On the Ground: Regional Leaders Shaping the Future of Parks

What do parks look like across the globe, and how do local contexts shape global action?

In this special panel episode, host Maria Burnett is joined by four World Urban Parks Regional Committee Chairs: Juan Carlos Acevedo (Latin America), Julia Watson (Africa), Carl McLean (Europe), and Thomas Dixon (Asia Pacific).

Together, they explore what it means to represent their regions within a global movement. From cultural traditions to funding challenges, from community voices to ecological priorities, each Chair shares observations from their corner of the world and how those insights connect back to the bigger picture of parks and people everywhere.

✨ Highlights include:

Why regional committees are vital to World Urban Parks’ global mission
How park priorities vary between regions, countries, and even individuals
The importance of local context when balancing conservation, culture, and community needs
What it means to be “eyes and ears” for a region rather than speaking for it
How collaboration across regions fuels shared learning and innovation

🎧 Listeners are encouraged to add their perspectives: email research@worldurbanparks.org to share your own story or response to the conversation.

Featured Guests

Juan Carlos Acevedo – Co-Chair, Latin America Region
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Julia Watson – Co-Chair, Africa Region
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Carl McLean – Chair, Europe Region
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Thomas Dixon – Co-Chair, Asia Pacific Region
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About PodParks
PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.