It is a pleasure to share that after a long selection process with candidates from all over Mexico, Fernando Ramón Gavito is the new Executive Director of Terra Peninsular, starting on January 9, 2023.
We are thankful that César Guerrero, the director of the past 10 years, will stay until January 31 to ensure a smooth and safe transition.
With more than 19 years of experience, Fernando is a committed conservationist and values working cooperatively with communities – ideal for continuing to lead Terra’s efforts. He’s a biologist with a Master’s in Administration & Public Policy and was Area Director of the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve in the states of Jalisco and Colima for eight years. Prior to that, he was Director of the Tutuaca and Papigochic Flora and Fauna Protection Areas, in the state of Chihuahua.
“Taking the Executive Direction position is a big commitment. I’m excited to share my experience successfully managing protected areas and creating conservation alliances. I’m especially interested in continuing the important work that César and the entire team have developed for over 10 years. We will also strengthen alliances with local key stakeholders and continue to position the organization nationally and internationally.”
Among Fernando’s most distinguished accomplishments are:
- Participating in the first release of the Mexican wolf in the states of Sonora and Chihuahua.
- Coordinating the reintroduction of bison in Chihuahua with The Nature Conservancy and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
- Leading Mexico’s largest prescribed burn in temperate forests (313 acres) to restore the habitat of migratory hummingbirds in the west.
- Strengthening alliances with more than 50 stakeholders.
- Increasing conservation and restoration efforts in the area.
We hope you give Fernando a warm welcome! We are excited for Terra’s future and the possibilities for conservation in the peninsula in this upcoming phase.