Nature led. Community driven.

Ignace Beguin Billecocq is the Executive Director of the Mangrove Breakthrough Hub, hosted by Ambition Loop. He previously led major global coalitions for the UN Global Compact and UN Climate Champions, including the Ocean Breakthrough and Ocean Stewardship Coalition. Ignace holds a Master’s in International Law from the University of Aix-Marseille.

Carlos is the former Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia and a World Economic Forum Champion for Nature. He led Colombia’s 30x30 conservation efforts and helped set ambitious climate targets, including a 51% emissions reduction by 2030. Carlos continues to champion nature-positive policy at the highest levels.

Victoria Paz is a Chilean economist and sustainable finance expert with 20+ years of experience across public and private sectors. She led innovations like Chile’s first gender bond and sustainability-linked programs at Banco Estado and CORFO. She holds an MPA from Columbia University and multiple graduate degrees in finance and economics.

Isadora Bigourdan is a Franco-British lawyer and blended finance leader with 20+ years building and running investment platforms across Africa, Latin America and Asia. As CEO of Digital Africa she raised €45M and led a multi-country organisation; as Investment Director at the French Development Agency she oversaw €500M+ portfolios and structured six catalytic vehicles. She is a graduate of Sciences Po Paris and Paris II.

Sam Goodman brings two decades of experience in climate communications and natural resource policy across Latin America and the U.S. He oversees content and stakeholder engagement for the Mangrove Breakthrough Hub and has worked with institutions like Climate Policy Initiative and Conservation International. Sam holds dual master’s degrees from American University and the UN University for Peace.

Milton Vidal is a Chilean professional specializing in business strategy, finance, and nature-positive development. He oversees partnerships and operations for the Mangrove Breakthrough, leading strategic alliances and managing program delivery. Milton brings diverse experience in business development and relationship management, and holds a degree in Business and Economics with executive education in innovation and sustainability.

Luz Gil leads government engagement for the Mangrove Breakthrough, helping translate endorsements into policy impact. Her previous roles include Climate Advisor at Mexico’s UN Mission and Deputy Director in the President’s office. Luz holds an MPA in Energy & Environment from Columbia University.

Kristina Rodriguez leads the Mangrove Breakthrough NDC Task Force, where she supports endorsing governments in drafting mangrove-positive NDCs by providing technical policy guidance, coordinating knowledge sharing, and improving access to mangrove data. She also supports the High-Level Climate Champions Team on mobilizing and convene Non-State Actors under the Ocean Action Agenda to scale ocean-based climate solutions.. Kristina holds a Master’s in Environmental Management in Climate Change Science and Solutions and Policy Analysis from the Yale School of the Environment.

Pauline holds a cross-functional role, supporting communication activities and the planning and execution of global events for the Mangrove Breakthrough. Pauline holds a Master’s degree in Marine Environmental Management from the University of Exeter, with experience in communications, event management, and marine conservation research.

Nicolás Benkel is a dynamic professional with a passion for making a positive impact. Based in Chile, he brings extensive experience working with international organizations and engaging diverse stakeholders. Over the years, Nicolás has worked as project manager in a variety of initiatives, fostering collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector. Nicolás has also worked closely with indigenous communities, NGOs, and universities to encourage collaboration, as well as facilitated important conversations between businesses and governments in Chile and Peru to promote sustainable development. As a Bioecononmy Finance Manager with Ambition Loop and Mangrove Breakthrough, Nicolas works to accelerate the mobilization and deployment of resources across bioeconomy action agendas through the development of the Mangrove Catalytic Facility, while also serving as Project Manager of the Earth Investment Engine.

Nigel Topping is the co-founder of Ambition Loop and former UN Climate Champion for COP26, where he launched Race to Zero and the Breakthrough Agenda. He advises governments and institutions including the UK Infrastructure Bank and Climate Change Committee. Nigel was awarded a CMG and is Honorary Professor at Exeter University.

Dr. Jennifer Howard leads global efforts on blue carbon and coastal protection at Conservation International. She chairs the Mangrove Breakthrough Advisory Council and co-founded the Global Mangrove Alliance. Her work bridges science, policy, and community to scale high-integrity nature-based solutions.

David Ramos leads sustainability strategy at HSBC across the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey. He brings 18 years of experience across finance, consulting, and the fashion sector, with degrees in environmental sciences from Spain and Sweden. He formerly served as Acting Regional Head of Sustainability during COP28.

Catherine Lovelock is a global expert in mangrove ecology and blue carbon, with leadership in IPCC guidelines and Australia’s first blue carbon methodology. She is an ARC Laureate Fellow and received the Suzanne Corey Medal for research excellence. Her work enhances coastal restoration to support climate mitigation and resilience.

Patrick Nussbaumer leads the Climate and Environment program at the UBS Optimus Foundation, where he focuses on mobilizing innovative finance and cross‑sector partnerships to scale nature‑based solutions and drive systemic change for climate, biodiversity, and communities. With over 20 years of experience across international organizations, the private sector, and academia, he focuses on mobilizing capital and expertise to deliver systemic impact for people and planet.

Whitney Johnston leads Salesforce’s ocean sustainability strategy across philanthropy, finance, and policy. She holds a PhD in Chemical Oceanography and business certificates from Stanford and Harvard. Her background spans NOAA, IdeaScale, and work in public-private partnerships for nature-positive change.

Ana Paula Prates is a Fisheries Engineer with a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering Sciences, a PhD in Marine Ecology, and a postdoctoral degree in Community Psychosociology and Social Ecology. She has been working for over 30 years in the areas of public policy for aquatic biodiversity, with an emphasis on protected areas, conservation, and sustainable use of coastal and marine biodiversity, and ocean-climate relations. At her current role, she leads the thematic plan for oceans and coastal zones in the new Climate Plan, the ProManguezal and ProCoral.

Emmanuelle Pinault directs Systems Transformation for the Climate Champions team, aligning key sectors with 2030 climate goals. She previously led City Diplomacy at C40 Cities and has advised governments on global cooperation and climate diplomacy. Emmanuelle holds degrees in international relations and sociology, and defines herself as a global citizen.

Lysa Wini is a woman of the islands from the man-made islands of Lau Lagoon, Malaita in the Solomon Islands. As Pacific Director for Niatero, she champions island knowledge as central to mangrove management and climate solutions, drawing on generations of lived connection between communities and the sea.

Aya Mohamad is a sustainability and environmental policy professional at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, where she leads strategic partnerships and supports national initiatives focused on climate action, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity conservation. She serves on the Mangrove Alliance for Climate committee and has contributed to scientific research on airborne microplastics. Aya is committed to advancing nature-based solutions and strengthening regional and global cooperation to protect coastal ecosystems and enhance climate resilience.