Gelson Alex de Pina Monteiro is a biologist with an MSc in Science–Policy–Practice Interfaces on Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Climate Change and a postgraduate qualification in Environmental Management.

He is currently pursuing a PhD in Biology at the University of the Azores, where his research focuses on developing socio-ecological models to support biodiversity conservation and the adaptive management of protected areas in Cabo Verde.

He has experience coordinating and implementing marine and terrestrial conservation projects. His research interests include protected-area management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, environmental governance, marine spatial planning, and community participation.