About Us

Our Purpose:

Empower people and organizations to take the lead on climate action.

Green Initiative is part of a new generation of businesses that are driving a disruptive change for a climate and nature positive planet. We believe that this transformation has no turning back. The challenge of achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement / Net Zero emissions by 2050, calls for a fundamental shift in business and economic models, combining short-term growth, with long-term shared prosperity.

Our Vision:

A Climate & Nature Positive Planet.

The moral imperative for climate action is undeniable. Unchecked, climate change and biodiversity loss risk unleashing future pandemics and condemning hundreds of millions to poverty, with dire social and economic consequences worldwide. Nature-based solutions and investments in the green economy are pivotal to reversing both the biodiversity and climate crises. Simply mitigating externalities is insufficient. We believe that infrastructure, energy, trade, and financial services must all strive for a net positive impact on the environment. The Green Initiative is committed to supporting businesses, governments, and communities embed climate action into the fabric of their operations.

Our Mission:

Accelerating the Transition to Net-Zero Emissions and Nature Positive Impact.

Green Initiative guides and validates organizations in their pursuit of climate and environmental action. Our strategy leverages innovative solutions to transform climate risks and market challenges into strategic opportunities for sustainable growth. We align our clients’ operations with key international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, thereby bolstering their value proposition and contributing to global environmental stewardship.

Our tailored solutions are designed to help your organization adeptly tackle the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Through our certification and advisory services, we provide our clients with the insights needed to grasp global trends and initiate effective, enduring climate and nature actions that generate substantial and lasting benefits for a healthier planet.

A Women-Led Organization

TOGETHER WE CREATED GREEN INITIATIVE TO HELP YOU CONNECT WITH CLIMATE ACTION. Meet our team:

Head of Relationship Management

Tatiana is a seasoned economist with over a decade of experience in the financial markets, contributing her expertise to leading institutions such as B3 (Brazilian Stock Exchange), various Brokerage Houses, and Investment Banks. Her career is distinguished by a significant international footprint, including a pivotal 4-year tenure at Procter & Gamble in Costa Rica as a Category Supply Manager for Fabric Enhancer, and 5 years in Peru where she engaged with the local culture and economy, sharing her insights through a well-followed travel blog, “Cup of Things.”

Country Director – Switzerland

Márcia is the Country Director of the Green Initiative in Switzerland and is responsible for coordinating relations between our organization and the United Nations, as well as being the coordinator of the Carbon Neutral Tourism and Climate Action initiatives in ESG Funds. Her experience has shown her that success is measured through the positive impact that is generated for the benefit of the planet.

Country Director – Brazil

Claudia is the Country Director of the Green Initiative in Brazil and responsible for coordinating relations with Private Guilds and Civil Society Organizations. Enterprising and pragmatic, she found in the foundations of the Green Initiative a way to make a positive impact on reducing, sequestering and neutralizing carbon emissions around the world.

Senior Advisor – Carbon and Nature Policy

Alexandra is an international environmental lawyer who provides expert legal and policy counsel, advises on existing and emerging biodiversity and climate law standards, and creates business opportunities with global clients. Over the past decade, she has worked in 25+ countries with previous roles at the United Nations, the International Council of Environmental Law, and the Sabin Center at Columbia Law School.

Coordinator – Carbon Management

Erika supports all certification cycle processes assuring compliance with international standards and protocols. Erika is an environmental engineer with a solid technical background conducting certification processes in public and private organizations.

Advisor – Mitigation Solutions

Virna is a member of the technical unit and supports the certification cycle process by helping to measure the carbon footprint and carbon capture of our clients. She is also in charge of developing the Green Initiative Mitigation Solutions unit. Virna has a great passion for innovation and has a background in Environmental Engineering.

Advisor – Carbon Management

Musye is responsible for the systematization of processes and best practices that provide Green Initiative with a competitive edge. Based on her solid carbon footprint assessment and mitigation expertise, she plays a key role in supporting public and private organizations to set goals and monitor their climate performance through science-based targets. Musye is a multi-task executive who stands out for her quality advisory services.

Head of Climate and Nature Policy

Frédéric is an expert in climate change and biodiversity law and policy with 15 years of experience working with governments, intergovernmental organizations, companies and non-governmental organizations on climate and biodiversity topics. He is responsible for aligning the Green Initiative’s standards and services with international obligations and best practices in carbon offsetting, corporate ESG reporting, and sustainability certification.

