EcoWB Board Member, Dr. Sylvia Rivera Valle, Recognized by French Senate for Sustainable Development Contributions
July 12, 2024

Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) is pleased to congratulate Board Member Dr. Sylvia Rivera Valle, who was recently awarded the Medal of the French Senate. The prestigious award was presented to Dr. Rivera by Mr. Gérard Larcher, President of the Senate, at Luxembourg Palace on May 30th, 2024, for her work in sustainable development.  

For over 25 years, Dr. Rivera has shared her expertise in sustainable development as a consultant to public sector agencies, non-governmental and non-profit organizations, international bodies, and private sector corporations. She is currently an expert auditor in fisheries management responsible for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, and she teaches at both Excelia Group, a higher education business and tourism school in France, and at EIGSI La Rochelle, one of the country’s four major private engineering schools. A dual citizen of Costa Rica and France, Dr. Rivera obtained her PhD in Management Science from La Rochelle University in France, following the award of a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Costa Rica. 

The recent award of the Medal of the French Senate recognizes the immense body of work and admirable contributions of Dr. Rivera to the field of sustainable development, the human right of access to water and sanitation, sustainable fisheries management, and public policies for coastal areas. The award also recognizes her commitment to rural and indigenous Costa Rican territories and the linking of students with Costa Rican organizations and companies, promoting professional and cultural exchange. 

Dr. Rivera was presented with the award as part of France’s Latin American and Caribbean Weeks, which recognized the work of Latin Americans to unite France and the different countries of the region under the theme: “Together Facing Contemporary Challenges.”    

Congratulations to Dr. Sylvia Rivera Valle for this great recognition of her work and the contributions she continues to make to improve the environment and the lives of the people and communities touched by her work.    

To learn more about Dr. Rivera’s work, visit our Board of Directors page. To learn more about EcoWB and our mission to empower environmentally vulnerable communities worldwide, visit https://www.ecowb.org

Supporting Those in Need During Uncertain Times

By Becky Muston • June 4, 2025
As a volunteer-supported ecological assistance organization, EcoWB contributes to the vital work of the international aid community—supporting humanitarian and conservation efforts where ecological expertise can make a meaningful difference. In recent months, critical funding and staffing for international aid once provided through U.S. government programs have been withdrawn. The effects are already visible: environmental and humanitarian programs paused, local teams let go, and progress at risk of stalling. Among the efforts most affected are those tackling biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, water pollution, and climate change—areas where EcoWB has long provided professional expertise and hands-on project support. In response, we’re actively looking for opportunities to support projects that need ecological guidance or technical capacity to keep going. With our global network of skilled volunteers, we’re well placed to step in where others no longer can. If you know of places, partners, or organizations where environmental needs are going unmet—or if you're looking to make a meaningful impact— we’d love to hear from you . We also encourage those with the means to do so to take a moment: research the organizations struggling on the frontlines, see where funding may have been cut, and consider offering your support. Now more than ever, action matters—whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply amplifying the work that still needs doing. 

EcoWB Welcomes Biljana Aljinovic as Program Manager

May 24, 2025
We are delighted to announce that Biljana Aljinovic has joined Ecologists Without Borders as our new Program Manager. Biljana brings over 15 years of experience in international conservation, having led projects across Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Her work spans both marine and terrestrial ecosystems and covers a wide range of areas, including sustainable fisheries, climate adaptation, marine regeneration, and environmental policy. She holds an MSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Padua, Italy. Raised on Mljet, a biodiverse island in the Croatian Adriatic, Biljana developed a deep connection to nature early in life. This connection has fueled her commitment to conservation and her focus on long-term impact and collaboration with local communities. In her role at EcoWB, Biljana will oversee our expanding portfolio of environmental projects, support the development of new initiatives in collaboration with partner organizations and communities worldwide, and help strengthen our internal systems to ensure we can respond swiftly and effectively to emerging needs. We’re excited to welcome Biljana to the EcoWB staff team and look forward to the expertise and energy she brings to this important role.