Michael Ruggeri

Interests and Expertise

With a background in environmental sciences, agriculture, and rural development, I have developed a strong interest in what lies at the interface between land use dynamics, socio-economic systems, and biodiversity conservation.

I also have a particular interest in scenario building and analysis, aimed at identifying potential pathways that can lead to desired outcomes in socio-economic development, biodiversity conservation and restoration, and climate action—a process of identifying a list of options to choose from – a sort of process that helps identify a list of options to choose from.

Over my professional and volunteering experience, I have also grown an interest in participatory approaches to the formulation of roadmaps and action plans that translate such targets into tangible actions, incorporating the perspectives of various groups, such as farmers, early-career researchers, and businesses.

More recently, I have become interested in how nature finance can be channelled through mechanisms or instruments that contribute to the emergence of self-sustaining models, simultaneously supporting biodiversity conservation and recovery while enabling an “environment-friendly” economic growth.

As part of the Flourishing Landscape Programme, I am gathering evidence on how practices and mechanisms within agroforestry schemes and landscapes can inform management at both the landscape and farm scale, also helping to direct funding towards restorative practices.

Background

I hold master’s degrees in international development, environment, and agriculture and rural development, which have broadened my understanding of the interactions between socio-economic and ecological domains. I complemented these studies with additional training in scenario building and monitoring and evaluation for conservation projects.

Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity and privilege to work with international organisations such as FAO, UNEP, IUCN, ADB, and the World Bank. I have also conducted research in various regions and countries, including South Africa, Eastern Africa and South-East Asia.