Head of Forest Friends and Communications

Yves is responsible for Green Initiative’s Forest Friends Nature Positive programs, monitoring and reporting, and actively interacting with our reforestation partners. He also leads our communications, web development, e-commerce, and social media. He has built and managed a few of Brazil’s most prominent ISPs and Content Portals and countless internet projects.

Portfolio Manager

Matheus leads all external and internal monitoring and client performance evaluation processes. Matheus is a goal-getter and passionate engineer with a solid and sustainable business development drive.

Head of Climate Mitigation Finance

Giovanni is an engineer, business leader, and Interamerican Federation of Industries Director. Executive Director of the Ecuador Water Conservation Trust and Senior Consultant for the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean- CAF, Conservation International, and UNCTAD in bio-economy, bio trade, and climate finance.

Senior Advisor of Climate and Tourism Policy

Érico Mendonça is a seasoned expert in Brazilian tourism with over 35 years of experience. He has held prominent roles, including Secretary of Culture and Tourism for Salvador da Bahia, Superintendent of Tourism Investments for Bahia and coordinator of the PRODETUR program, as CEO of Prima S.A., Érico led innovative tourism-real estate projects. Currently works as a Senior Consultant for Tourism Development Projects. He co-authored the Brazilian Climate Action Guide for Tourism Destinations, emphasizing sustainability in tourism. He has also authored several works on tourism’s impact on socioeconomic development and real estate in Brazil.

Latin America Relationship Director

Alberto is the Latin America Relationship Director and responsible for supervising Green Initiative’s climate certification cycle. Alberto is passionate about promoting the overcoming of poverty, gender equity and the development of new business models that have a positive contribution to biodiversity and the climate.

Senior Advisor – Carbon Management

Renzo supports all certification cycle processes assuring compliance with international standards and protocols. Renzo is an experience engineer, with an international track record conducting certification processes in public and private organizations.

Head of Carbon Management

Alfonso is an expert in climate action, being one of UNFCCC endorsed experts worldwide. Alfonso is a high-level professional with a proven record of working with national and subnational government institutions and the private sector. He is Green Initiative Head of Carbon Management.

Advisor – Ecosystem Restoration

Marc is responsible for the management of Green Initiative’s ecosystem restoration practices and ensuring consistency in our science-based approaches. Marc also leads Green Initiative’s institutional relations with our local ecosystem restoration partners. He has a background in Science and has countless experience with conservation assessments.

Advisor – IT Solutions

Jorge is responsible for ITS development for climate impact monitoring and reporting, which supports Green Initiative certification cycle implementation worldwide. Jorge develops tailored made solutions which provide a unique experience to our clients.

Developer – IT Solutions

With a background in Systems Engineering, Omar is part of the IT team; Omar is responsible for developing Green Initiative IT applications. He is responsible for effectively integrating technology into Green Initiative tools and solutions.

Scientific and Technical Advisory Council (STAC)

THROUGH THEIR GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, OUR ADVISORY COUNCIL GUIDES US towards ACHIEVEving OUR MISSION.

At Green Initiative, we believe in the power of collaboration and the vital role played by science in shaping our organization’s direction and initiatives. To ensure a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, with a particular focus on the Global South’s development and key constraints for climate and nature positive action, we have established a Scientific and Technical Advisory Council (STAC) that brings into our vision these fundamental expertise to drive inclusive and long-term development.

The STAC is dedicated to providing scientific and technical advice for Green Initiative tools, projects and resources, helping our organization to perform in the frontier of climate and nature positive action knowledge.

As a visitor to our website, we invite you to explore the role of our Scientific and Technical Advisory Council (STAC). We value your input and insights, and we believe that by working together, we can create a sustainable future, driving positive change and achieving new climate action standards. If you would like to get involved, or contribute to our initiatives, please reach out to us at contact@greeninitiative.eco.

meet our

Scientific and Technical Advisory Council

Jaqueline Gil, Ph.D. Candidate, MBA (Brazil)

Jaqueline was International Marketing, Business and Sustainability Director at the Brazilian Tourism Board. She led the transformation of Brazil´s marketing campaigns by incorporating international tourism sustainability frameworks via pragmatic actions, such as investing in widely promoting regenerative tourism experiences in the mainstream agenda. She is a Thought Leader Advisory Board Member at the Journal of Tourism Futures, an Instructor at UN WTO Online Academy, and Honorary Member of the New Zealand-Brazil Business Council. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Sustainable Development at the University of Brasilia, where she researches internacional tourism and climate change. She holds two Masters´ Degrees, one in Tourism Marketing and one in International Relations.mShe is a multi-awarded professional, such as “Best Country Branding Professional of the Year 2024” by FIEXPO Latin America, “Distinguished Professional” by the University of Alicante/Spain and “Innovation in the Brazilian Public Sector Management”.

