Author - Sharon Richardson

Leveraging 25 years of landscape scale conservation for improved ecosystem services, I started a Public Benefit company to promote innovative nature based solutions in the private sector and to help promote improved accountability within the public sector for improved investment in lasting solutions. With a variety of experiences with Land Trusts, State and Federal Agencies, local governments and corporate clients, I have protected and helped restore resiliency of over 35,000 acres of rivers, forests and floodplains through voluntary conservation, wetlands mitigation, improved forest management carbon sequestration, policy reform and innovation and collaborative approach to public/private partnerships, all to accrue to UNSDG Goal #15 and improving stored carbon in our forests and floodplains. Trained in watershed systems, risk mitigation, psychology, hemispheric conservation and climate change, public administration and public management, Sharon brings a practical approach to build bi-partisan, common ground, innovative, place based nature based scaleable solutions that monetize value from natural and improved landscapes. She is also a recognized subject matter expert in resiliency and nature based solutions, she is an advocate for Green Buildings and Green Infrastructure, serving on the Board of US Green Building Council Carolinas, SC Governor McMaster's Floodwater Commission and SC Office of Resiliency Conservation and Infrastructure Committees. Her experience in Nonprofit management, organizational development and rebuilds, and all aspects of conservation advocacy, engagement and land management gives her a unique view point on ways to improve accountability in the public sector and the investment in green infrastructure solutions. Sharon writes and speaks to local, regional and national audiences to help improve understanding and engagement in nature based solutions and restoring climate resiliency at landscape scales.