Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts is the Executive Director of the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund). Since her appointment in 2022, Dr. Cho-Ricketts has led the organization through a period of rapid growth, positioning Belize as a global leader in the implementation of nature bonds. Celebrated as a 2022 Oceana Ocean Hero, she has over two decades of experience in marine conservation and scientific research in Belize, promoting academic interest and shaping policies and regulations. Notably, she co-founded the University of Belize’s Environmental Research Institute in January 2010, dedicated to bolstering scientific capacity for the sustainable use and conservation of Belize’s natural resources. Dr. Cho-Ricketts’ unwavering commitment to marine ecology and ecosystems management has paved the way for future marine conservationists, ensuring the continued preservation and restoration of Belize’s precious resources.