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Claudia Martínez received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Yale School of the Environment for her leadership in driving economic and environmental change in Colombia

  • The award recognizes her more than three decades of contributions in areas such as climate change, sustainable development, financing and food systems. 
  • Martinez has led important processes in Colombia and other parts of the world to advance sustainable development and address environmental challenges. 

 Bogotá, Colombia. October 07, 2024. – Last Saturday, October 5, Claudia Martinez, executive director of the E3 Group – Ecology, Economics and Ethics, and leader of the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) in Colombia, was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award by the Yale School of the Environment (YSE). This recognition highlights her work in the development of processes that have had a significant impact on environmental conservation and management for people and the planet.  

With more than three decades of experience, Claudia Martinez has been a key figure in the implementation of initiatives that orchestrate changes to transform the way natural resource conservation, climate change, food systems and socioeconomic development are related in Colombia and the Latin American and Caribbean region. From his role in the E3 Group and FOLU, he has led collaborative processes that have linked public and private sectors, achieving synergy between conservation and economic development. “We are the second most diverse country in the world and we have many opportunities. We have 50 million inhabitants. On the one hand, we have a jewel,” said Martínez, referring to Colombia’s rich ecosystems and opportunities..  

The Yale award, which honors the achievements of graduates who have made outstanding contributions to the fields of conservation and environmental management, highlights Martinez’s ability to bring diverse stakeholders together and advance common goals. Throughout his career, he has worked in the public, financial and private sectors playing key roles in driving advances in social, environmental and economic development. 

Cristian Samper, managing director of the Bezos Earth Fund, who has worked closely with Martínez, describes her as “one of the true advocates for nature and sustainability in Colombia. She has an amazing ability to listen, learn and connect people and ideas.” This recognition not only highlights her impact in the country, but also her contribution at a global level, consolidating her as one of the most influential leaders in her field

For Martínez, the focus on peace and development has been central to his work: “We have to understand that issues require a bottom-up approach when working for peace and development,” he said. This principle has guided her leadership in multiple initiatives, such as the food systems in Colombia, which have served as an effective tool to bring together communities that have historically lived in conflict.  

Upon receiving the award, Claudia Martinez, thanked all the learning she received from this institution and called on the Yale community to continue working together for the well-being of people and the planet.  

For more information about this award click here: https://environment.yale.edu/news/article/yse-alumni-award-winner-honored-work-building-coalitions-colombia  

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