Confirmed attendees
Aderbal Ashogun
- America
- Brazil
Coordinator of the Afro-Environmental Network since Eco 92, promotes the recovery of traditional knowledge through ecological technologies. Master of traditional culture, visual artist, teacher, musician, and cultural producer.
Aleksandra (Ola) Janus
- Europe
- Poland
Challenges commercial banks to stop financing activities that destroy nature and to accelerate funding that protects and restores ecosystems.
Amanda Hurowitz
- America
- United States
Pragmatic radical working to protect forests and combat the biodiversity and climate crisis.
Ana Paula Valdiones
- America
- Brazil
Works for over 12 years with forest policy. Focuses on promoting environmental transparency, monitoring national and subnational policies, and tracking initiatives to combat deforestation linked to supply chains, especially beef and soy.
Andrey Laletin
- Asia, Europe
- Russia
Graduated in Biology from Krasnoyarsk State University and holds a PhD in Ecology from the Russian Academy of Sciences. Serves as focal point for the Major Group of NGO stakeholders feeding into the UN Forum on Forests.
Angela Mendes
- America
- Brazil
Socio-environmental activist and human rights and environmental defender. Executive President of the Chico Mendes Committee, working to build networks and amplify the actions of youth and women in extractive reserves.
Aron White
- Europe
- United Kingdom
Leads the Southeast Asia & Africa team at Earthsight, investigating links between Global North consumption, deforestation, and rights abuses, and pushing for corporate and government accountability.
Augustyn Mikos
- Europe
- Poland
Environmental Paper Network International Coordinator and forest policy expert at the Polish NGO Association Workshop for All Beings. Focuses on drivers of deforestation linked to low-quality, high-volume wood products, especially paper and energy wood.
Bidyut Mohanty
- Asia
- India
Development practitioner with 30 years of experience supporting tribal communities in Odisha. Advocates for community forest rights, forest-dependent livelihoods, climate change, gender and the commons, Indigenous Peoples’ institution building, and food security.
Camila Paz Romero
- America
- Chile
Activist, anthropologist and co-founder of the Indigenous Centre for Integral Action in Chile. Committed since youth to defending forests, water and Mother Earth. Works to advance Indigenous Peoples’ and youth rights in Chile and at the United Nations.
Catalina Galeano
- America
- Colombia
Historian and master’s student in care and gender. Follows the path of popular and community feminism. Since 2023, coordinates the project “Co-inspiring Territorial Peace Strategies with Gender Equity.” Member of CARACOLAS En Red Podemos, the critical environmental movement, and the GFC.
Celine Lim
- Asia
- Malaysia
Indigenous Kayan from Baram, Sarawak, and Managing Director of SAVE Rivers, a grassroots-based organisation advocating for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and environmental protection.
Claire Biason Lohier
- Africa
- Ivory Coast
Coalitions and Engagement Programme Manager at TINTA, facilitating collaboration, maximising advocacy opportunities, and mobilising collective action. Based in Côte d’Ivoire, with experience in sustainable cocoa and 11 years at the Rights and Resources Initiative.
Claudelice Santos
- America
- Brazil
Coordinator of the Zé Claudio and Maria Institute, holds a law degree, and co-coordinator of the People’s COP (COP do Povo) – a grassroots climate movement.
Cone Gaoussou
- Africa
- Ivory Coast
Holds a technical diploma in Industrial Engineering. Founder and Secretary General of APFNP. Coordinates forest governance activities, including independent monitoring. Creator of the PYRO C pyrolysis system. Committed to promoting the value of non-timber forest products.
Danielle van Oijen
- Europe
- Netherlands
Forest campaigner coordinating the international forest program at Milieudefensie. Focuses on internationalising struggles of local communities and Indigenous Peoples affected by deforestation and landgrabbing.
Daysheelyn Anne Brillo
- Asia
- Philippines
Environmental educator and human rights lawyer advocating for environmental justice and corporate accountability. Teaches Environmental Law at the University of Caloocan City and works at the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center, defending Indigenous and local community rights.
