Flávio is a consultant and researcher in the circular economy, EPR, waste management, cleaner production, LCA, and corporate environmental regulations, as well as an advisor to the UN Global Compact and ambassador of Movimento Circular. He has a background in mechanical engineering, with an MBA, a master’s and a PhD in environmental studies, and has 20 years’ experience at São Paulo State Environmental Agency (CETESB). Flavio has worked as a consultant for international organisations (such as UNEP and OECD), industry associations (such as FIESP, SENAI and CNI), global and local businesses and governments. He is a professor at Santos Catholic University and also lectures at other institutions. He has authored a textbook on the circular economy and has an extensive publication record.
Fernando is a biologist with a master’s in environmental engineering from the University of São Paulo. He is a board member of the Green Chamber of Commerce in Colombia. He has gained international experience through aquaculture consultancy with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), circular water economy projects with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and conservation initiatives with The Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar). He is an international speaker on topics such as circular water management, bioprospecting, biomimicry, ecological restoration, blue carbon, nature-based solutions and climate change adaptation. His expertise includes sustainable development, environmental risk analysis, monitoring and ecological modelling with a focus on water and hydrobiological resource management, as well as environmental certifications such as ISO 14000, LEED, BMP, ASC and Global GAP. Heis renowned for his creativity, disruptive thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership and social sensitivity.
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Severino Lima Junior
President
International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP)
Severino Lima Junior is a prominent Brazilian waste picker leader and founder of ASCAMAR (1999) and COOCAMAR (2007), waste pickers' organisations in Brazil. He is also associated with the Brazil-based waste picker organisation UNICATADORES, an affiliate of the IAWP. He is currently serving as the first President of IAWP. He is well versed in public policies on waste management, cooperatives, climate change and plastics pollution. IAWP is supported by WIEGO.
Matija Kajić is a sustainability specialist, focusing on topics related to the circular economy and resource conservation. She obtained her PhD at Utrecht University on the topic of legislative barriers to the circularity of biological materials in the EU. Her research background covers legal and institutional challenges related to a variety of topics, including renewable energy, biomimicry and circular R-strategies. Employment outside of academia, at Triodos Bank and in the maritime sector, have diversified her professional interests to include the transport sector, as well as the role financial institutions play in driving transitions forward.
Mari Granström is the founder and chief executive activist of a company transforming invasive algae into biobased and biodegradable chemicals to replace oil-based products. With a background as an industrial chemist and environmentalist, DrGranström is on a mission to transform our approach to oceans and their ecosystems through a regenerative value chain that benefits both the environment and the economy. Her unique blend of scientific knowledge and business acumen has positioned her as a leading voice in the field of sustainable business models. She is also an advocate for global environmental policies, participating in initiatives such as the UN Global Compact and the EU Green Deal.
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Carlos De Miguel
Director, Sustainable Development and Human Settlements Division
UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
Carlos leads research initiatives on climate change, the circular economy, environmental performance and economic instruments, among others. He coordinates ECLAC's role as the Secretariat for the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (Escazú Agreement). He has authored numerous books, journal articles and working papers on various topics related to development and the environment. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of Valladolid (Spain), a Master's in environmental economics from the University of Chile, and completed the European Studies programme at Tilburg University (Netherlands).
Anderson da Silva Nassif, born on 24 March 1978, is a community and environmental leader from Orlândia, São Paulo. He was the president of COOPERLOL for 12 years, promoting advancements within the cooperative. Currently, he is the manager of COOPERLOL, director of ANCAT, responsible for the Reciclar pelo Brasil Program, and secretary director of Rede Anastácia. He works on project coordination and providing consultancy for cooperatives. His work strengthens cooperativism and sustainability, generating significant social and environmental impact.
