Mrs Giselle Cruzado Melendez

Giselle is a Peruvian mestiza living in Ngunnawal Country, which is known as Canberra in Australia. She is a passionate forester who holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry engineering from UNALM-Peru and a Master of Science in Forest Resources (Conservation of Ecosystems) from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Currently, she is undertaking a PhD at the Fenner School of Environment & Society, looking to engage with Aboriginal women to explore how their participation in natural resources-based value chains enables women to fulfil their aspirations. 

 

Giselle has experience working with independent, non-governmental organizations and various Indigenous communities in Peru, primarily in Integrated Conservation and Development Projects. As a forester practitioner, she has had the opportunity to work closely with Indigenous women and men from the Peruvian forests, aiming to tackle problems such as illegal deforestation, achieve sustainable forest practices, and explore economic alternatives, for example, their participation in the non-timber forest products markets. 

 

Giselle is interested in continuing to collaborate with Indigenous peoples, particularly with Indigenous women, to provide safe spaces and platforms for their community-led and individual initiatives. Theoretically, Giselle delves into the topic of Women, Culture, and Development.