Chris Van Dam

Chris is a rural sociologist with a Master’s Degree in Environment and Development (FLACSO). His main field of expertise are the social, political and economic issues related to Indigenous people and local communities, throughout Latin America. Within Forest Trends’ Communities and Territorial Governance Initiative, he leads the Capacity Building Program on Indigenous Territorial Governance, which covers a broad range of aspects, including Indigenous Economy, and Life Plans. Prior to joining Forest Trends, he worked with the FAO and GIZ in community forestry projects, he was a member of the FSC Board representing the Social Chamber and was a consultant for many organizations, including DGIS (Netherlands), the EU, Inter-cooperation, Helvetas, and IUCN.