Marina Antonopoulou is the Senior Director of Climate Change and Nature Conservation at
Emirates Nature-WWF. She leads a multi-disciplinary team of experts and oversees a diverse
portfolio of projects that includes corporate engagement on climate action, place-based
biodiversity conservation that brings multiple socio-economic benefits, as well as working
with local communities and entrepreneurs to build bankable nature-based solutions.
With over 18 years of experience in nature conservation and sustainability Marina has led
the development of strategic plans for Emirates Nature-WWF, provided expert advice to
UAE climate and biodiversity policies and plans, as well as successfully rolled out priority
conservation projects. She has forged strong partnerships with key stakeholders in the UAE
and the wider region including public and private sector, academia and NGOs. Marina is also
an active member of WWF’s global Sustainable Blue Economy and Ocean-Climate Working
Groups.
Previously, Marina led the implementation of environmental impact assessments and
sustainability strategies for numerous private development projects in the MENA region
working for private consultancy firms. She holds an Environmental Science Masters’ Degree
with the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow; an Executive Certificate in Sustainable Finance
with the London Institute of Banking and Finance and ADGMA; and a Diploma in
International Oceans Law and Policy with the Rhodes Academy of University of Virginia.