Nelissa Maria Rocas

Coordinator for the Sustainable and Inclusive Landscape Governance Program, Forest Foundation Philippines

Nelissa Maria Rocas is since September 2021 the coordinator for the Sustainable and Inclusive Landscape Governance Program, a collaborative initiative of Tropenbos International and Forest Foundation Philippines. In this role she has led a wide range of impactful initiatives focused on empowering indigenous peoples, facilitating climate change negotiations, promoting climate-smart forestry, advancing youth capacity building and gender equality, as well as supporting forest devolution and biodiversity conservation.

With over a decade of experience in forestry and natural resource management, Nelissa brings a wealth of expertise to her current role. Her previous experience includes eight years with the Forest Management Bureau at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, where she worked on developing national forest policies, reviewing environment-related legislation, conducting natural resource mapping, and leading public outreach campaigns to promote forest conservation.

Nelissa’s strong academic background complements her professional accomplishments. She holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resources Conservation and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Additionally, she broadened her global perspective on forestry through a Student Exchange Programme at The University of British Columbia.

Beyond her work in the environmental sector, Nelissa is committed to community service. She has served in various capacities on the Board of the Servants of Jesus Community Foundation Inc., a Catholic Church-based non-profit that provides assistance to underserved children and youth, and Grupo Kalinangan Inc., an non-profit that advocates for the preservation of the Philippines' historical and cultural heritage.

Contact: nmrocas@forestfoundation.ph