Gaetan Quesne

I’m passionate about the intersection of conservation, forests, and sustainable development. For over 15 years, I’ve worked across Africa, the Mediterranean, and Latin and Central America, leading and evaluating programs that aim to protect ecosystems while supporting local communities.

At Baastel, I lead our work on conservation and forestry, collaborating with international partners such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Development Banks, UN Agencies, and bilateral development organizations. My role bridges strategy and practice — from shaping program design to assessing real-world impact.

Before joining Baastel, I managed development projects for the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) in Benin, where I gained hands-on experience in both the technical and financial dimensions of international cooperation.

Fluent in French and English, and proficient in Spanish, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse contexts — from West and Central Africa to Southern Africa, the Mediterranean, and Latin America — always driven by the belief that effective conservation begins with strong partnerships and local ownership.