Joao Sousa

João Sousa is a Senior Project/Programme Manager at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a position he has held since April 2012. Based in Gland, Switzerland, he specializes in various environmental initiatives, particularly focusing on marine plastics, biodiversity, and sustainable practices within the energy and extractives sectors. His work involves strategic partnerships, project management in oil and gas operations, and developing biodiversity action plans.123

Professional Background

• Current Role: Senior Project/Programme Manager at IUCN

  • Focus areas include:
    • Marine Protected Areas
    • Circular Economy
    • Carbon Offsets
    • Plastic Waste Management

• Previous Experience:

  • Environment Project Manager/Resource Productivity Lead at LNEG (2002-2011)
  • Resource Productivity/Environmental Engineer at LNEG (1992-2002)
  • Program Officer at ICP/IPAD (1999-2002)

Education

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Production in Biotechnology from Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias (1989-1992)
• Masters in Engineering in Biotechnology from the same institution (1993-1998)
• Postgraduate in Engineering Policy and Management of Technology from Universidade Técnica de Lisboa (2001-2002)

Languages

João is proficient in multiple languages:

• Portuguese (native)
• English (bilingual)
• Spanish and French (professional working proficiency)

Contributions to Environmental Initiatives

João has been instrumental in IUCN's efforts to tackle global plastic pollution and has participated in significant international discussions aimed at creating binding agreements to address this issue. His expertise extends to stakeholder engagement and developing solutions that integrate scientific research with policy-making to combat environmental challenges.123