Dr. Francisco Souza is the Managing Director of the FSC Indigenous Foundation. He is an economist and member of the Apurinã Indigenous Peoples of the Brazilian Amazon. As Managing Director of the FSC Indigenous Foundation, a global Indigenous-led organization, Souza works to support Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Community (IPLC) leaders and organizations around the world, including in the 40+ countries where he has personally worked. He has managed and facilitated multi-sectoral efforts focused on strengthening Indigenous-based solutions to achieve Indigenous self-development, self-governance, and self-reliance at national, regional, and global levels. He holds a PhD in Environmental Science and a master’s degree in Tropical Conservation.