Camilo Ortega is Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) at GGGI, previously serving as Country Representative for GGGI Mexico and bringing over 20 years of experience—including ten years with GGGI—in climate action, project quality assurance, and strategic partnerships with institutions such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), UK PACT, and KGNDF.
In Mexico, he has led the design, implementation, monitoring, and completion of multiple Sustainable Finance and Climate Action projects, managing contracts worth a total of USD 7 million. His work focuses on strengthening climate governance, mobilizing financial resources, and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. In Colombia, he spearheaded REDD+ initiatives, mobilizing over USD 400 million in performance-based payments to promote forest conservation and sustainable land use.
Previously, Camilo worked at WWF, where he coordinated a EUR 2.4 million tri-national project (Colombia-Ecuador-Peru) aimed at conserving Amazonian protected areas. He also managed WWF’s Northern Amazon program, overseeing 13 projects focused on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and community engagement.
As a climate change advisor and REDD+ preparation coordinator for the Government of Colombia, he led the country’s readiness process to access FCPF funds. His work included engaging local communities and stakeholders, advising the government on nature-based mitigation strategies, supporting UNFCCC negotiations, and contributing to Colombia’s national climate policy. He also co-authored the country’s Second National Communication to the UNFCCC.
Camilo specializes in sustainable landscapes, natural resource valuation, sustainable biotrade, and environmental service payment mechanisms. His expertise focuses on reducing environmental conflicts while improving livelihoods.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s in Environmental Management from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.