INTRODUCTION
Dr. Luciana C. Silvestri is a distinguished expert in international environmental law and policy, specializing in biodiversity conservation, access to genetic resources, and benefit-sharing (ABS). With a robust academic and professional background, she has made significant contributions to global environmental governance and sustainable development. Her expertise spans international environmental diplomacy, consulting, and academic research, making her a key figure in shaping policies related to genetic resources and biodiversity.
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Dr. Silvestri’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to environmental law and policy. She earned her PhD in Law from University Rey Juan Carlos (Spain) (2011-2014) with the prestigious distinction of “Outstanding Cum Laude.” Her educational background also includes:
- Master’s in Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management (MESPOM) – Studied at Lund University (Sweden), University of Manchester (UK), Central European University (Hungary), and University of the Aegean (Greece) (2006-2008), qualifying “with merit.”
- Postgraduate Diplomas in Environmental Law and Management – Completed at the University of Florida (United States), University of Costa Rica, and Technische Universität Dresden (Germany).
- Law Degree from the University of Mendoza (Argentina) (1996-2002).
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Dr. Silvestri has held several prestigious positions in international organizations and academic institutions, including:
- Researcher (2019–present) at the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
- Post-Doctoral Researcher (2016–2019) at CONICET.
- Expert to the Informal Advisory Committee (2017) for the Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House under the Nagoya Protocol.
- Consultant (2014–2015) for the GEF/UNDP ARG 14/G54 Project, contributing to Argentina’s implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.
- Researcher (2011–2013) for the UNESCO Chair of Territory and Environment at University Rey Juan Carlos, Spain.
- Legal Adviser (2003–2006) at the Ministry of Environment of Mendoza.
Dr. Silvestri’s research and consultancy work focus on biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and genetic resources management. Her notable projects include:
- Alternative Models to Bilateral Arrangements for ABS Challenges (University of Oldenburg, Germany, 2022–2025).
- Conservation and Sustainable Use of Genetic Diversity in Salta, Argentina (2021–2022).
- Institutional Capacity Building on ABS Regulations in Argentina (2017–2019).
- Development of a Legal Framework for Access and Benefit-Sharing in Misiones, Argentina (2021–2022).
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Dr. Silvestri’s work has significantly shaped environmental policy and regulatory frameworks in Latin America and beyond. She has been instrumental in designing and implementing access and benefit-sharing mechanisms under the Nagoya Protocol and has provided expert guidance to governments, academic institutions, and international organizations.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
With over 33 academic publications, Dr. Silvestri has contributed extensively to global research on biodiversity conservation and environmental law. Notable works include:
- Genetic Resources Are, Above All, Information: Perspectives from Law, Biology, and Economics (2025) – International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law, and Economics.
- Failed Legislation for the Protection of Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources = No Protection at All (2025) – Latin American and Caribbean Ethnic Studies.
- Engaging with the Nagoya Protocol on ABS: Recommendations for Non-Commercial Biodiversity Researchers (2023) – Journal of Mammalogy.
- Improved Access to Biological Control Genetic Resources: Navigating through the CBD and Nagoya Protocol (2023) – Biocontrol.
HONORS & AWARDS
- MSCA4Ukraine Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023).
- Stipend of the President of Argentina for Young Scientists (2020).
- FEBS Excellence Award (2019).
- UNESCO Fellowship for Biodiversity Research (2017).
- International Environmental Law Leadership Award.
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
Dr. Luciana C. Silvestri’s legacy lies in her groundbreaking work on biodiversity conservation and ABS regulations. As she continues to work on high-impact research and consultancy projects, her influence on international environmental policy is set to grow, ensuring sustainable and equitable access to genetic resources for future generations.
FINAL NOTE
Dr. Silvestri continues to be an influential force in the field of environmental law, actively shaping policies, mentoring young scholars, and participating in high-level diplomatic negotiations on genetic resources. Her research bridges law, science, and economics, making her a thought leader in international environmental governance.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS