Q: Can you tell us about Ruka Corn’s mission and what inspired its founding in 2016?
A: Oraya Sutabutr - Rukkakorn: Ruka Corn was inspired by my earlier volunteer work with the Big Trees project, which I started 15 years ago. At that time, I noticed the rapid disappearance of large, shady trees in cities like Bangkok, being replaced by buildings and infrastructure. We aimed to raise awareness about the value of trees and prevent unnecessary tree loss.
As I learned more about urban forestry and arboriculture, I realized there was a gap in professional tree care in Thailand. So, I founded a social enterprise to train people as professional tree care specialists. It was a new field, but we attracted many young people passionate about nature. Now, we've trained hundreds of professionals and continue working with universities and government bodies to promote long-term sustainable tree management and urban ecosystem restoration.

Q: As a regenerative travel company, can you share Bumi Journey's mission and how you're contributing to climate action and empowering local communities?
A: Byanmara - Bumi Journey: At Bumi Journey, we focus on addressing the deeper roots of climate change and promoting regenerative tourism. We aim to reconnect humans with nature, encouraging environmentally-friendly behavior and fostering a sense of community.

• Promote eco-friendly travel experiences
  
• Support local communities and sustainable livelihoods
  
• Educate travelers on climate action and conservation
  

Ultimately, our goal is to show that protecting the planet is vital for future generations and global wellbeing.

Q: How would you describe the role of proper tree care and urban forestry in addressing today's climate challenges?
A: Oraya Sutabutr - Rukkakorn: Trees are among the best natural ways to capture carbon—they do this every second they are alive. While technologies and carbon credits exist, the simplest method to reduce CO₂ is through strong, healthy trees.

• Urban trees improve air quality and the surrounding environment
  
• Proper arborist care ensures tree longevity in challenging urban settings with pavements, drainage, and utility lines
  
• Correct pruning prevents tree damage and ensures sustainable growth
  

By caring for urban trees, we support carbon sequestration, enhance green urban spaces, and protect trees for future generations.

Q: Travel often contributes to carbon emissions. How can regenerative travel restore the environment and support climate solutions?
A: Byanmara - Bumi Journey: Travel contributes around 8% of global emissions, mostly from transportation. In Indonesia:

• Tourism makes up 5% of GDP
  
• Employs 17% of the population
  

Instead of stopping tourism, we use it as a tool for environmental restoration and sustainable development:

• Examples like Bhutan demonstrate tourism can restore nature, boost local economies, and improve happiness
  
• Travel reconnects people with nature and provides hands-on conservation experiences
  

Q: When you picture someone traveling in the most eco-friendly way, what does “restoration” mean?
A: Byanmara - Bumi Journey: Restoration means mindfulness and awareness:

• Observing ecosystems during travel
  
• Understanding impacts on nature and communities
  
• Applying sustainable habits like waste reduction and supporting local conservation efforts
  

Q: In Thailand, have you come across traditional or community-led practices that align with regeneration?
A: Oraya Sutabutr - Rukkakorn: Yes, we’ve seen community forests managed by villages where residents:

• Collect fruits, leaves, and forest products sustainably
  
• Blend ancestral knowledge with modern tree care when trainees return home as local tree doctors
  

This represents community-led ecological restoration and regeneration.

Q: In Indonesia, are there cultural practices that embodied regeneration even before the modern concept existed?
A: Byanmara - Bumi Journey: Examples include:

• Sangkan Paraning Dumadi: unity with nature and the divine
  
• Sasi in Raja Ampat: temporary halts in harvesting to allow ecosystems to regenerate
  

Balancing ecological goals with community needs:

• Listen carefully to local struggles
  
• Prioritize immediate needs alongside climate adaptation
  
• Show success stories blending economic and environmental benefits
  

Q: Is there a person that really captures the spirit of regeneration?
A: Oraya Sutabutr - Rukkakorn: Pimang, who works on mangrove conservation:

• Preserves ancestral lands and mangroves
  
• Balances conservation with local livelihoods
  
• Supported by volunteers and Goodera for long-term sustainability
  

Q: How do you design volunteer opportunities for long-term impact?
A: Byanmara - Bumi Journey:

• Ensure projects are tied to long-term community goals
  
• Increase volunteer awareness and engagement
  
• Foster a sense of belonging and continued action post-trip
  
• Corporate clients often continue initiatives, showing lasting impact
  

Q: Imagine it’s 2050 and regenerative practices are fully embraced. What does the world look like?
A: Oraya Sutabutr - Rukkakorn:

• Vibrant urban and rural forests
  
• Fruit trees in cities for food and shade
  
• Strong reconnection between humans and nature
  

A: Byanmara - Bumi Journey:

• Human behavior aligns with sustainability: purpose-driven work, less selfishness
  
• Poverty reduction and societal compassion
  
• Reduced corruption and greed, more community-mindedness
  

Q: How have you personally practiced regeneration in your life?
A: Byanmara - Bumi Journey:

• Growing up in Jakarta, became mindful of insects and ecosystem roles
  
• Reduced packaged snack consumption to minimize waste and protect marine life
  

A: Oraya Sutabutr - Rukkakorn:

• Built a home near Bangkok with native plants, fish, and turtles
  
• Co-exist with local wildlife and restore natural ecosystems
  

Q: What’s the vision for the future of regenerative travel in Southeast Asia?
A: Byanmara - Bumi Journey:

• Shift from carbon-focused travel to nature connectedness
  
• Expand education programs and strengthen community ties
  
• Support regional regeneration efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives
  

Q: If you could leave listeners with one action to support ecosystem regeneration, what would it be?
A: Oraya Sutabutr - Rukkakorn: Switch to natural alternatives for insect control in your backyard.

A: Byanmara - Bumi Journey:

• Spread awareness to at least one person
  
• Start small: reduce pesticides, support sustainable habits
  
• Emphasize kindness and gradual change
  

Q: How has volunteering shaped your ERG communities?
A: Esayas Wureta (CSAA): COVID shifted organizations to dispersed work environments:

• ERGs had to transition from local physical interactions to virtual engagement
  
• Employees balance home priorities with volunteering and work commitments
  

Initiatives and Impact:

• Encourage ERG-led community building
  
• Lunch-and-learns and pop-up engagements
  
• Virtual volunteerism via Goodera
  
• 70 in-person volunteer events last year
  
• Partnerships with nonprofits for learning and skill-building
  
• $1,000 board rewards to encourage participation and event curation
  

Q: How do you incorporate asynchronous volunteerism?
A: Esayas Wureta (CSAA):

• Enables employees with limited time to participate
  
• Example: Adler Planetarium maps used for scientific research
  
• Small contributions create long-term, meaningful impact
  

Q: How does the Lasting Foundation support ERGs?
A: Grace Kim (Atlassian):

• Resources: 2x fundraising matches, Goodera event coverage
  
• Campaigns: Lasting Week of Good, May it Forward
  
• 430 ERG employees recently raised $25,000
  
• Strategy: start small, gradually increase engagement
  

Q: What are best practices for enabling ERGs?
A: Missy Peck (Goodera): Seamless tech is essential for volunteering and giving.

A: Isis Miller (Zscaler):

• Use tech automation, e.g., Slack bots for onboarding
  
• Leadership alignment and executive sponsorship
  
• Calendar planning with program managers
  
• Consistent internal communications
  

A: Grace Kim (Atlassian):

• Partner with Social Impact Teams
  
• Provide support to ERG chairs and local volunteer champions
  

Q: Closing remarks:
A: Missy Peck (Goodera): Panelists shared actionable insights on ERG engagement, community impact, and sustainable volunteerism. Decks and Q&A will be shared.
Panelists: Expressed gratitude and appreciation.