I am a forest ecologist and environmental consultant with 30+ years of experience in forest restoration, agroforestry, and sustainable land-use systems across Brazil, Canada, Europe, and Africa. My work bridges science, policy, and community action, with a focus on linking traditional knowledge and ecological research to practical solutions.

At Embrapa Forestry (Brazil), I led research and innovation in restoration and agroforestry for over two decades, including projects on productive agroforestry models, payment for socioenvironmental services, and the candidacy of erva-mate systems as a FAO Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).

As a Research Affiliate with CEDErva, I advance participatory research on food security, biodiversity, and restoration in collaboration with international partners. I also consult for organizations like WWF, developing guidelines for large-scale forest landscape restoration.

I have taught ecology and agroforestry at universities in Brazil and Canada, and bring expertise in GIS, ecological modeling, and participatory landscape management. Fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, I thrive in multicultural and interdisciplinary settings.

My goal is to design and scale forest management models that restore ecosystems while strengthening local economies and cultural heritage.

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I am also an enthusiast macro-photographer and hiker. I started years ago a personal project to photograph plants from places I've lived and visited in high resolution. More info, visit andrelacerda.com