Raquel Bustamante works as an associate at Silvestrum Climate Associates. Silvestrum specializes in providing climate change solutions, offering services in climate mitigation, adaptation, restoration and resilience. A key focus of the organization is facilitating blue carbon climate solutions. This is also Raquel's area of expertise, as she provides legal support for projects focused on blue carbon.
– My work involves extensive engagement with international environmental law, especially in areas such as carbon markets under the UNFCCC and international policy. Additionally, I collaborate with stakeholders and serve as a project manager for some cases within the office.
She is currently working on analyzing policy and institutional frameworks for coastal ecosystems in selected developing countries as part of a World Bank-led project.
– These assessments are a continuation of the flagship report I contributed to, titled "Unlocking Blue Carbon Development– Investment Readiness Framework for Governments." The goal of these assessments is to identify gaps and opportunities for countries to attract more finance into Coastal Nature-Based Solutions (NbS).
Blue carbon
Blue Carbon refers to ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. Restoring and conserving these areas is one of the most effective nature-based solutions to address climate change.
Sparked an interest in international environmental law
Raquel did her bachelor's degree in Law in Brazil, and had previous experience working as an intern in a federal court, a law firm and in the public ministry in Brazil. During her LLM studies, Raquel developed a profound interest in environmental law and climate change. This passion was sparked by her participation in courses such as Climate Change Law and Environmental Law, taught by Professor Christina Voigt.
– These courses not only equipped me with a solid understanding of the legal aspects of climate change, but also sparked an interest in the potential of carbon markets in enhancing climate resilience.
Inspired by the knowledge gained in her classes, Raquel actively pursued opportunities to explore environmental law further. She volunteered at the Conference of Environmental Law at the University of Oslo (UiO) in 2022.
– This experience inspired my thesis, titled "Blue Carbon in International Law: Understanding challenges and opportunities for delivering multiple benefits while protecting coastal ecosystems", which earned the highest grade.
Valuable knowledge, experiences and networking opportunities
The understanding and passion for environmental law which she gained during her LLM in Public International Law, significantly influenced the direction of her career. Her current job started as an internship for the same company, which she applied for after Professor Christina Voigt informed her about the position.
– I always wanted to have an international career and UiO has turned my dream into reality!
– The program not only provided me with knowledge, experiences, and networking opportunities, but was my top choice due to its high esteem and exceptional reputation.
- Be persistent and bold
She encourages everyone to seize the opportunities the university offers, engaging in social and professional activities, and embracing failure as part of the learning process. Raquel’s advice to students is to be persistent and bold.
– Every experience, whether it be personal growth or academic improvement, can pave the way for better career opportunities. Looking back, small things made a big difference.
– Learning to embrace failure turned out to be a game changer for me. In one of my darkest moments, I remembered telling myself I would collect “no's” until I received a “yes”. Getting accepted at UiO was one of the highlights of my career!
Raquel Bustamante
Study programme: Public International Law
Year of examination: 2023
Work title: Associate
Work Place: Silvestrum Climate Associates