Ms Vanézia Rocha is a Cabo Verdean national currently serving as a fellow at the FAO Representation in Cabo Verde, where she contributes to implementing agroecological methodologies and supports projects related to climate resilience and land degradation neutrality. 

Ms Rocha holds a Master's in Biology of Plant Resources from the University of Lisbon and is pursuing a PhD in Sustainable Land Use, specialising in Forestry and Natural Resources, at the University of Lisbon. With a strong academic and scientific background in biodiversity, agrobiodiversity, sustainability and conservation, she has been involved in multidisciplinary research and international cooperation initiatives aimed at strengthening local agri-food systems and promoting nature-based solutions, mainly for the Cabo Verde Islands.