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Deborah Bossio

Lead Scientist, Food and Water Systems

California

Headshot of Deborah Bossio.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Soil science, agriculture, ecosystems, conservation, climate change, food systems

CONTACT

Global Media Relations
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Biography

Deborah joined The Nature Conservancy in 2016 as its lead soil scientist. In that role, she spearheaded the development of a research program that delivered the science necessary for The Nature Conservancy's strategies on soil health and soil carbon sequestration for climate, environment and productivity benefits.

In 2022 Deborah took on a broader remit as the lead scientist for food and water systems. In this role, she leads The Nature Conservancy's work on Foodscape science, a new framework for understanding and implementing food system transitions. The work of her team and partners supports an ambitious agenda around food system change, employing the power of nature-based solutions in food production systems worldwide.

Deborah's academic roots are in soil biology and fertility. She holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in soil science from the University of California, Davis. She came to The Nature Conservancy from science leadership positions at the CGIAR, including the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). She has worked for more than 30 years in climate, food systems, sustainable agriculture and development in Africa, Asia and the Americas. She has published a wealth of research papers. She emphasizes bringing science to practice and playing thought leadership roles in global initiatives, including acting on the Science and Technical Committee of the 4per1000 Initiative.

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