A New Chapter of Climate Resilience Begins With a Conversation.

Since co-founding Worldview International Foundation in 1979, Dr. Arne Fjørtoft has guided sustainable-development initiatives across Asia and beyond. His work has brought together communication, education, livelihoods and environmental action, with a strong focus on strengthening local communities.

Under his leadership, Worldview has implemented projects in more than 25 countries, including community media networks, education initiatives and pioneering mangrove-restoration programmes.

A former prime-time news anchor and foreign correspondent for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, Dr. Fjørtoft has consistently championed communication as a force for inclusive development. He also served as Chairman of Venstre, Norway’s Liberal Party.

Today, he continues to guide Worldview’s international restoration work and the long-term vision supporting Trees for Life.

Monaqui Porter-Young has more than 20 years of experience in global sustainable development. As CEO/President of Worldview Development USA, she leads U.S. engagement, fundraising, partnerships and programme development.

Monaqui first joined the Worldview network in 2001. A visit to Sri Lanka in 2002 introduced her to local women growers, organic agriculture and community-led models of sustainable development. The experience shaped her belief that climate solutions should strengthen both ecosystems and people.

She founded Worldview Development USA in 2013 to expand Worldview International Foundation’s presence and partnerships in the United States. Her work bridges climate action with health equity, international trade, education and social enterprise.

Monaqui currently co-leads the development of Trees for Life, helping shape its restoration, education and community-impact strategy.

Joacim Kontny joined Worldview International Foundation in 2014 and began his work by living for two years in a coastal village in Myanmar. During that time, he learned directly from local communities about mangrove species, planting methods and the practical realities of restoration.

He later became part of the team involved in developing Worldview’s first Verra-certified project and contributed to the early development of restoration opportunities in countries across Asia and Africa.

Joacim is now based in Panama, where his work ranges from identifying suitable restoration areas through field surveys and remote sensing to building relationships with coastal communities and officials from Panama’s Ministry of Environment.

As President of Worldview Las Americas, he helps translate Worldview’s international restoration experience into locally grounded programmes across the region.

Javier Arias serves as Country Director for Worldview International Foundation in Panama, where he supports the organisation’s mangrove-restoration and Blue Fund initiatives.

With more than 25 years of experience in environmental leadership, sustainable development and impact investment, Javier has focused his career on creating solutions that restore natural systems while producing enduring benefits for communities.

He previously served as Panama’s Minister responsible for environmental affairs and represented the country as Ambassador to Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. He has also represented Panama in international environmental negotiations, served as President Pro Tempore of the Central American Commission on Environment and Development, and held a vice-chair role within the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development.

Javier holds an MBA from INCAE Business School and a bachelor’s degree in finance. His public-sector, diplomatic and investment experience helps connect restoration ambitions with government, business and international partners.

Gena Lovett brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services, organisational management and nonprofit governance. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Little Wolf Capital & Consulting, where she advises organisations on financial strategy, capital formation, operational development and sustainable growth.

Earlier in her career, Gena served for 14 years as Principal and Chief Operating Officer of Alexandra Investment Management. She also held supervisory and management positions at NatWest Capital Markets, BT Securities Corporation and PaineWebber.

Her extensive board experience includes leadership and financial-oversight roles with the New York Junior League, the Association of Junior Leagues International, New York Women’s Agenda, Citizens Union and the Women’s Prison Association.

As Board Secretary, Gena contributes expertise in governance, financial accountability, fundraising and organisational resilience to support the long-term mission of Worldview Development USA and Trees for Life.

Mary Nittolo is a creative strategist, branding expert and founder of the STUDIO, an award-winning creative production and animation company she has led for more than 35 years. Throughout her career, she has helped global organisations, cultural institutions, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies translate complex ideas into compelling stories that educate, inspire and drive action.

A longtime advocate for using creativity in service of the public good, Mary brings deep expertise in communications, visual storytelling and brand development to Trees for Life. Her work has spanned feature films, museum exhibitions, public installations, educational campaigns and global communications initiatives, guided by the belief that powerful stories can change the way people see the world and their place within it.

In addition to leading the STUDIO, Mary has taught media design at New York University and Hostos Community College and has served as a judge for the Webby Awards, AICP, CLIO Awards and ADCOLOR. She also continues to mentor emerging entrepreneurs and creative professionals.

As a member of the Trees for Life Board, Mary helps shape the organisation’s communications strategy and brand, ensuring its restoration mission connects clearly and meaningfully with audiences around the world.