Bernardete da Fonseca is the Country Director for Timor-Leste at Blue Ventures Conservation and a dynamic leader dedicated to advancing community-led fisheries management through evidence-driven conservation and local empowerment. With extensive experience at the intersection of marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, she is passionate about strengthening the use of scientific data, local wisdom and knowledge, and participatory monitoring systems to inform fisheries governance and improve outcomes for coastal communities.
She believes that integrating scientific evidence with traditional ecological knowledge is critical for achieving long-term marine conservation and food security goals.
Her work focuses on building resilient coastal communities by strengthening the evidence base for community-led marine management, supporting sustainable fisheries practices, and promoting adaptive governance systems that respond to changing environmental and socioeconomic conditions.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and ability to bridge science, policy, and practice, she brings energy, innovation, and a strong commitment to empowering local communities as stewards of their marine resources.
She holds a Master's degree in Natural Resource Management through a dual-campus program between Ateneo de Manila University, the Philippines and the University for Peace, Costa Rica
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Role: Panellist, Participant
Sessions
- Day 3 — Data to Stewardship: Technology for Community-Led Fisheries
- Day 3 — Open Table: Data to Stewardship: Technology for Community-Led Fisheries Management