Marília Telma António Manjate, Ph.D. candidate, MBA (Mozambique)

Dr. Majate is Mozambican, born in Mueda, in the province of Cabo-Delgado, on September 9, 1966. She is married, with two daughters, fluent in English and Portuguese (native tongue). Doctoral student at the Center for Sustainable Development, at the University of Brasilia, Brazil, since June 2022. Master's Degree in Agrarian Development - Forestry and Faunistic Resources Management Branch at Eduardo Mondlane University, College of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering (2018) and Degree in Meteorology Physics, Meteorology Option, College of Sciences, Eduardo Mondlane University (1997). A technician at the Ministry of Environment in Mozambique since 1997, she served as director of cooperation and head of the department for conservation of natural resources. She coordinated Mozambique's First and Second National Communication; the Capacity Development for CDM project, the elaboration of the NDC and the National Strategies for Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change and the Long-Term Strategy for Low Carbon Development, participated in the development of the first biennial update report, as coordinator of the national inventory of greenhouse gasses – energy sector. Certificate of Proficiency of the UNFCCC Online IPCC Guidelines Training Program course, 501 IPCC (Cross Cutting Issues) and 511 IPCC (Energy) courses.

Oliver Hillel, MBA (Canada)

Mr. Hillel is an experienced project and programme manager, team leader, and coordinator specializing in nature-centric urban design and planning, urban-rural linkages, and blue-green economic development. He has consulted and provided capacity building for various international organizations and agencies, and leading subnational and local governments. From 2006 to 2023, he served as Programme Officer for the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity under the UN Environment Programme in Montreal. In this role, he focused on mainstreaming biodiversity into economic sectors, finance, and development, working with businesses, finance, technology, innovation leaders, and the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors to promote sustainable production and consumption. His efforts contributed to the adoption of plans of action for subnational and local authorities, and the organization of Summits and Action Pavilions. He also supported negotiations and decisions on South-South cooperation and Island Biodiversity. From 2003 to 2005, he led the Philippines’ Sustainable Environmental Tourism Management Plan, a $17 million project of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation/JICA. Previously, he was the ecotourism program director at Conservation International in Washington, managing 35 projects in 17 countries. From 1987 to 1996, he managed over 65 capacity-building programs on sustainable tourism in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mr. Hillel holds a master's degree in environmental education, an associate degree in Hotel Management, and an MBA in Cost Control and Managerial Accounting. He has taught at universities in Brazil, the US, Canada, and France, and is the author of several seminal publications on sustainable tourism, cities, biodiversity, and the management of urban-rural linkages for sustainable economic development.

Francisco Dallmeier, Ph.D. (USA)

Dr. Francisco Dallmeier directs the Center for Conservation and Sustainability (CCS) of the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. The CCS’ mission is to apply the expertise of the Smithsonian to integrate conservation needs with development priorities to sustain biodiversity. His expertise includes 1) integration of biodiversity conservation into policies project planning and development in critical and natural landscapes; 2) developing science-based conservation best practices to mitigate the impacts of development projects on ecosystem services and climate change; 3) designing and implementing in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs that promote landscape conservation and climate change impact mitigation; and 4) providing capacity building in conservation science and leadership. Dr. Dallmeier leads and manages international conservation and sustainability projects with offices in Washington, DC; Peru (over 30 years); and Gabon (over 20 years). He has contributed significantly to protecting species and ecosystems, from coastal marine ecosystems to inter-Andean landscapes and tropical rainforests in the Amazon and Congo Basins. Dr. Dallmeier has been an advisor in conservation, climate change and sustainability for the energy, mining, agroforestry sectors, NGOs, international financial organizations, UNESCO, and local governments. Dr. Dallmeier received a bachelor's degree in Biology from Universidad Central in Venezuela, and a Master's degree and Doctorate in Wildlife and Natural Resources Management from Colorado State University. He is an author of numerous scientific and technical publications. Dr. Dallmeier is fluent in Spanish and English and has a working knowledge of Portuguese.

