Monica Alvarez Malvido

"Every day I get to support rangers on the ground from various contexts and regions, and help contribute to building a strong ranger workforce to achieve the ambitious global conservation target of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030."

Why did you choose to study a Master of Environmental Management at UQ?

I really wanted to study in Australia because of it’s unique wildlife and diverse eco systems. I chose to study at UQ because of its reputation as one of the world’s best universities for environmental studies. UQ offered opportunities to gain vital skills, field work experience and environmental management expertise that I could not find in Mexico.

I´m thankful to AusAID for giving me the opportunity to study in Australia through the Australia Awards Scholarship.

What was the best part of your time at UQ?

I really enjoyed being part of UQ’s Scuba Diving and Rock Climbing Clubs because it allowed me to have an enriching experience of Australia’s great outdoors and visit protected areas like the Great Barrier Reef.

It was great to study with people from all over the world, many of whom I still stay in touch with today. I’m grateful that some of my professors from UQ have become my professional mentors.

What kind of work do you do as part of your job?

I’m currently cooordinating the first Global State of the Ranger Report to be published at the 10th International Ranger Federation (IRF) World Ranger Congress in France 2024.

I manage alliances with NGO, private sector and universities globally and actively seek new partnerships to strengthen the impact of the IRF for the benefit of rangers globally.

I develop communications to support the IRF to advocate for rangers to be recognised for their contributions and impact on strengthening biodiversity and protecting habitats and ecosystems around the world.

I’ve also represented the IRF at the Steering Committee of the Forest and Communities Initiative led by Prince Albert II of Monaco, and the Steering Committee of the Universal Ranger Support Alliance.

Prior to my role at the IRF, I was the Interinstitutional Affairs Coordinator at the National System of Protected Areas (CONANP) in Mexico.

What is the best part of your job?

Every day I get to support rangers on the ground from various contexts and regions, and help contribute to building a strong ranger workforce to achieve the ambitious global conservation target of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030.

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