Biography:
Martha Rojas Urrego is a renowned biologist, ecologist, and humanitarian who has dedicated her life to advocating for gender equality and environmental conservation. Born in Colombia, she is also a French national, embodying a truly global perspective in her work.
Rojas Urrego’s academic journey began at the University of Los Andes in Colombia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology. She continued her studies at the University of Montpellier in France, where she obtained a Specialized Higher Studies Diploma (DESS) in Ecology and Management of Natural Environment. Her quest for knowledge did not stop there, as she went on to complete a Master of Science in Geography at the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom.
Throughout her career, Rojas Urrego has held numerous significant positions, demonstrating her commitment to environmental preservation. As the Executive Director of the National Park Service in Colombia, she played a pivotal role in policy development, planning, and management of the country’s 42 protected areas within the National Parks System. In 1994, she contributed to the transformation of Colombia’s National Institute of Renewable Natural Resources and Environment (INDERENA) into the Ministry of Environment, solidifying her impact on environmental policy.
Rojas Urrego’s influence extended beyond Colombian borders when she accepted a position as the Biodiversity Policy Advisor at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Switzerland. In 2002, she was appointed Head of IUCN’s Global Policy Unit, where she oversaw the development of global policy strategies in areas such as biodiversity, climate change, energy, poverty, and trade. During her tenure, she collaborated closely with prominent international organizations, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the World Bank.
In 2009, Rojas Urrego joined CARE International, a humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting poverty and promoting social justice. As the Head of Global Advocacy, she championed gender equality and women’s empowerment, integrating these crucial aspects into the organization’s policy work on poverty-fighting development and humanitarian aid. She also represented CARE at the United Nations in New York and the European Union in Brussels. In recognition of her exceptional leadership, Rojas Urrego was appointed as the Acting Deputy Secretary General of CARE International, overseeing important governance functions.
August 2016 marked a milestone in Rojas Urrego’s career when she was appointed as the Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. In this role, she assumes leadership responsibilities for the implementation of the convention by 169 Contracting Parties. Her expertise and dedication to environmental preservation are critical in safeguarding these vital ecosystems and their biodiversity.
Martha Rojas Urrego’s extraordinary contributions have extended beyond her professional roles. As a respected member of the IUCN Commission of Environmental, Economic, and Social Policy and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, she has actively shaped discussions and decisions on global environmental policies. Her tireless efforts to ensure the well-being of our planet have made her an influential figure in the international community.