Ready, set, Samarkand: Meet those preparing to sprint to 2030

‘Science helps people see and connect with the world’

Fonseca Fellow Catherine Rios Santos is a Brazilian biologist and Ph.D. candidate in plant biology at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. 

My research focuses on plant ecology and biogeography in tropical dry forests, especially across ecotones between the Cerrado and Caatinga. I investigate tree mortality patterns, the distribution of rare species in the Caatinga, and biodiversity dynamics in highly diverse yet threatened regions. My work integrates field data, forest inventories, drone-based remote sensing, and machine learning to analyze vegetation structure and species distribution. I have experience working across different Brazilian biomes and in international collaborations, including research in Germany applying AI to ecological monitoring. My goal is to advance the understanding and conservation of ecotones in Brazil, which are key areas of high biodiversity under strong anthropogenic pressure. 

I am inspired by the power of education to transform lives and create real opportunities for social mobility. As someone who comes from a public education background, I believe that knowledge can change not only individual paths but also entire communities. Science, for me, is not only a tool for understanding and conserving biodiversity, but also a way to help people see and connect with the world they are part of. I am deeply motivated by sharing knowledge, learning with others, and contributing to a more conscious and inclusive relationship between people and nature.

‘The river of my childhood no longer flows’ 

Amina Amharech is an Indigenous Amazigh woman from the Middle Atlas region of Morocco.

Years of drought and water-intensive agricultural policies have transformed our landscapes. The river of my childhood no longer flows, and all the life that once flourished along its banks has disappeared, surviving now only in my memory… but for how much longer? Being present at the GEF Assembly in Samarkand is not a coincidence, but a sign of hope and a promise of a better tomorrow — one where the whisper of flowing water is no longer a distant dream, but once again a symbol of life.

‘Those closest to the challenges are closest to the solutions’ 

Leena Joshi, from India, is the founder of Climate Conservancy, an international youth-led climate nonprofit with 9,000 volunteers in more than 70 countries that equips youth to lead the climate revolution. 

The environmental issue closest to my heart is the growing disconnect between people and the natural world. Climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean degradation, and ecological collapse are deeply interconnected challenges, and I believe we need solutions that are not only scientific and political, but also creative, community-driven, and human-centered.

Being at the GEF Assembly in Samarkand is incredibly meaningful because it brings together people from across the world who are committed to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. Spaces like this remind us that environmental action must be collaborative, inclusive, and globally shared. One thing I hope comes out of this Assembly is stronger investment in youth leadership and community-driven solutions, because communities closest to the challenges are often closest to the solutions as well.

‘Traditional knowledge can be used globally for the environment’ 

Hannah Athaliah James, from Pombomergle village in Papua New Guinea, has led community development initiatives in her island nation for many years, from the highlands to the coasts. She represents the Pacific region and her Indigenous Inaugl people, and is an advisory committee member for the community-based organization, Nakane Sustainable Development Association Inc., that has received GEF project funding.

Soil erosion and land degradation is occurring at a rapid rate in my village and other highlands villages due to climate change, consistent unsustainable farming practices, and deforestation of both native and introduced trees. My people and I have faced frequent landslides, floods, blocked roads, and limited food sources because of these issues so I advocate about them and lead community actions to mitigate their impacts.

This is a full circle moment for me to be attending this high-level event by the GEF, representing my peoples' collective voices, and sharing how PNG and the Pacific traditional practices and knowledge have been sustainable and can be used globally to tackle environmental issues. It is also a chance for me to actively participate, network, and identify or push for funding opportunities that should reach more local organizations and groups who are actively doing impactful work without support. 

‘Conservation is about the survival and continuity of our identity’

Rigoberto Saqui is a Mopan/Yucatec Maya from Belize, representing the Itzamna Society, an organization focused on biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development in three Maya villages buffering the Elijio Panti National Park.

At the heart of my work is the stewardship of our natural world. The existence of my people is inextricably linked to the lands, waters, forests, and sacred resources of the Elijio Panti National Park. Ensuring their protection is not only an act of conservation but also a measure of resilience for the survival and continuity of our Maya identity.

Being at the GEF Assembly in Samarkand is an opportunity to bring the voice, knowledge, and lived realities of Indigenous Peoples from Belize into a global space for environmental action. It is also a reminder that the protection of Mother Earth must be guided by those who have cared for her for generations. I hope this Assembly strengthens direct support and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, recognizing our leadership as essential to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and cultural survival.