Women Experts
Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) conducted a research study “Where are the Women? found that when journalists continue to use male-dominated source lists instead of actively looking for women. This results in the underrepresentation and their invisibility of women in the field of Environment.
EJN is contributing in this collective effort to address under-representation of women by preparing a source list of women environment experts in the field of conservation, sustainability, mangrove protection that you can use so that together we can contribute to the visibility of women experts in this field. Here are the profiles and list of women experts from:
 | Philippines |  | Indonesia |  | Nepal |
PHILIPPINES
Climate change, resilience, adaptation, disaster risk management, sustainability, local planning, science communication, sea-level rise, small islands
Ma. Laurice Jamero is the Resilience Coordinator of Klima Laboratory at the Manila Observatory. She works closely with local governments across the Philippines to support their climate and disaster risk management and adaptation efforts, as well as supports policy-related work relevant to international climate negotiations. She is a chapter scientist and contributing author of the Atlas Chapter of the 6th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – Working Group I, Future Earth Coasts Fellow, Asia Foundation Development Fellow, and a working group member of the Southeast Asia Science Advisory Network.
Design for Resilience and Regeneration, Disaster Risk Reduction
Sarah Queblatin is a regenerative design strategist facilitating inclusive ecosystem leadership. She is passionate about transforming the narrative of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), into that of Designing for Resilience and Regeneration for communities affected by disasters, displacement, and unsustainable development. She weaves collective experiences in peace building, cultural heritage conservation, environmental education, and humanitarian assistance for more than 15 years.
Environmental Safeguards
Pura Vita Guia Pedrosa has over twenty five (25) years of experience as Safeguards Specialist
Freelance environmental safeguards consultant since 2013 for various organizations including ADB & World Bank for capacity building and improvement of environmental and social safeguards systems.
She is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reviewer (Registered-RCO-037) for the Philippine Government’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), also providing assistance in related capacity building and policy updating/enhancement activities. She is the Director, Philippine Center for Environment, Climate Studies and Sustainable Development (PCE-CSSD), Inc. She also authored the book, "Environmental Management in the Philippines".
Nature-Based Tourism and Livelihood, Urban Green Spaces and Forests
Email: [email protected]
Nella Lomotan is the founder of Eco-explorations, a social enterprise focused on nature-based tourism, environment education and citizen engagement. She is a consultant for the Biodiversity FInance Initiative project of the UNDP and DENR for protected areas. In 2020, she was one of the 25 finalists for the Landscapre Heroes Award by the CLobal Landscapes Forum and was listed in 2021 as Generation T Asia's 40 young leaders of the Philippines shaping Asia's Future. She was also part of the World Urban Parkds and Salzburg Global Seminar. She has received certifcates in Climate Freindly Travel ann Parks Conservancy in Malta and New York.
Agriculture Policy, Sustainable livelihood, Climate Change
Hazel Arandez Tanchuling has more than 20 years of development experience in the sectors of agriculture policy work, governance, public finance advocacies, community development, sustainable livelihoods, disaster risk reduction and climate change work. Her competencies developed over the same period include policy analysis, policy advocacy, research, training, lobbying, project management, networking and community organizing. climate change adaptation.
Environmental Scientist, Conservationist, Climate and Sustainability Adviser
Email: [email protected]
Nikki Lizares is an environmental scientist, conservationist, and educator with more than 15 years of experience in corporate sustainability. She specializes in sustainability strategy, change management, governance, and communication. She works with leaders in the business and finance sectors to articulate sustainability strategy, align business with the Sustainable Development Goals, and climate change mitigation.
Air Quality Research, Environmental Science and Meteorology
Email: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
Dr. Mylene G. Cayetano is a tenured Professor at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. She is also the Head of the Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory. Her work experience covers programs conducted in partnership with the World Health Organization, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, U.S. Environment Protection Agency, the Asian Development Bank, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)- Environmental Management Bureau and the National Institute for Environmental Research, in South Korea, among other partner organizations. Mylene has over 20 years experience in the environment sector, having contributed her technical expertise in air quality research and monitoring through her chemistry and environmental science background. Her primary professional goal is to integrate scientific understandings on air quality into academic curriculum and research thrust in the Philippine universities and institutes, as well as into policies.
