Sandra Bessudo

Sandra Bessudo Lion is a French Colombian marine biologist from the École pratique des hautes études (EPHE) in Paris. She is a professional diver and involved in the conservation of marine biodiversity and the environment. She is the founder and director of the Malpelo Foundation and served as a presidential counselor for environment management for Colombian president Juan Manual Santos.

Sandra Bessudo
AwardsDistinguished Service Medal to the General Navy Direction
Scientific career
FieldsMarine biology
InstitutionsÉcole pratique des hautes études
In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Bessudo and the second or maternal family name is Lion.

Education

Bessudo earned a Masters in Life and Earth Sciences Studies in Perpignan (France).[1]

Career

In 1999, Bessudo founded the Malpelo Foundation.[2] As director of the Malpelo and other marine ecosystems foundation, she was an active promoter in the establishment of the Isla Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary,[3] making it a "Particular Sensitive Area" recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In 2006, UNESCO recognized the area as a World Heritage Site.[2] She led several research projects on sharks using acoustic and satellite telemetry.

In December of 2011, Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos appointed Bessudo as new director of the Presidential Agency of International Cooperation of Colombia, a governmental entity in charge of managing, technically coordinating and leading the public and private international cooperations.[2][4][1] Before that, she had acted as high presidential counselor for environmental management, biodiversity, water and climate change.[5]

Bessudo also worked in the special administrative unit of the National Natural Parks System of the Ministry of Environment.

Bessudo also served as Coordinator of the Workshops and Cycles of Conferences in Colombia for the International Year of the Oceans. Diving instructor in Club El Nogal and diving Director in Aviatur. Sandra Bessudo has independently produced dozens of publications, videos and specialized documentaries.

Awards

Among her awards, Bessudo was recognized with the Distinguished Service Medal to the General Navy Direction, granted by the Colombian National Army and the 2011 Biosphere Awareness Award granted by the Mayors of Cadiz, Spain and Mariquita, Tolima in Colombia. She also received the Environmental Civil Order Merit "Thomas van der Hammen" Grade of Grand Cross of Gold, delivered in the Colombian Congress facilities and awarded by the Council of Environmental NGOs, among many other that she has received in Colombia and abroad.

References
  1. "Sandra Bessudo fue designada directora de la agencia de cooperación internacional". el Colombiano. December 22, 2011.
  2. Hyland, Véronique, Naomi Rougeau, and Julie Vadnal (June 6, 2019). "27 Women Leading the Charge to Protect Our Environment". Elle Magazine.
  3. Rodríguez Becerra, Manuel (December 30, 2008). "Milagro en Malpelo". El Tiempo.
  4. "Sandra Bessudo, nueva directora de Agencia de Cooperación Internacional". El Espectador. December 22, 2011.
  5. Correa, Pablo (August 3, 2011). "Sandra Bessudo: "Extraño la libertad"". El Espectador.
  • Bessudo, Sandra (2012), "Editorial", Cooperando Magazine (in Spanish), archived from the original on 19 February 2013
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