Juan Mayr

Juan Mayr Maldonado is a Colombian architect, photographer, and environmentalist. He is best known for his work in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development in Colombia, particularly in the Amazon rainforest.

Mayr served as Colombia's Minister of Environment from 1998 to 2002 under President Andrés Pastrana. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in implementing environmental policies and regulations, focusing on biodiversity protection, sustainable resource management, and community participation in environmental decision-making. He also worked to strengthen the country's national parks system and promote international cooperation on environmental issues.

Prior to his government service, Mayr was involved in various environmental and social initiatives. He founded the Fundación Gaia Amazonas, an organization dedicated to the conservation of the Amazon rainforest and the protection of the rights of Indigenous communities living within it. He is also a renowned photographer whose work often highlights the beauty and fragility of the Amazon ecosystem and the cultures of its inhabitants.

Since leaving his ministerial post, Mayr has continued to be an active voice in environmental advocacy, working with various organizations and initiatives to promote sustainable development and address climate change. He remains a prominent figure in the Colombian environmental movement and a respected voice on issues related to the Amazon rainforest.