Martin Camilo Perez Lara

Forest climate solutions director at WWF US. MIT researcher. Visual Artist Exploring Emotion and Nature.

Washington DC-Baltimore Area

About

Driving action for nature through public-private collaboration, international cooperation initiatives, and research on ecosystem services and environmental attribute markets. Expertise in policy design and projects implementation across Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the USA, and the Asia-Pacific region. Proven track record in leading high performing teams of more than 15 professionals and managing annual budgets exceeding one million dollars. Passionate about applying emerging technologies to solve complex environmental challenges. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English with strong cross cultural communication skills.

Experience

  • Director, Forest Climate Solutions Impact and Monitoring at WWF
    Feb 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    • Led the strategic direction of forest and climate efforts at WWF, overseeing project design and monitoring to ensure quantifiable impacts. • Supported country teams in setting up robust forest-climate solutions and lead monitoring and reporting efforts. • Managed program staff and budget, driving transparent and high-integrity accounting approaches in line with WWF goals.

  • Researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Jun 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    As part of my role at WWF, I serve as a Research Affiliate with MIT Environmental Research + Action (ERA), contributing to a joint research framework focused on advancing nature-based solutions, environmental monitoring, high-integrity carbon markets, biodiversity finance, and environmental governance.

  • Researcher at MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative
    Jun 2024 - May 2026 · 2 yrs

    I was a Research Affiliate with the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative (ESI), contributing to interdisciplinary research on nature-based solutions, environmental governance, and high-integrity carbon markets. My work included lead research initiatives and publications, and participating in international policy dialogues, including the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16), to help bridge scientific research with practical solutions for climate and biodiversity.

  • CCAP (1 yr 2 mos)
    • Carbon Markets Manager
      Jul 2022 - Feb 2023 · 8 mos

      I designed CCAP's strategic approach to carbon prices and markets. I represented the organization at international events such as UNFCCC COP, Subsidiary Bodies, and climate weeks. I carried out an Analysis of Latin American safeguards in the MVC context and the creation of the ARJE project (fair and equitable REDD+ agreements).

    • Sr. Carbon Markets Policy Associate
      Jan 2022 - Jul 2022 · 7 mos

  • Senior Consultant at UN Environment Programme
    Jun 2021 - Feb 2022 · 9 mos

    Advised Latinamerican countries on the strategic vision of blue carbon and MRV rules