I began my professional journey in Sri Lanka’s flourishing floriculture industry, focusing on European and Far Eastern markets. Over five years, I led research and development initiatives, pioneering non-conventional breeding methods that significantly advanced the sector. This foundation facilitated my transition into project and program management, where I have had the privilege of collaborating with governmental bodies and international funding organizations. A highlight of my career was playing a key role in the success of the National Agriculture Development Program (2003-2014), contributing to strategic planning, coordination, and execution, while bringing over two decades of diverse experience within Sri Lanka’s agricultural development sector. My professional journey has been shaped by multidisciplinary training, equipping me with expertise in project and program management, monitoring and evaluation, strategic planning in MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), sustainable rural development, climate-smart agriculture, food and nutrition security, Agric value chain & SME developments,Results-Based Management (RBM), gender mainstreaming, and knowledge management, among other areas of competence. Since October 2015, I have had the privilege of coordinating multifaceted projects and programs for the EU Delegation in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with a focus on integrated rural development. These initiatives span critical sectors such as agriculture ( agri- green), food and nutrition, local governance, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), SCP (Sustainable Consumption and Production), and Nature based tourism, all aimed at fostering positive, sustainable development. As I continue my professional path, I remain committed to leveraging my diverse expertise to drive impactful transformations across Sri Lanka’s evolving sectors, contributing meaningfully to sustainable development goals.
Members
managing fisheries partnership agreements between EU and non EU countries
Member since
3 years 6 monthsAlexandre Castellano.
Born in France on 16 May 1975.
Nationality: French and Italian
Education: MSc in Biology in Italy and MSc in Public Health Nutrition at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Position: from 2020 to date - DG ECHO Head of Office - Pretoria - South Africa - for the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Region.
Previous positions: from 2000 to 2012 working with various NGOs dealing with emergencies and innovation technologies in seven African countries – from 2013 to 2016 policy officer with ECHO in the head quarter dealing with Food Assistance, Nutrition, Cash-Based Transfers and Innovations. From 2016 to 2020, ECHO Technical Assistant for the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Region.
Key interest: Innovative Technologies applied to humanitarian response.
Member since
5 years 2 months
Expert in small-scale and industrial fisheries and aquaculture with experience in developing countries on projects funded by international donors and technical agencies (mainly EU, FAO), particularly in quality and safety of fishery products, value-added products, and fish processing.
Expert in developing pictorial training manuals on good practices regarding fish quality and safety, handling, and processing for small-scale fisheries. Designed pictorial awareness materials such as posters. Developed training manuals on good business practices for small-scale fisheries, including value-chain product possibilities.
Expert in technical document translation in the sector of fisheries and aquaculture, and studies.
Member since
3 years 11 monthsMember since
9 months 3 weeks
Member since
2 years 2 monthsRetired Commission official