Osvaldo Soliano, Ph.D (Brazil)

Dr. Osvaldo Soliano Pereira is an electrical engineer and got his Ph.D. from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, in London, in 1992. He is a Senior Member of Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers – IEEE. He is an Adjunct Professor at the Universidade Federal da Bahia – UFBA. He is founder/partner of the Brazilian Centre for Energy and Climate Change (CBEM), which he had run up to June 2014. He has been president of Sociedade Brasileira de Planejamento Energético – SBPE for two years up to September 2010. From August 2009 to March 2012, he was in a sabbatical as Resident Advisor at Conselho Nacional de Electricidade – CNELEC in Mozambique, as part of a World Bank loan to support the reform of the electricity sector. As a consultant, he worked for the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy, Brazilian Regulatory Agency on Electricity (ANEEL), UNDP, The World Bank, among others, on regulation, renewable energy and rural electrification. Former Country Director of Winrock International after having been manager of Renewable Energy Project Support Office (REPSO). Former Coordinator of the National Reference Center for Solar and Wind Energy at the Electric Power Research Center (CEPEL/ELETROBRAS), and electrical engineer at COELBA for several years. He is currently in a sabbatical year, in a post-doctorate program at the Photovoltaic Laboratory of Federal University of Santa Catarina, in Brazil. The title of his research is: Energy Transition in Isolated Systems – Political, Regulatory Aspects and Opportunities in The Carbon Market.

Sebastian Winkler, MBA (Switzerland)

A social entrepreneur based in Switzerland, from where he has promoted important transformative initiatives that have promoted sustainable development globally. Among his extensive experience in politics and international development, he stands out his work as an advisor to the presidency of the European Union (Spain), Vice President of the Global Footprint Network, Senior Executive of IUCN, among others.

Emilio Lèbre La Rovere, Ph.D, D.Sc and M.Sc (Brazil)

Dr. La Rovere is a Brazilian and Italian, born in Rio de Janeiro on 19 May 1954, married, three children, fluent in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese (mother language). His experience includes: Coordinator of the Environmental Sciences Laboratory and of the Center for Integrated Studies on Climate Change and the Environment, Full Professor of the Energy Planning Program at COPPE/UFRJ, Institute for Research and Graduate Studies of Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Graduated in Electrical Engineering (PUC-RJ, 1975), and in Economics (FEA-UFRJ, 1976), M.Sc. in Systems Engineering (COPPE/UFRJ,1977), D.Sc. Economics (EHESS/Paris 1980). Lead author of many reports of the IPCC (WG3 and WG2 ARs, TGICA, Special Reports) contributing since 1992 to the award of 50% of the Nobel Peace Prize to the IPCC in 2007. Work as consultant of national and international bodies including assignments in different countries around the world. Main interests include climate change, energy & environment.

Jorge Medaglia, Juris Doctor (Costa Rica)

Dr. Jorge Medaglia is a Lawyer who graduated with honors from the University of Costa Rica, Faculty of Law (Bach and JD, 1991). Postgraduate studies on environmental and agricultural law (1996), commercial law (1992), and economic law (2003). Professor of environmental law in the graduate (JD) and postgraduate degree (in environmental and agricultural law) and biodiversity law in the Master's degree in environmental law at the University of Costa Rica. Former legal adviser of the Ambio Foundation ( NGO dedicated to the development of environmental law from 1992 to 1998), the National Biodiversity Institute (INBio from 1998 to 2015), and international consultant in the area of environmental law, international environmental law, biodiversity, biotrade, biotechnology and biosafety, access to genetic resources and benefit sharing and the protection of Traditional Knowledge. Lead Counsel of International Sustainable Biodiversity Law of the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law based in Montreal, Canada (2003 until now).Member designated by Costa Rica of the List of Environmental Arbitrators of the Permanent Court of Arbitration PCA (2001-2013) and of the Roster of Experts on Environmental Law of the CAFTA-DR, Environmental Chapter. Author and co-author of more than 130 articles, papers, and environmental and trade law books.

General Policies and Definitions

To ensure transparency and clarity, we have established and adapted general policies and definitions that guide our organization’s operations. These policies set out our core values, objectives, and the standards we uphold. They provide a framework for Green Initiative to function effectively, complying with relevant laws and regulations, and ethical standards.

