Melissa is a trained environmental biologist and ocean science professional. She is passionate about fostering equitable collaborations to find practical solutions to global issues facing marine and coastal ecosystems and communities. In her role at IUCN, Melissa manages two blue natural capital funds – the Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility and the Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund – supporting blue carbon and blue natural capital projects – helping to pave the way for private sector finance. Melissa Abderrahim holds a B.S. from McGill University and a M.S. California State University Monterey Bay.