Erich Schaitza is a forest engineer who has worked at Embrapa for 32 years. His experience ranges from research in wood technology and small-scale industrialization, integrated energy system technology, and integration between research and extension to management of multi-institutional programs for soil, water, and biodiversity conservation. This diverse professional experience has served him in roles such as Deputy Head of Communications and Business. International Coordinator for Embrapa Forestry, Coordinator of the Embrapa Regional Office for Africa in Accra, Ghana, and currently as Head of Embrapa Forestry.