Since 2 June, Aurélie Fernandez has joined the Permanent Secretariat of the Pelagos Agreement as Deputy Executive Secretary.

An agronomist specializing in sustainable rural development, she brings over ten years of international experience in the design, management and evaluation of programmes focused on biodiversity conservation and territorial approaches. Prior to joining the Pelagos Agreement, she worked with the FAO Secretariat of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), where she coordinated international projects, developed strategic partnerships and contributed to the technical assessment of heritage system nominations from around the world.

Throughout her career, she has been strongly committed to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Her work has underscored the importance of territorial governance, traditional knowledge and local communities in strengthening resilience and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources.

Convinced that the protection of marine ecosystems depends on collective and transboundary action, she is pleased to join the Pelagos Agreement and contribute to its mission of conserving marine mammals while fostering cooperation among Mediterranean stakeholders in support of a healthier, more resilient and sustainable sea.