Dorthea (Defe) Wabiser
- Asia
- Indonesia
West Papuan Indigenous researcher working with PUSAKA, focusing on decolonisation and building the capacity of West Papuan youth and women to engage in environmental protection, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and responses to extractive activities.
Dríade Aguiar
- America
- Brazil
Cuiabana, co-founder of Mídia NINJA and member of Fora do Eixo. At Brazil’s Ministry of Culture (2015–16), advised the minister on digital communication, feminism, and LGBTQ+ issues. Developed youth mobilization campaigns and projects for women’s political participation. Black feminist, pansexual, and manager of NAVE Coletiva, Mídia NINJA’s HQ in São Paulo.
Eleonora Fasan
- Asia, Europe
- Italy, South Korea
From Italy’s Dolomites and based in South Korea, serves as Forests & Land Use Program Officer at SFOC. Supports efforts to end support for forest-risk commodities and drive progress on climate and biodiversity.
Emmanuel Umpula Nkumba
- Africa
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
Executive Director of African Resources Watch (AFREWATCH), responsible for developing the organization’s strategy, representing it publicly, supporting fundraising, advocacy efforts, and assisting with complaints against companies.
Fintan Kelly
- Europe
- Ireland
Agriculture and Land Use Policy & Advocacy Officer at the Irish Environmental Network (IEN), coordinating efforts on nature restoration, sustainable agriculture, and forestry. Holds an MSc in Environmental Biology and a BSc in Environmental Science. Active in the Irish NGO sector since 2012.
Gabriel Paun
- Europe
- Romania
Studied natural sciences and has been a nature advocate for 25 years. Has helped save over 100,000 hectares of forest from logging and secured strict protection for more than 20,000 hectares of primary forest.
Glauber Sezerino
- America, Europe
- Brazil, France
Sociologist and Partnership Manager at CRID, and Co-President of Autres Brésils, coordinating the Brazilian Democracy Observatory.
Helen Tugendhat
- Europe
- United Kingdom
Works with Indigenous Peoples and communities on conservation policy and practice, and the application of human rights frameworks. Serves as Vice-Chair for Rights, Governance and Equity at the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas.
Joshua Martin
- America
- United States
Senior Campaigner for Canopy’s Pack4Good initiative, working to eliminate paper packaging from Ancient and Endangered Forests and promote ethical, sustainable alternatives. Advocate for forest protection and social justice for over two decades, including 18 years with the Environmental Paper Network.
Jozileia Kaingang
- America
- Brazil
Geographer, professor, and PhD in Social Anthropology from the Kaingang people. Co-founder and current Executive Director of the National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestrality (ANMIGA).
Julia Christian
- Europe
- Belgium
Campaigner at Fern for 11 years, influencing EU policy to better protect forests and the rights of forest peoples. Currently working on reducing European meat consumption, with previous focus on the West Africa–EU cocoa supply chain.
Julie Wentzel Frøland
- Europe
- Norway
Head of Policy at RFN, leading global advocacy to protect rainforests, influence policy development, and drive sustainable change. Responsible for identifying and engaging with international policy processes relevant to rainforest conservation.
Karla Martins
- America
- Brazil
Cultural producer, storyteller, founder of the Fora do Eixo Network, co-founder of Mídia NINJA, and advisor at Casa Ninja Amazônia. Activist in culture, communication, and the environment. Member of the Chico Mendes Committee, works on “Amazon in First Person” and “Culture and Climate”.
Keith Slack
- America
- United States
Senior Director of Programs at the Rights and Resources Initiative, coordinating work in support of Indigenous Peoples, Afro-Descendant Peoples, and Local Communities’ land and forest tenure rights across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Kwami Kpondzo
- Africa
- Togo
Environmental and social justice activist working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities on forest, land, and water issues. Coordinates the Biomass Action Network Africa working group and campaigns against geoengineering.
Ladislas Ndembet
- Africa
- Gabon
Nature enthusiast with over 50 years of life experience, working in the sustainable management of natural resources. Fights against rural land grabbing and social and climate injustices. Supports Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Leo Cerda
- America
- Equator
Kichwa activist and social entrepreneur from the Ecuadorian Amazon. With a background in International Relations and Public Administration, combines academic expertise with grassroots activism to champion economic, environmental, and territorial rights.
