Sandra has been a key member of Migramar since its inception as head of Fundación Malpelo y Otros Ecosistemas Marinos.
You can read her profile here.
Sandra Bessudo
This past July 2nd, Colombia’s President-elect Juan Manuel Santos announced that Sandra will join his cabinet as Colombia’s first environment minister.
This is because the Ministry for Environment, Housing and Territorial Development, created by outgoing President Alvaro Uribe, will be split up and the Environment portfolio will stand as an independent government department.
Authorities have already begun working with Bessudo to inform future officials about existing projects and hand over the ministry.
Bessudo’s focus will include the reduction of pollution levels in the country’s water resources, climate change and biodiversity issues, as well as environment-related agreements signed by Colombia.
The new ministry’s efforts will also involve the protection of forests, improving waste management, controlling the use of pesticides, and the reduction of pollution in urban areas.
Science to action?
Sandra’s appointment to government high office will mean she will have to adopt a new role, quit distinct from her past environmental work. In an interview with Colombian news outled El Espectador on the 2nd July, Sandra said:
“I have dedicated my life to conservation, particularly marine conservation, and if indeed I am designated Minister, I will of course carry out this task to the best of my abilitie. I will aim to bring together all sides to try to build consensus.”
I am aware that a ministerial job is not for life, and I know will always be able to return to full-time marine research and conservation in the future.”
See also:
El Espectador (in Spanish) – Interview with Sandra Bessudo
Sandra Bessudo es designada por Santos como ministra de Ambiente
El Tiempo (in Spanish)
Sandra Bessudo será ministra de Medio Ambiente del Gobierno de Juan Manuel Santos
Colombia Reports – (in English)
Santos names Bessudo environment minister
