Michelle Alvarez

Michelle Alvarez is the Inspector of Mines and leads the Mines and Minerals Department within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining. Since 2017 she has also served as the National Focal Point for the UNCCD, representing Belize in global efforts to address land degradation and promote sustainable resource management.

Belize, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), faces unique vulnerabilities to climate change, land degradation and resource depletion. Ms Alvarez has been instrumental in advancing the country’s commitment to achieving Land Degradation Neutrality.

Ms Alvarez is a geologist with a postgraduate qualification in Coastal Zone Engineering and Management from the University of the West Indies. Her professional development includes specialized training in damage assessment and needs analysis and advanced capacity-building programmes such as training of trainers for climate resilience integration in the water sector in the Caribbean.

In 2018 she participated in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, “Hidden No More: Advancing Women in STEAM Fields.” Most notably, at UNCCD COP16 Ms Alvarez was appointed Vice Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology as the representative of the Latin America and Caribbean region.

With more than two decades of experience as a public officer, Ms Alvarez has contributed extensively to science education and mineral resource management, championing initiatives that integrate climate resilience and sustainable practices across sectors.