Ivana THOMPSON

Ivana Thompson is a former marine biology researcher currently serving as a Programme Officer with the IUCN Protected and Conserved Areas under the BESTLIFE2030 programme. In this role, she contributes to global efforts aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and promoting sustainable management. Previously based in her home country of Guyana, Ivana brings over seven years of experience working with local communities, environmental organizations, and research initiatives particularly in marine turtle conservation. Her work also explored the broader intersections of biodiversity protection with oil and gas development, climate change, protected area management, and blue economy policies.

Ivana holds her bachelor's and master's degrees with distinction from the University of Guyana and The University of the West Indies, Mona, and is committed to bridging her academic research with practical, on-the-ground conservation strategies.