Bernardete da Fonseca (Dete) is Country Director , Blue Ventures Conservation Timor-Leste and oversees the safe, effective and efficient delivery of Blue Ventures’ activities in Timor-Leste. Setting the example for our culture and values, lead a dynamic, multi-disciplinary, community-focused team. Supporting coastal communities to establish locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) to sustain local fisheries and protect critical habitats, as well as strengthening the policy environment for equitable and sustainable marine and fisheries management, through strategic technical partnerships with the government. She holds a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management at the dual Campus Ateneo de Manila University and University for Peace (UPEACE) Costa Rica.