Meet Our Team
Jimmy Navas Freire
Protected Areas Management and Conservation Project Specialist
Jimmy has worked with Ecuador’s top conservation institutions, including:
• Charles Darwin Foundation – Field Technician
• Galapagos Conservancy – Conservation Officer
• Galapagos National Park Directorate – Island Park Ranger
• Ministry of Environment – Advisor
Focus: Adaptive ecosystem management, ecological restoration, invasive species control.
Philosophy: “Conservation alone is not enough. We must empower communities to become nature’s allies.”
Alejandro Luque
Environmental Consultant | Law, Policy & Communication
Based in Guayaquil, Alejandro specializes in environmental law,
sustainability, and multilateral policy.
• Circular economy, MEAs, inclusive participation
• Public-private education partnerships
• Collaboration with UNICEF, UNDP, PAHO, UNEP
Anthony Gavilanes Quinto
Marine Conservationist & Diving Instructor
Born in the Galapagos, Anthony is a passionate diver and ocean advocate.
• Leader of ocean cleanups and marine education
• Mentor for the Marine Guardians Program
• Public Policy student focused on marine law
Mission: “Use diving to connect people with the ocean and inspire its protection.”
Andrés Suárez Birkett
Education:
• BSc – Resource & Production Economics
• MSc – International Business (Cum Laude), University of Florida
• Also studied at the American University of Rome
Public Sector Impact:
• Secured $70M for clean water projects
• Conserved 29,000 hectares of mangroves
• National Assembly campaign lead
Private Sector: Led aquaculture, retail, and telecom initiatives
Sade Fritschi
Environmental Leader & Minister of the Environment of Ecuador 2023-2024 and now she has been elected as part of the National Ecuadorian Congress
Raised in Galapagos, Sade brings leadership in sustainability and climate action.
Education:
• MSc – Southampton University (Top of Class)
Achievements:
• Led National Climate Plan (PLANMICC)
• Conserved 44,000+ hectares of mangroves
• Created 20,000+ green jobs
• Represented Ecuador at COP28
Youth Empowerment: Founder of Biodiverse Voice & The
Biodiversity Roadtrip
Contact: @saderashel
Edgar F. Heredia Salazar
Highlights:
• Led environmental and infrastructure projects in Ecuador and
internationally (e.g., Philippines)
• Expert in climate finance and sustainable development
mechanisms
• Collaborated with IDB, CAF, World Bank, AFD, EIB, and KfW
• Skilled in community engagement, leadership, and strategic
planning
