happiness: key insights from ancestral traditions

• Reducing environmental impact & ecological regeneration

• Sustainable leadership & inclusive governance

• ESG, supply chains & corporate social responsibility

Émilie Barrucand’s keynote speeches reconnect audiences with what truly matters. They challenge perspectives, enlighten, and inspire through compelling field stories, strategic analysis, and actionable insights.

Her presentations are distinguished by:

• 🌱 A unique immersion into indigenous ancestral wisdom

• 💼 Recognized expertise in ESG, climate risks, and measurable impact

• 🌎 A bridge between traditional knowledge and modern innovation

• 🤝 An inclusive, intergenerational approach

• 🎯 A lasting positive impact on mindsets and organizations

• Biodiversity, forests, and climate: reimagining action

• Intergenerational dialogue & knowledge transmission