Specific Policies related to Governance and Executive Functions

In addition to our general policies, we have specific policies in place that direct our governance and executive functions. These policies outline the processes and guidelines for decision-making, accountability, and consistency in the Management Board. They ensure that our engagement with stakeholders is fair, the decision-making process is impartial, and enhance the ability of our board members to effectively fulfill their duties and contribute to the company’s success.

Is a senior specialist in derivatives, options, foreign exchange, and carbon offset markets, with a substantial record of accomplishments in the Brazilian financial services sector.

Is a social entrepreneur based in Switzerland, from where he has promoted important transformative initiatives that have promoted sustainable development globally. Among his extensive experience in politics and international development, he stands out his work as an advisor to the presidency of the European Union (Spain), Vice President of the Global Footprint Network, Senior Executive of IUCN, among others.

Is a specialist in strategic communication and environmental management. Sebastián has more than 15 years of work experience in the public, private and civil society sectors, holding prominent positions as Member of the Environmental Control Tribunal (OEFA) and President of the Peruvian Institute of Sports.

He is an international development specialist, currently a senior economist at the World Bank with fifteen years of experience at the IDB, the European Central Bank, the Bank of Spain, and academia. Javier has numerous publications on international financial architecture reform, Latin American economic development, and other issues. He is convinced of the need to decarbonize our economies to move towards a more sustainable future.

He has participated in international biodiversity negotiations since 2009, representing intergovernmental, private sector, and civil society organisations. He serves on the board of International Law Association (ILA)-Canada, engaged in the ILA Committee on the Role of International Law in Sustainable Natural Resources Management for Development from 2015-2020, and is a member of the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law.

Is a lawyer with an important track record in disseminating good corporate governance in Peru. He has held leadership positions in institutions of the financial sector, investment funds, a society of stockbrokers, and trade unions. His experience includes the General Legal Management of Financiera CredInka and Diviso Grupo Financiero.

Allies:

WE ARE PROUD TO COLLABORATE AND EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS.

Green Initiative is recognized by the United Nations to provide advisory services that lead to Carbon Neutral Certification.

Green Initiative its a member of the Science Task Force supporting the development of global principles for ecosystesm restoration.

Green Initiative is partnering with the UNWTO, actively supporting the Glasgow Declaration Capacity Building Working Group.

Green Initiative supports the GCOM providing technical assistance and advisory services for cities to connect with Climate Action.

Together since 2015 developing standards for conducting ecological footprint studies worldwide.

Since 2018, we have designed creative ecosystems restoration approaches to contribute to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystems Restoration.

Working together to introduce Climate Action into Tourism, leading to the Glasgow Declaration and other achievements.

Green Initiative and Saimiri Foundation work together to monitor the impact of ecosystems restoration in some of the most significant biodiversity hotspots in Costa Rica.

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About Us

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Our Vision:

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A Women-Led Organization

TOGETHER WE CREATED GREEN INITIATIVE TO HELP YOU CONNECT WITH CLIMATE ACTION. Meet our team:

TatianaOtaviano

Marcia Regis

Claudia Teixeira

AlexandraGoodman

Erika Rumiche

Virna Chávez

Musye Lucen

FrédéricPerron-Welch

Yves van Hemelryck

Matheus Mendes

GiovanniGinnatta

ÉricoMendonça

Alberto Urteaga

Renzo Paino

Alfonso Cordova

Marc Tristant

Jorge Ruiz

Omar Rumiche

Scientific and Technical Advisory Council (STAC)

THROUGH THEIR GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, OUR ADVISORY COUNCIL GUIDES US towards ACHIEVEving OUR MISSION.

Scientific and Technical Advisory Council

General Policies and Definitions

Specific Policies related to Governance and Executive Functions

Anibal Furugem

Sebastian Winkler

Sebastián Suito

Javier Díaz Cassou

Frederic Perron-Welch

Emiliano Cáceres

Allies:

WE ARE PROUD TO COLLABORATE AND EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS.

Discover How Green Initiative can Help your Organization to Go Green

About Green Initiative

Policies, Terms & Appeals

Members

SOLUTIONS

Contact

Impact

Where We Are

Tatiana
Otaviano

Marcia
Regis

Alexandra
Goodman

Erika
Rumiche

Virna
Chávez

Musye
Lucen

Frédéric
Perron-Welch

Yves van
Hemelryck

Giovanni
Ginnatta

Érico
Mendonça

Renzo
Paino

Marc
Tristant

Jorge
Ruiz

Omar
Rumiche