Andrew RHODES ESPINOZA

Andrew John Rhodes Espinoza has over 20 years of professional experience dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. He possesses deep expertise in political and socio-environmental challenges, national and global environmental public policies, and a strong background in both technical and administrative management.

He currently serves as Director of Public and Policy Relations for Mexico at Innovaciones Alumbra.

Previously, he was Oceans Coordinator within the Subsecretariat for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he also acted as Sous Sherpa to the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.

Before this, he held senior executive positions at the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), where he served as:

• National Commissioner (Agency Head),
• Director General for Promotion and Institutional Development, and
• Director of Climate Change Strategies.

His leadership within CONANP significantly contributed to the management and protection of Mexico’s natural protected areas, showcasing his strong commitment to conservation at the national level.

In addition, he served as:

• Director General of the Pronatura System, and
• Central Coordinator of the Natural Protected Areas Fund at the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature (FMCN), further reinforcing his extensive experience in the governance and financing of conserved areas.

Internationally, Andrew Rhodes has also played a key role in global conservation efforts. He recently served as:

• Vice Chair of the World Commission on Protected Areas of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and
• Co-Chair of Working Group 4 – Developing a Sustainable and Equitable Ocean Economy – under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.