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Dr Salvatore Arico

Dr Salvatore Arico

Adjunct Professor

Academic Qualifications

CEO of International Science Council

Biography

Dr. Salvatore, a seasoned professional with a unique and impactful career spanning the realms of the United Nations administration, scholarly pursuits, fund-raising, education, and mentoring, is recognized for their outstanding contributions at the nexus of science and policy, driven by a fervent commitment to environmental and social sustainability.

With a disruptive attitude towards promoting and implementing transformative change, Dr Salvatore has played a pivotal role in shaping key biodiversity agreements that stand as a testament to their dedication to current and future generations. Their efforts have been instrumental in creating the necessary conditions for the mobilization of substantial funding in critical areas such as climate change and biodiversity.

Beyond policy advocacy, Dr Salvatore has demonstrated a passion for nurturing the next generation of scholars and expert practitioners in sustainability. Through their involvement in education and mentoring, they have actively contributed to the formation of a new cadre of professionals equipped to address the complex challenges of sustainability.

As a proud contributor to pivotal biodiversity agreements, Dr. Salvatore has not only influenced international policy but has also successfully mobilized significant financial resources for on-the-ground action. Their career is marked by a deep understanding of the interface between science and policy, exemplifying a commitment to translating knowledge into tangible outcomes.

Motivated by a desire to foster sustainable trajectories for the future of both people and nature, Dr. Salvatore is now poised to embark on their next professional and personal challenge. They aspire to make their wealth of competencies available to a credible and innovative organization capable of leading the formalization of a paradigm shift in the current development landscape.

Armed with a diverse skill set honed through years of experience, Dr. Salvatore seeks to contribute actively to an organization that shares their vision for a more sustainable future. Their journey reflects a rare combination of leadership, scholarly prowess, and a commitment to effecting positive change, making them a valuable asset to any institution dedicated to driving sustainable development.

Education and Specialized Training

PhD in Marine Environment and Resources

  • Institution: Stazione Zoologica ‘Anton Dohrn’, Naples, Italy

  • Years: 1988-1992

  • Honors: With mention

Post-Doctorate

  • Institution: Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy, College of Marine and Earth Studies, University of Delaware, USA

  • Year: 1997

Bachelor's Degree

  • Field: Biological Sciences

  • Institution: University of Palermo, Italy

  • Years: 1983-1987

  • Degree: 110/110 cum laude

Baccalaureate

  • Field: Humanities

  • Institution: Liceo Classico ‘Umberto I’, Palermo

  • Year: 1983

  • Grade: 60/60 with mention

NASA Summer School

  • Program: Processes of Global Change

  • Institutions: California Institute of Technology and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, USA

  • Year: Summer 1994

Training Certificates

  • Areas: Results-based management, gender mainstreaming, resource mobilization, post-conflict/post-disaster operations

Working Experience

  • January 2022-Present: Senior Advisor to the International Science Council President and CEO

  • January 2017-December 2021: Head of Ocean Science, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

  • January 2015-December 2016: Executive Secretary of the UN Secretary General’s Scientific Advisory Board

  • July 2014-December 2017: Senior Programme Specialist, Science Policy and Capacity Building, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

  • January 2011-June 2014: Chief, Crosscutting Unit on Biodiversity and Coordinator of the House-wide multisectoral programme on biodiversity (‘UNESCO Biodiversity Initiative’); UNESCO focal point and Team Leader for IPBES; Advisor to the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences on all matters related to environmental affairs and UN inter-agency coordination

  • January-December 2010: Coordinator, Europe segment (27-person team) of the International Year of Biodiversity

  • May 2005-December 2009: Expert and Board representative, International Assessment on Agricultural Science & Technology for Development; coordinator of the International Conference on Biodiversity Science and Governance (Paris, 2005), which led to the design of IPBES; UNESCO coordinator for UN inter-agency coordination and with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

  • May 2000-April 2005: Programme Specialist, Board representative, and co-author and reviewer, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment; also, in charge of coordinating the design of the international programme on Ecohydrology

  • January 1998-April 2000: Chief of Unit, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Jakarta Mandate on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity; and, acting Chief of Unit, Inland Water Biodiversity (1999)

  • January-December 1997: Researcher, College of Marine and Earth Studies, University of Delaware

  • January 1993-December 1996: Associate Expert, Marine Biodiversity and Integrated Coastal Management, IOC

  • May-November 1992: Lecturer, European Commission-funded project on Environmental Impact Assessment

  • April 1987-April 1988: Health Assistant, Military Hospital of Palermo, Italy (mandatory one-year military service)