Leon Dulce
- Asia
- Philippines
Campaigner, trainer, communicator, and researcher working on environmental, Indigenous, and human rights issues. Currently focused on Indigenous solutions for forests and biodiversity.
Leonardo Grosso
- America
- Argentina
Social and political activist from Argentina, member of the country’s largest social organization. Works on social and labor rights for excluded communities. Also an environmental activist, served three terms as a national deputy and chaired the environmental committee for four years.
Leticia Doormann
- America, Europe
- Argentina, France
Executive Director at TINTA, strengthening networks, fostering collective learning, and amplifying Indigenous and territorial voices in climate action and forest protection. Committed advocate for climate justice, gender inclusion, and systemic change.
Lina Burnelius
- Europe
Project Leader and International Coordinator at Protect the Forest.
Lucia Ixchiu
- America
- Guatemala
K’iche’ Mayan woman from Totonicapán, Guatemala. Artist, cultural manager, singer, community journalist, architect, curator of community art, Indigenous storyteller, and film director. Pioneer in connecting art and the climate crisis, and activist since age 11.
Luciana Téllez Chávez
- America
- Nicaragua
Senior researcher in the environment team at Human Rights Watch, focusing on the human rights impacts of large-scale deforestation driven by agribusiness. Works with frontline communities to defend their rights and advocates for legal and policy reforms.
Luke Chamberlain
- Oceania
- Australia
Consultant to Environmental Investigation Agency. Employed by Environmental Justice Australia. Both jobs are focussed on protecting forests and stopping bad things happening to forests. With EIA I work to support NGOs advocating for transparent timber supply chain data to help enforce legal logging.
Madeleine Ngeunga
- Africa
- Cameroon, Congo Basin
Africa Editor at the Pulitzer Center, mentoring fellows of the Rainforest Investigations Network in the Congo Basin to produce in-depth investigative reporting on tropical rainforests.
Mansuetus (Darto) Alsy Hanu
- Asia
- Indonesia
Works to empower smallholders toward zero deforestation and supports IPLCs in forest protection through HCV/HCS approaches and benefit-sharing incentives.
Maria Cecilia Chacón
- America
- Bolivia
Lawyer, feminist, researcher, and activist for human and nature rights. Former Minister of Defense of Bolivia, resigned in protest of the Chaparina repression. Also served as Councilor in La Paz. University lecturer, author of a book on environmental law, and public policy master’s student at Rutgers.
Maureen Santos
- America
- Brazil
Ecologist, political scientist, and internationalist. Coordinator of the Policies and Alternatives Unit at FASE, professor at PUC-Rio’s Institute of International Relations, and coordinator of the Socio-Environmental Platform at the BRICS Policy Center. Represents the Carta de Belém Group at the People’s Summit toward COP30.
Nadia Hadad
- Asia
- Indonesia
Executive Director and co-founder of MADANI with over two decades of experience working on development, climate, and environmental issues. Also a proud mom of two boys.
Nelly Luna Amancio
- America
- Peru
Director of OjoPúblico, Peru’s leading investigative digital media outlet, promoting cross-border journalism. National Geographic Explorer, co-author of Vacunagate and co-editor of Poderes Fácticos. Part of the Panama Papers team that won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize.
Oliver Kornblihtt
- America
- Argentina, Brazil
Photographer, media activist, and international networker. Editor at Mídia NINJA and founder of NINJA.Foto. Activist in culture, communication, and human rights struggles, with a focus on environmental issues. Works with Floresta Ativista to connect communities and build global networks.
Olo Villalaz
- America
- Panama
From the Guna Yala territory, holds a degree in Business Administration and has over 10 years of experience in Indigenous Peoples’ rights and climate change. Represents AMPB and the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities.
Peer Cyriacks
- Europe
- Germany
Biologist, nature lover, human. Head of International Nature Conservation at Deutsche Umwelthilfe. Loves cycling, good music and good food.
