Gonzalo Banda-Cruz began his career with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Ecology from Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. His academic journey continued with a degree in International Political Economy and a UNESCO fellowship, where he concentrated on natural heritage site management and developed a deeper passion for marine conservation. He further specialized in Coastal Marine Resources Management at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at UCSB, honing his skills in environmental problem-solving, marine spatial planning, and collaborating with the Environmental Defense Fund on blue economy investment strategies. Throughout his studies, Banda-Cruz consistently sought to create entrepreneurial solutions for the sustainable use of marine resources.
His professional experience demonstrates a commitment to marine ecosystems across various sectors. He has worked with notable organizations such as WWF, Global Witness, and the Charles Darwin Foundation on projects related to transparency, invasive species management, and fisheries zoning. In 2012, he took on the role of Marine and Terrestrial Conservation Coordinator for the Galapagos Islands, providing expert guidance on critical zoning and fisheries management decisions. Since moving to Seattle in 2018, Banda-Cruz has worked with the Marine Stewardship Council and, more recently, as an independent consultant, helping clients across different industries design and implement effective sustainability strategies.