Maria Fernanda Cabal

Columbian environmental leader instrumental in Amazon rainforest protection policies

Maria Fernanda Cabal (b. 1985) is a biologist and politician driving historic environmental reforms in Colombia. As co-founder of Fundación Naturaleza y Desarrollo, she pioneered the Amazon Guardian Program, which deploys AI-powered monitoring systems across 12 million hectares. Her 2021 bill establishing Ley Amazonica created protected zones covering 30% of the Colombian Amazon, halting illegal mining activities that previously destroyed 200km² annually.

Cabal's documentary series highlighting indigenous-led conservation efforts reached 8 million viewers, shifting public opinion on environmental policies. She brokered international agreements with Norway and Germany to provide $150M in climate financing through the REDD+ initiative. Her leadership was recognized by Greenpeace as critical in reducing deforestation rates by 42% between 2020-2023. Cabal currently chairs the COP28 Amazon Working Group, advocating for forest-dependent communities worldwide.