Welcoming our new YPARD Austria Country Representative!

We're delighted to welcome Ms. Yanisse Basauri Torres as the new YPARD Austria Country Representative!

Yanisse is a dynamic Peruvian forest scientist and international development professional with a deep-rooted passion for sustainability, climate governance, and social justice. With a rich academic background as an Erasmus Mundus Scholar, she brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and global perspective to her work in sustainable forest management, environmental policy, and community resilience.

Over the years, Yanisse has contributed to diverse projects across Europe and Latin America, working at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, sustainable agricultural supply chains, and community-led forest initiatives. Her experience reflects a deep commitment to bridging environmental integrity with equitable development. In Germany, Yanisse played a pivotal role in the Initiative for Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains (INA), supporting their Monitoring & Evaluation efforts to ensure that sustainability goals are met with measurable impact. Her research has a strong focus on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), delving into its implications for tropical supply chains such as coffee and cacao, and exploring how international policies can better support sustainable livelihoods for smallholder producers.

Yanisse has also collaborated with key international organizations in Austria and Peru, lending her voice and expertise to projects aimed at inclusive environmental governance. A recognized advocate on global platforms, she has actively participated in major international conferences hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations, and the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), where she has represented youth perspectives in climate dialogues and policy spaces.

Beyond her technical and policy work, Yanisse is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Indigenous knowledge systems, and decolonial approaches to sustainability.  She also mentors aspiring environmental leaders through academic and professional development pathways. As the YPARD Country Representative in Austria, she is keen to use her experience in the field to champion greater youth engagement in climate action.

Yanisse’s vision is rooted in building inclusive, just, and climate-resilient futures—where Indigenous voices are centered, biodiversity is safeguarded, and the next generation of leaders are empowered to lead transformative change.

Welcome to the team, Yanisse!