Climate Change, Government Environment Policy
Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh is currently the DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change. She finished her Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines (UP) and became a member of the bar in 1998. She was recognized as one of the UP College of Law Alumni for Public Service. After law school, she joined the DENR as Attorney III. Her government service as a lawyer included serving as Executive Director for the Adjudication Board of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DARAB) and Director for Legal Services of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).
Government Climate Policy, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Email: [email protected]
Ms. Elenida Basug is the DENR Director for Climate Change Service and concurrent Director of the Gender and Development Office. She has been with the country’s environmental agency for close to 38 years now. She is also part of the Philippine Focal Points for the ASEAN Working Groups on Climate Change.She supervises the DENR Secretariat to the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction and the Task Force Build Back Better. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Education from the College of Education of the UP Diliman. She also pursued graduate program in Environmental Studies at the UPLB. Her UPLB undergraduate course was Bachelor of Science in Biology (major in Ecology).
Conservation, Tropical Forest LandscapePhilippines Native Trees
E-mail: [email protected]
Arceli “Cel” Tungol is the founder of the Philippine Native Tree Enthusiast in 2013 and a former Trustee of the Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society, an NGO founded by Leonard Co, the premier botanist.
Through her hobby in photography and as a passionate native tree advocate, she is able to create awareness of our Philippine native trees through her photographs. She was the lead photographer for Philippine Native Trees book series from 101 to 303 and another volume will be coming soon. She is also a co-author of the book, Manual on Nursery and Outplanting of Beach Forest Tree Species. She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines in Diliman and has a certificate on Community and Stakeholder Engagement in the Conservation, Restoration and Management of Tropical Forest Landscape in Environmental Leadership Training Institute, Yale University.
Mangrove Science
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Jurgenne Primavera is the Chief Mangrove Scientific Advisor of the Zoological Society of London and Co-Chair of the recently established Mangrove Specialist Group of the IUCN. She has BS Zoology, PhD Marine Science (University of the Philippines Diliman) and MA Zoology (Indiana University) degrees. She has around 130 scientific papers, reviews, manuals, books and other publications and serves as board member and scientific adviser of various organizations. Among her recent activities are leading a survey team that assessed post-Haiyan mangrove damage and recovery in Eastern Samar-Leyte; lead authoring two manuals on mangrove rehabilitation and pond-mangrove reversion.She was named Scientist Emerita of SEAFDEC/AQD upon retirement in 2007, one of 30 Time Magazine Heroes of the Environment and 50 DOST Men and Women of Science in 2008, and a University of the Philippines Distinguished Alumni Awardee in Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development in 2009.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Humanitarian Response
Jenica Dizon is the Country Director for Waves for Water, Jenica is in the frontlines in disaster response during typhoons in the Philippines. Waves for Water provides access to potable water through the use of simple and safe water filtering mechanisms.
Environment Campaigner
Beau Banconguis is an environmental campaigner running public campaigns. Worked with communities, gave public speeches, organized direct actions, media interviews and lobbied Congress for policies.
INDONESIA
Environmental Economist
Andhyta Firselly Utami is an Environmental Economist and Green Economy Activist. She is also known as a Green-economy influencer and speaker, and has spoken at various events and conferences. As an Environmental Economist at the World Bank, Andhyta promotes sustainable development by providing policy advice and technical assistance to governments, organizations, and communities worldwide. Andhyta is also a vocal advocate for the green economy, which aims to promote economic growth while reducing the environmental impact of economic activities.
Conservation, Sustainable Natural Resource Management
April Sirait is a prominent environmentalist and the Executive Director of EcoNusa Foundation, an organization focused on promoting conservation and sustainable management of Indonesia's natural resources, particularly in the eastern part of the country. With a background in environmental science, April has spent over a decade working on environmental conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable development issues. She has worked with various organizations in Indonesia and internationally, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she served as an Environmental Specialist.
