EcoLogic Development Fund's Marco Acevedo Joins Global Forest Watch Advisory Board

EcoLogic's Mexico team leader will bring Indigenous perspectives to the Global Forest Watch Advisory Board.

We are thrilled to announce that Marco Acevedo, our incredible Mexico team leader, has been appointed to the Global Forest Watch (GFW) Advisory Board. This recognition is a testament to Marco's exceptional work in forest conservation, a field where his deep commitment to empowering rural and Indigenous communities has made a significant impact.

Marco has led EcoLogic's project in Mexico since 2011, implementing initiatives with local partner FARCO in La Chinantla, Oaxaca. He coordinates monitoring and evaluation efforts for conservation and social impact and collaborates with regional teams to integrate GIS data and create maps.

His involvement with GFW began with a successful GFW-funded EcoLogic project that leveraged technology to protect forests in Mexico. His firsthand experience in implementing this technology and his deep understanding of the needs of rural and Indigenous communities will make him an invaluable asset to the Advisory Board.

By combining traditional knowledge with technology, we can improve decision-making and increase our impact on conservation.

As a member of the Advisory Board, Marco will bring the perspectives of frontline conservationists to the table. He aims to ensure that the technology developed by GFW is user-friendly and accessible to those working directly on the ground. Additionally, he hopes to explore opportunities to integrate artificial intelligence into conservation planning and monitoring, making these processes more efficient and effective.

"Joining the GFW Advisory Board is an opportunity to share our vision of working with rural and Indigenous communities and respecting their customs and practices," says Marco. "By combining traditional knowledge with technology, we can improve decision-making and increase our impact on conservation."

Marco's commitment to respecting and integrating Indigenous wisdom is an essential aspect of EcoLogic's approach to conservation. By recognizing the deep-rooted connection between local communities and their environment, we can develop more effective and sustainable conservation strategies.

We are incredibly proud of Marco and his achievements. We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on the GFW Advisory Board, and we are excited to see how his unique perspective and commitment to community empowerment will shape the future of forest conservation.