Elaine Springgay is FAO’s Agroforestry Officer and has more than 12 years of experience working in international development on integrated natural resources management, community-based forest management and climate-smart agriculture. Prior to joining FAO in 2015, Elaine worked with NGOs or government agencies in Canada, Ghana, the Philippines and Uganda, primarily focused on community-based natural resource management, livelihood and capacity development initiatives. She has a BSc in both Environmental Geography and History from the University of Toronto, and a Masters in Forestry from the Australian National University. She is also the Founder and Chair of the global network for young professionals in the forest sector, ForYP, creating a space for the forestry’s younger experts and future leaders to connect, share experiences and advocate for greater career development opportunities.