Climate Change
Esther N S Tamara is a prominent figure in the field of international relations and diplomacy in Indonesia, and is known for her work as the Executive Director of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI). She is a climate activist and advocate.
Disaster Mapping
Nashin Mahtani is a social entrepreneur and the co-founder of Petabencana.id, a disaster mapping platform that uses social media data to provide real-time information on natural disasters in Indonesia. Petabencana.id uses social media data and community engagement to provide real-time information on natural disasters, including floods, landslides, and earthquakes, and to support disaster response and recovery efforts. Nashin is also a vocal advocate for the use of technology and social innovation in addressing social and environmental challenges.
Environmental Researcher
Frisca Tobing is an Indonesian environmental researcher who has dedicated her career to understanding the complex relationship between human activities and the environment. She is known for her expertise in environmental impact assessments, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. She has also worked with various research institutions and NGOs in Indonesia, including the Indonesian Biodiversity Foundation and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). Tobing is also an active member of the Indonesian environmental community and has been involved in various environmental advocacy and education initiatives. She is committed to raising awareness about environmental issues in Indonesia and promoting sustainable practices among local communities and policymakers.
Pollution, Water Quality
Raihal Fajri is currently the Executive Director of the Katahati Institute. She was alumnus of the 2019 Australia-ASEAN Women in constitution-building Capacity Development Program at Melbourne Law School, Australia. Raihal first became involved in community service and environmental justice work when she observed the pollution, deterioration of water quality, and environmental damage caused by a local cement factory, which inspired her and her friends to fight for their right to have a healthier environment to live in. Raihal saw that women and children were the most impacted by this pollution and inspired her community to engage with the cement factory leadership, government, and the media about the issue.
Coral Reef Restoration
Prawita is the Director of Bio-Rock Indonesia, a non-profit organization that works to restore coral reefs using a technology called bio-rock. Prawita's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Kalpataru Award from the Indonesian government, the Whitley Award from the Whitley Fund for Nature, and the Rolex Award for Enterprise. She is also a TED Fellow and a member of the Ashoka Fellowship, a global network of leading social entrepreneurs.
Oceans and Ocean Food Resources
Thilma created the first-ever Smart Citizen Day on March 28th in Jakarta which she did by leading a group of 35 young environmental activists representing 34 provinces in Indonesia to highlight public participation in conservation and advocacy. For the last 3 years, she has been establishing a women-leadership training program and was also a SEED Adviser to promote eco-inclusive entrepreneurship.
Forest Conservation
Lia Putrinda Anggawa Mukti has been working to conserve the Clungup Mangroves Area since she was 12 years old. Lia and her father collaborated to build the Bhakti Alam Sendang Biru Foundation which manages mangroves, as well as a coral conservation area called Clungup Mangrove Conservation Tiga Warna (CMC Tiga Warna). The Bhakti Alam Sendang Biru foundation employs 109 locals, 80% of whom were forest encroachers, but are now ecotourism guides. Lia now works as a trustee and leader of the CMC Tiga Warna's management team. Lia has worked as treasurer for the East Java Ecotourism Forum (EJEF) since 2017. She has also worked as an ecotourism guide assessor since 2016 for Badan Nasional Sertifikasi Profesi (BNSP).
Forest, Nature, Environment
Farwiza Farhan is an Indonesian environmental activist and the founder of the Forest, Nature, and Environment of Aceh (HAkA), a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works to protect the Leuser Ecosystem in Sumatra, Indonesia. She has been instrumental in advocating for the preservation of the Leuser Ecosystem, which is one of the last remaining intact rainforests in Southeast Asia. Farwiza is also a member of the board of directors of the Leuser Conservation Forum (FKL), a coalition of NGOs and community groups working to protect the Leuser Ecosystem.
Orangutan Conservation and Protection
Andayani Oerta Ginting is a Biodiversity Conservation scientist who has been working as Program Coordinator of Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program. Beside her activism for orangutan conservation, Ginting is also an activist and advocate for eco-tourism.
