Marina Antonopoulou

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.