Peng Ren
- Asia
- China
Chinese expert with over 20 years of experience supporting Chinese NGOs in global environmental governance. Focuses on sustainable overseas investment and trade, energy transition, green commodity supply chains, forest governance, and community engagement.
Rahima Hassan
- Africa
- Tanzania
Passionate advocate for marginalised groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Member of the World March of Women and part of Tanzania’s coordination team. Holds a degree in maritime transport and has worked as a ship supervisor at ZPC.
Rita Ikponmwosa Uwaka
- Africa
- Nigeria
Environmental, social, and gender justice campaigner passionate about building people power to fight the systemic polycrisis driving forest destruction, violating the rights of forest-dependent communities and women, and fueling climate and biodiversity crises.
Samuel J Kime
- Oceania
- Papua New Guinea
Advocate for human, environmental, and land rights, also providing microloans to customary landowners.
Samuel Rubin
- Europe
- Catalonia, Spain
Social impact practitioner, climate storyteller, and grassroots activist producing campaigns, content, and events at the intersection of climate and culture. Focuses on narrative change, community engagement, and creative advocacy with artists, cultural organisations, and movements.
Sayyidatiihayaa (Hayaa) Afra
- Asia
- Indonesia
Campaign Manager at Satya Bumi, leading work on forest protection, just energy transition, and defender rights in Indonesia. Based in Jakarta, connects grassroots aspirations to global movements through advocacy, market strategies, capacity building, and grievance mechanisms.
Selma dos Santos Dealdina Mbaye
- America
- Brazil
Quilombola activist and political coordinator at CONAQ. Vice-president of the CASA Fund and linked to Amnesty International. Contributed to the book Quilombola Women: Territories of Black Feminine Existence. Works on Quilombola education, racism, violence against Quilombos in Brazil, environmental racism, and climate change.
Sergio Baffoni
- Europe
- Italy
Unrepentant forest activist, working to bring people together to drive change on the ground.
Sini Eräjää
- Europe
- Finland
Campaigner, campaign lead and strategist on European and global food, forest and land use issues with 15 years of professional experience. Currently working with Greenpeace International leading a global Amazon project.
Soledad Secca Noa
- America
- Peru
Audiovisual communicator focused on Indigenous Peoples of Peru, mainly through social media. Also an anthropologist, translator, and interpreter of Indigenous languages.
Sommer Ackerman
- Europe
- Finland
Environmental activist based in Finland, working at the intersection of environmental policy, social justice, and access to nature.
Souparna Lahiri
- Asia
- India
Senior Climate and Biodiversity Policy Advisor to the Global Forest Coalition with 25 years of experience working with forest communities. Founding member of the Durban Group on Climate Justice and leads the Article 6.8 Non-Market Approach in the Climate Land Ambition and Rights Alliance.
Susmita Satyal
- Asia
- Nepal
Dedicated professional supporting forest-dependent communities and the sustainable management of forests. Prioritises gender equity and social inclusion in decision-making processes.
Tere Fidele Curtis
- Africa
- Ivory Coast
Engaged in independent forest monitoring, development of income-generating activities, land-use planning, advocacy, reforestation, and agroforestry.
Vanessa Cabanelas
- Africa
- Mozambique
Biologist, activist, and founding member of Justiça Ambiental. Works with rural communities through various approaches as a researcher, trainer, and supporter in struggles against land and natural resource expropriation, including forests. Coordinates the Land, Livelihoods, and Ecosystems program.
Vũ Thị Bích Hợp
- Asia
- Vietnam
Executive Director and Chair of the Founding Committee of the Center for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD), established in 2006. Works on grassroots climate change adaptation and mitigation, climate-resilient livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation.
Zoe Lujic
- Europe
- Serbia
Rights of Nature activist with a background in permaculture and the Law of Ecocide. Founder of Earth Thrive and the Balkan Centre for the Rights of Nature, focusing on the native Balkans/Serbia. Currently researching the forest biomass industry in Serbia with BiofuelWatch.
