Changes to Forests and Sustainable Land Use Leadership
The Leadership of BVRio’s Forest and Sustainable Land Use activities is changing with the departure of Beto Mesquita, who has played a prominent role in BVRio over the last seven years, and the arrival of Roberta Del Giudice as the new Director of Forests and Public Policies. Roberta, an environmental lawyer with deep expertise in public policy and sustainable land use, is rejoining BVRio at a pivotal moment, bringing extensive experience and leadership to the role.
Beto Mesquita provided excellent leadership in this sector, and we are pleased to announce that he will continue to work with BVRio as part of the Board. In a video reflecting on his time at BVRio, Beto highlighted key milestones from his tenure, including the launch of PlanaFlor, a strategic plan to accelerate the implementation of the Brazilian Forest Code.
Reflecting on this transition, Beto stated:
“Now, seven years after joining BVRio, the time has come for me to step away. However, I leave with deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a visionary organisation, and with the confidence that the work will continue through the succession we have put in place. I am delighted to pass the baton to Roberta Del Giudice, who has a strong connection with BVRio’s mission and will undoubtedly carry this work forward.”
Roberta is a lawyer with over 24 years of experience in Environmental Law, bringing a deep commitment to forest policy and sustainability to her new role. She spent a decade at the Ministry of the Environment and nearly six years at BVRio in its early days, then later served as Executive Secretary of the Forest Code Observatory and Forest Law Specialist at WRI Brazil, having authored the book A Brief History of Brazilian Forest Law. Now, she returns to BVRio with great enthusiasm for the opportunity ahead.
“It is with great enthusiasm that I rejoin the BVRio team. The organisation’s journey has always been strongly aligned with my professional path. I had the opportunity to contribute to BVRio’s early steps and, more recently, to support its board. This moment represents much more than just a new chapter for me—it is a unique opportunity to actively contribute to forest protection. BVRio is deeply committed to developing innovative and impactful solutions, values that are very close to my heart.
I firmly believe that a good professional in the third sector must, above all, work as part of a team, foster strong internal relationships, and engage partners. Succeeding Beto Mesquita will be a great challenge—Beto is an outstanding professional and a highly respected figure in the environmental field. I take on this responsibility with humility and determination. We move forward together, Beto!
My sincere thanks to Pedro and Maurício Moura Costa for the invitation and to the team for their trust! I count on all of you—our friends, partners, and everyone who shares the belief that technical expertise, effective public policies, and engagement are key to building a future where forests thrive!” Roberta del Giudice, BVRio Director of Forests and Public Policies.
BVRio Director and co-founder, Mauricio Moura Costa, commented:
“We thank Beto for having fulfilled his mission with excellence, both in the internal structuring of this essential sector, which is part of BVRio’s DNA, and for representing us and bringing our solutions to various segments of society, in Brazil and across different countries. We have reached a pivotal point in this work and a crucial moment of renewal, and therefore, we are excited about Roberta’s return in an executive role, she will continue this work with her vast experience in public policies and her strong commitment to forest protection and sustainable land use.”
BVRio extends its gratitude to Beto Mesquita for his years of dedication and leadership and looks forward to continuing its mission under Roberta’s direction.