Orangutan Protection
Indira has been involved in wildlife conservation since 2014. She has lived in Java, Sumatera, Borneo, and Sulawesi to conduct research, forest patrol, rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Indonesian wildlife. She mostly works with endemic, endangered, and protected animals. As a member of COP, Indira has been involved in a wide range of conservation programs and initiatives. She has worked to protect orangutan habitat through forest restoration programs, and has conducted research on orangutan behavior and ecology to better understand the species' needs and how best to protect them.
Indigenous Peoples
Saur Marlina “Butet” Manurung is a prominent educator, social activist, and founder of the Sokola Institute in Indonesia. She has dedicated her life to promoting education and empowerment among indigenous communities, particularly those living in remote areas of Indonesia. As founder of the Sokola Institute, Butet has been instrumental in developing and implementing educational programs that focus on indigenous knowledge, environmental sustainability, and community development. Butet's work with the Sokola Institute has been widely recognized and has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Rolex Awards for Enterprise. She is also a TED Fellow and has been named one of Asia's Heroes by Time Magazine.
Eco-Feminism
Mai Jebing is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Passau. She has been active as a researcher and activist covering the issues of ethnicity, mining, and gender. Mai Jebing is an active advocate for the environment and sustainability.
Environment, Gender and Sustainability
Mia Siscawati is a researcher and lecturer at University of Indonesia. She was an Ashoka Fellow and has been active in the environmental, gender, and sustainability activism and advocation. Her area of expertise includes gender equality, sustainable cities and communities, as well as peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Agrarian policy, Anthropology
Savitri is a scholar-activist working on community empowerment in natural resource management since 1997, concentrating on agrarian, gender and land issues studies since 2003. For the last four years, she has been teaching agrarian policy in Regional Planning Graduate Program of Bogor University of Agriculture (IPB), also Department of Anthropology of Gadjah Mada University. Laksmi is also an associate scholar of National Land Institute (STPN).
Climate Change, Birds and Butterflies
Winarni finished her Ph.D. from Manchester Metropolitan University, her studies mainly focused on bird population dynamics, community ecology on birds and butterflies particularly on the effect of anthropogenic disturbance to bird and butterfly community, as well as evaluating the use of birds and butterflies as species indicator of disturbance. She is also interested in biodiversity monitoring and survey methodology, research design and analysis. She has been studying the impact of climate change to phenological patterns of tropical rainforest trees and the response of biodiversity to climate change.
Conservation, Biodiversity, and Natural Resource Management
Wulan is an Experienced Senior Conservation Scientist with a demonstrated history of working in a non-profit conservation organization. She is skilled in Ecology Modeling, Sustainable Development, Biodiversity, Environmental Awareness, and Natural Resource Management. She focused on quantitative ecology with a Master's Degree focused in Environmental Conservation from UMass, Amherst. She is currently a DPhil Research student at the University of Oxford.
Climate Change Modeling and Hazards
Yulihastin is a Research Scientist (Research Professor) at the Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Her research interests include Atmosphere phenomena: Monsoon, El Nino-La Nina, IOD, MJO, cold surge, Climate change, Satellite Observation, Climate Model, Data Analysis, and Weather and Climate Hazard: typhoons, floods.
NEPAL
The list of women experts, which EJN has received approval to republish on the website, was compiled by Boju Bajai, a platform founded by two feminist friends in 2016. Boju Bajai aims to amplify the voices and experiences of Nepali women, addressing the gender discourse void in Nepal and South Asia by sharing authentic and uncensored stories. The list of women experts provided by Boju Bajai .
Disaster Management and Risk Reduction
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Sweta Baniya is an esteemed assistant professor at Virginia Tech, specializing in rhetoric, professional, and technical writing with a focus on transnational disaster studies and risk/crisis communication. Her research is particularly relevant to the environmental field as it addresses natural and man-made disasters, including climate change. Dr. Baniya’s work bridges non-Western and Western paradigms, contributing to global community support in disaster response. Her expertise reflects a commitment to understanding and communicating the complexities of environmental risks and disasters in an ever-changing global landscape.
