Silvya BENITEZ

Freshwater manager Latin America, The Nature Conservancy

Silvia has worked for more than 20 years in biodiversity conservation, with an emphasis on freshwater. Joined TNC in 2001 and has worked in conservation planning, protected areas strengthening, natural resource management, ecosystem services, and financial sustainability for conservation. Currently, Silvia is supporting the development of the freshwater biodiversity conservation agenda of TNC in the region, with an emphasis on the Amazon basin.  She works in collaborative partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including local communities, governments, national and international organizations, the private sector, and academia.  Silvia holds a B.Sc. in environmental sciences, from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, and a master’s degree in Environmental Management from Yale University.  She participates in women groups that promote gender equity, diversity, and inclusion. She is also an enthusiast open water swimmer.