Ms Melina SAKIYAMA

GYBN Co Founder, Global Youth Biodiversity Network

Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil and wanting to turn her love for nature into a profession, Melina pursued a degree in Biology at the University of Sao Paulo where she contributed to research on the role of biologists in environmental issues. Following her graduation, she continued her studies and received a Master's Degree in Environmental Management at Kyoto University in Japan. At Kyoto University, Melina focused on biodiversity education, biodiversity valuation, governance and ways to engage youth. 

Inspired by her participation in the 2010 UN Biodiversity Summit in 2010, she dedicated a great part of her life in the next ten years to establish and consolidate GYBN and build a global movement for young people to empower themselves to get engaged in biodiversity issues and pursue the vision of a collective and just future in harmony within nature.

In 2020, in recognition to her achievements, she was awarded the Midori Prize for biodiversity