José Ignacio Giraldo

José Ignacio Giraldo is an expert in sustainable development and environmental conservation with over 25 years of experience leading community-based initiatives across Latin America. He has worked closely with Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities to protect biocultural heritage, strengthen knowledge systems, and promote sustainable livelihoods. From 2017 to 2025, he served as Indigenous Peoples Specialist at Chemonics International. He currently consults for the World Wildlife Fund, supporting inclusive environmental governance. A champion of the TICCA movement, he advocates for Indigenous-led stewardship at local, regional, and international levels.