Welcoming YPARD Brazil country representative: Marina Demaria Venâncio

we are delighted to welcome Marina Demaria Venâncio as the new Country Representative for Brazil!

Marina is currently doing her Ph.D. in ecological and human rights at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (Florianópolis, Brazil). She holds a master’s degree in environmental law and a bachelor’s degree in law from the same university and has attended courses and programs on topics such as sustainable food systems (ETH Zurich), climate change (University of Exeter), and transdisciplinary research (ISOE). Her research is focused on the interconnection between agroecology and the human right to food and on inter-disciplinary issues such as rural development policy, climate change, sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity, and sustainability. She is also a lawyer and is currently doing a consultancy for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Her focus in rural development dates back to 2012 when she started researching the interconnection between law and agroecology under a Brazilian scholarship scheme aimed at bachelor students. According to her, agroecology is a fascinating field of study and has a great potential to promote relevant transformations in the food systems. In Latin America, agroecology can be understood as a science that studies the design of sustainable food systems, which also translates into social movement and practices. In this context, it contributes to cross-sectoral and multiscale action, being youth significant players in leading these transformations. Of note, Marina was awarded the Green Talents 2016, from the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research, thanks to her research on agroecological public policies.

Furthermore, she has been volunteering on several interdisciplinary research projects and organizations in the field of sustainability and food. Marina is delighted and honoured with the opportunity to join the Brazilian chapter as a Country Representative: “I believe that younger generations - especially young farmers, students, researchers, and professionals - have an important role to play in addressing the socio-ecological problems that affect food systems, bringing new perspectives to the debates and advancing the sustainability agenda. I am eager to be part of a platform such as YPARD and contribute to connecting-like minded individuals, engaging young people, promoting their meaningful participation in multilateral processes, and putting into action cool projects. Together, I am certain we can promote transformative changes in food systems.”

Also, Marina is keen to continue the good work of Gustavo Togeiro de Alckmin, the former representative for YPARD Brazil. We express our gratitude to Gustavo for the time invested in the Country Chapter!

Welcome on board Marina Demaria Venâncio. 

Are you based in Brazil or interested in collaborating with YPARD Brazil? Please do not hesitate in contacting Marina via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to see how to get more involved!

Picture credit: Marina Demaria Venâncio