Roberto P.
Mid-Level Environmental Management Specialist
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Roberto F., a dedicated Environmental Management Specialist, has played pivotal roles in large-scale conservation projects across Belize and the broader Central American region. At The Nature Conservancy, he served as a Carbon Specialist from 2020 to 2026, where he implemented Belize's significant carbon market project, the Belize Maya Forest REDD+ initiative. His responsibilities included managing contracts, budgets, and technical deliverables while supporting initiatives in marine spatial planning and ocean policy. He also facilitated carbon credit transactions and collaborated with regional partners on funding strategies. Previously, Roberto worked with World Wildlife Fund as a Marine Conservation Technical Officer, drafting climate strategies and supporting ecosystem service analyses. At the Mesoamerican Reef Fund, he monitored marine resource projects, ensuring compliance with German Government environmental standards. Roberto's academic credentials include a Masters of Environmental Management from Duke University, equipping him with comprehensive knowledge in marine ecology, policy, and environmental economics.
Experience
Carbon Specialist
The Nature Conservancy · 2020 — 2026Executed Belize's largest voluntary carbon market project, the Belize Maya Forest REDD+ project, involving contract and budget management. Negotiated and managed contracts with implementing firms and third-party auditors. Gathered technical support and local partners for project implementation, overseeing technical deliverables. Offered technical support on the Oceans program, focusing on marine spatial planning, fisheries policy, blue financing, and ocean policy. Conducted carbon credit sales, including buyer screening, due diligence, and vetted sales agreements. Collaborated with a regional team to create funding concepts for the Selva Maya management initiative involving local communities and Indigenous people. Developed and monitored progress for MEL plans under the natural climate solutions program.Marine Conservation Technical Officer
World Wildlife Fund · 2018 — 2020Contributed to drafting a climate-smart strategy using an ecosystem-based approach in coastal communities and marine protected areas within the Mesoamerican Reef region. Engaged key policymakers to form a regional working group and garnered support from grassroots industry and community leaders for developing regional guidelines addressing ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change. Assisted in reporting compliance with WWF Environmental and Social Safeguards, completing internal training and assessments. Acted as the focal point for supporting technical teams conducting ecosystem services analysis, which included integrating climate modeling results.Belize Focal Point
Mesoamerican Reef Fund · 2017 — 2018Oversaw the execution of project activities aligned with project plans, specifically monitoring the progress of the 'Conservation of Marine Resources in Central America' project in Belize. Provided technical assistance to local grantees on the implementation of project activities, ensuring compliance with German Government (IKI) environmental and social safeguards. Coordinated with the Fisheries Department concerning active projects and with the Forest Department regarding proposed policy changes for marine protected areas. Conducted technical reviews of activities, which included site visits to protected areas, and verified the acquisition of project assets and expenditures, including the installation and operation of solar system units at three sites in Belize. Aided local sub-project proponents, including NGOs and government, in preparing required technical reports for the project.Belize Coordinator
Healthy Reefs for Healthy People · 2011 — 2016Collaborated on the first Eco-Audit of the Mesoamerican Reef, synthesizing data from multiple agencies to promote economically and environmentally sustainable technology and policy. Monitored the development of Belize's energy policy, advocating for sustainable practices. Led coordinated ecosystem health field data collection involving 13 partners, including government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions. Co-authored the biennial Report Card (2012, 2014) of the Mesoamerican Reef, collaborating with Belize’s MPA network, NGOs, and government agencies. Supported the HRI Director in preparing financial reports and reviewing technical documents for donor submission.
Skills & Expertise
Education
- Masters of Environmental ManagementNicholas School of the Environment, Duke University · — — 2010
- BACHELOR OF ARTSSpalding University · — — 1998
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