Anne Gander

In a nutshell, tell us about yourself.

Genetically and culturally, I am a mix of Brazilian and Swiss, that have spent part of the childhood in France but most of it in Brazil. Before entering the University, I engaged in collective efforts for the implementation of agroforestry systems and, from that experience, I chose to become a forest engineer. My career started at the field, part of it in the Cerrado region, with the recovery of watersheds and the capacity building of state environmental agents and part in the Amazon region, working on non-timber forest products at the community level. For the past 20 years I devoted my activities to the design and implementation of environmental and climate change projects, in an attempt to contribute to a healthier relationship between human being and nature.

What drives you to do this kind of work?

My rather optimistic belief that, together with a competent team, my efforts might result in a reversal of the rather bleak climatic and environmental situation.

What keeps you awake at night?

My husband’s snoring.

Which book has changed your life?

1984. George Orwell.

How would you like to be remembered?

As an agreeable, tolerant and kind human being and as a competent professional.