Fernanda Alvarez

Ecuadorian marine biologist leading coral restoration projects in the Galápagos Islands

About Fernanda Alvarez

Fernanda Alvarez is a marine biologist and director of the Galápagos Coral Restoration Project, pioneering breakthroughs in coral reef regeneration. Since 2020, her team has developed hybrid coral species resistant to ocean acidification, with survival rates exceeding 85%. Her 2021 study in Nature Scientific Reports revolutionized reef restoration techniques, being adopted in 15 marine conservation projects worldwide.

Alvarez's community-based approach trains local fisherfolk as coral guardians, creating 300+ jobs in sustainable ecotourism. Her work was pivotal in securing UNESCO's 2023 World Heritage Site enhancement for the Galápagos. She co-founded the Ocean Voices Network, a platform amplifying Indigenous marine stewardship practices. In 2024, she received the Goldman Environmental Prize for her coral conservation innovations.