S2:E6: Neeti Bathala: Lionfish, Sea Turtles, and Community-Led Conservation

S2:E6: Neeti Bathala: Lionfish, Sea Turtles, and Community-Led Conservation

Author: Gevorg Ghazaryan July 4, 2025 Duration: 30:17

In this episode of Talking Environment, host Gevorg Ghazaryan speaks with Dr. Neeti Bathala—Fulbright Specialist, Smithsonian Journeys Expert, and Drexel University professor—about her work in tropical conservation and environmental education.

The conversation highlights Dr. Bathala’s community-based conservation efforts in Belize and Costa Rica, including lionfish population control and partnerships with sea turtle protectors. She also discusses how education can bridge the gap between global environmental science and local realities, and why hope, culture, and collaboration are key to protecting fragile ecosystems.

Tune in to discover how science, students, and communities are coming together to lead sustainability efforts in some of the most vulnerable corners of our planet.


Hosted by Gevorg Ghazaryan, Talking Environment is a series of conversations that grew from the work of the Maqoor Environmental NGO. It brings together a community of dedicated advocates and thinkers who are deeply engaged with the natural world. Rather than presenting lectures, this podcast captures the dynamic exchange of ideas between environmentalists, academics, and specialists from many disciplines. You’ll hear discussions that move from the broad concepts of sustainability and ecological conservation to the urgent, specific realities of climate change and protecting biodiversity. The strength of this podcast lies in its access to genuine experts who offer grounded, often surprising, perspectives on the challenges and solutions shaping our planet. Each episode feels like sitting in on a thoughtful dialogue, where complex topics are broken down with clarity and a shared sense of purpose. For anyone curious about the science, policy, and personal stories behind environmental work, these conversations provide a meaningful and informative listen. Tune in to hear how different voices connect the dots between local action and global impact.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 17

Talking Environment
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