Fernando León is a professional with more than 20 years of experience in leadership positions in the public sector, as well as in international cooperation. He is the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) of Forest Trends’ Natural Infrastructure for Water Security (NIWS) Project. Fernando has designed and directed projects with implementation scope in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, and Costa Rica. His contribution with innovative ideas has made it possible to develop the enhancement of ecosystem services, through the mechanisms of remuneration for ecosystem services (MERESE), economic contribution of protected natural areas, financial planning for the conservation of biodiversity and the climate, and the integration of natural infrastructure into public policy, planning, and practice.

Fernando participated in the founding of the Ministry of the Environment (MINAM) as Director General, and years later as Vice Minister of Strategic Development of Natural Resources, he has also led projects financed by USAID, GIZ, SECO, CTB. From 2010 to 2023 he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Fund of the Americas (FONDAM), the National Water Authority (ANA), the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR), and the Environmental Assessment and Control Agency (OEFA).

Fernando holds an MBA from the Central American Institute of Business Administration (INCAE), in Costa Rica with a scholarship from the MacArthur Foundation, and Ph.D. studies in international biodiversity management at the International University of Andalusia, in Spain. He is an author, and co-author and has participated in preparing numerous publications.