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WWF Experts
Gina DeFerrari
Priority Leader, Mesoamerican Reef
Education
- Master of Marine Affairs, Coastal Zone Management, University of Washington
- BS - Geology, University of Washington
Areas of Expertise
- Marine policy
- Coastal zone management
- Wildlife conservation law
- Grassland conservation
“I’m thrilled to be working in an ecoregion that’s basically in our own backyard. There’s a lot to do. From wildlife trade to climate change, the challenges persist.”
About Gina DeFerrari:
Stretching nearly 700 miles, Central America’s Mesoamerican Reef is the largest coral reef system in the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to more than 65 species of coral and over 500 species of fish, including the mammoth whale shark. Yet it’s a destination that isn’t all that far removed from her previous 13-year career as a congressional staff member in Washington, D.C. where she played a key role in the advancement of wildlife legislation.
Gina’s first exposure to WWF was working with TRAFFIC, the world’s largest wildlife trade monitoring network, co-founded by WWF and IUCN. In fact, one of her proudest moments was a result of collaboration with TRAFFIC – the passage of legislation restricting the import of wild birds for the pet trade. Gina’s ongoing work with TRAFFIC on wildlife and conservation legislation eventually led her to WWF.
Today, Gina spends her days developing strategies focused on marine reserves, fisheries, policy, fundraising, and helping tour operators and local hotels lessen their impact on the popular destination for divers and other tourists.
Whether she’s swimming with whale sharks or working with fisheries to implement sustainable fishing practices, Gina’s mind is always on caring for the reef. “I’m already thinking of ways I can continue my work in the region after I retire. I can’t imagine giving it up.”
