Profile

Lina Avila

Co-founder of gaia-liNc e.V. 

Hamburg, Germany

lavila@gaialinc.org

Areas of knowledge: 

  • Landscape Management & Planning 
  • Life Cycle Assessment 

Education:

M.Sc. in Sustainable Resource Management with focus on Forest Management and Renewable Resources at TUM. B.Sc. in Environmental Engineer from Universidad de los Andes, Colombia, and Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) in Environmental Law from Universidad del Rosario, Colombia.

Areas of expertise:

My expertise lies in the design and implementation of sustainable land-use and forest management projects. I am interested in promoting sustainable productive activities and value chain development projects for vulnerable communities. I aim to continue supporting tropical forest restoration and conservation projects. 

Background

I have experience in the implementation of climate change, energy efficiency, and biodiversity conservation projects in Latina America, mainly in Colombia. I worked in the assessment and development of projects under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Standard (CCB) in Colombia and Indonesia. Currently, I am a consultant at ForestFinest Consulting (FFC) in Germany, working in sustainable land use and forestry projects worldwide.

An interesting fact about you:

In 2019, I had the opportunity of living in South East Asia. I was part of the Sumatra Merang Peatland Project, which aims to restore more than 23.000 hectares of peatland rainforest in the Merang biodiversity zone in Indonesia. The project not only prevents the release of significant volumes of emissions but also creates a conservation area for endangered species such as the Sumatran Tiger. On top of my interest in environmental topics, I am passionate about outdoor sports. Hiking, climbing, and jogging are an essential part of my daily life.  

What you think stakeholders should keep in mind: 

I consider that with ambition, creativity, and innovation is possible to establish a development model that steps out of the business as usual. I am very passionate to reach this goal through projects that integrate social, environmental, and economic aspects, creating long-term benefits. gaia-LiNc is our opportunity of achieving the sustainable development we are seeking for! It’s #TimetoAct.