Disaster Management and Risk Reduction, Open-Source Mapping
Email: [email protected]
Angela Tamrakar is an environmental specialist with a focus on disaster risk reduction. She has represented the Youth Innovation Lab at significant events like the "Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Summit 2020". Her expertise lies in utilizing open-source mapping tools to enhance disaster preparedness and response, contributing to a more resilient environment. Angela’s work in this field is crucial for developing strategies that mitigate environmental risks and promote sustainable development.
Renewable Energy Development, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)
Email:[email protected]
Kavita Rai is an environmental expert with a notable background in energy development and natural resource management. Her expertise is further emphasized through her involvement with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), where she has addressed the employment effects of energy access through renewable technologies.
Road Pollution and Solid Waste Management
Email: [email protected]
Sujata Koirala is a passionate environmental advocate with a focus on sustainability and youth empowerment. She joined Creasion Nepal in 2019 and quickly took on a significant role, leading the environmental portfolio and becoming the youngest board member1. With a degree in Environmental Science, Sujata has been pivotal in addressing persistent environmental issues in Nepal, such as road pollution and solid waste management.
Environment, Forest Research
Dikshya Devkota is a distinguished figure in forest research, particularly known for her contributions to understanding the health benefits of forests and trees. She co-edited the comprehensive report “Forests and Trees for Human Health: Pathways, Impacts, Challenges and Response Options,” which was published as part of the IUFRO World Series. This report is a significant scientific assessment that highlights the interconnections between forests and human health, emphasizing the importance of forests in promoting well-being and preventing disease.
Water and Resource Management
Email: [email protected]
Nicky Shree Shrestha is a dedicated environmental professional in Nepal, focusing on water resource management and empowering women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). As the Secretary at The Small Earth Nepal (SEN), Nicky has been instrumental in moderating programs like the online training on 'Women in STEM: Application of Open Access Tools for Water Resource Management’. This program aimed to enhance the participation of women in Nepal in learning about water resource management, especially in the context of climate change.
Wildfire Management, Environment Conservation
Email: [email protected]
Kanchan Ojha is an environmental expert with a focus on the human dimensions of wildfire management. She completed her Master of Public Policy at Oregon State University, where she explored the influence of cultural theory and information source reliance on Firewise behaviors in Central Oregon. Her work contributes to understanding how communities can better prepare for and respond to wildfires, emphasizing the importance of cultural perspectives and information sources in shaping fire management.
Waste Management and Recycling
Email: [email protected]
Bishnu Thakali is a prominent environmental leader in Nepal, known for her pioneering work in waste management and recycling. As the president of the Women Environment Protection Committee (WEPCO), she has been instrumental in transforming the way solid waste is processed in Nepal. Under her leadership, WEPCO has grown from a small initiative by sixteen women to a major operation that serves thousands of households and recycles up to five tonnes of waste daily. Her innovative approach includes converting solid waste into bio-gas, which has significant environmental and economic benefits. Thakali’s work with WEPCO earned the organization the SEED Award in 2011, recognizing its contribution to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Climate-Agriculture Nexus and Youth Climate Activist
Email: [email protected]
Pramisha Thapaliya is a climate activist and environmentalist from Nepal, with a strong background in agriculture and climate science. She is known for her advocacy on sustainable food systems and her commitment to climate change education, particularly among the youth. Pramisha’s work includes extensive research in economics, climate change, and agriculture, and she has been actively involved in fostering meaningful youth engagement in environmental initiatives.
Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Forestry Wildlife Research
email: [email protected]
Sujita Dhakal is a prominent figure in forestry and wildlife conservation, holding an MSc in Forestry from Tribhuvan University. Her work focuses on otters and pangolins, and she explores the values women in Nepal’s lowland communities place on biodiversity. Sujita is a Nepal Conservation and Research Fellow and an associate at the Female Foresters Network. Her extensive experience with international and national conservation non-profits highlights her commitment to inclusive and sustainable environmental practices. Sujita’s research and community engagement efforts aim to integrate scientific knowledge with local perspectives, fostering a more inclusive approach to conservation.