Lea Phillips

Senior Biodiversity and Spatial Planning Analyst – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Lea Phillips is a Senior Biodiversity Policy Coordinator who provides key implementation support on the the Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support Project. Since 2020, she has worked closely with UNDP Country Offices across the globe to hold high-impact stakeholder consultations on spatial data and national biodiversity planning. In 2022, her role grew to also encompass the development and delivery of high-impact guidance and tools to support national-level achievement of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Previous experience and expertise

Prior to joining UNDP, Lea Phillips worked as a Youth Development Program Coordinator for Peace Corps, Morocco. During this formative experience, Lea co-created programs around health, gender, and the environment with local leaders. She holds a Masters in International Political Economy and Development from Fordham University with an emphasis on Sustainable Development. Her Bachelor’s degree is in Theatre Studies with a minor in Gender Studies. Lea has high proficiency in Moroccan Arabic and is enjoying the opportunity to develop her Spanish competency through work with UNDP Country Offices in Latin America.

Recent Work by Lea Phillips

Lea Phillips led the development of the Integrated Spatial Planning Workbook, an official UNDP publication that shows how nations can develop ‘Maps of Hope’ that indicate where to protect, manage, and restore ecosystems to meet their unique goals. She has lead in the production of the Integrated Spatial Planning Massive Open Online Course, which was launched in parallel with the workbook. Other publications and communications products include Nature is Counting on Us (UNDP publication), Mapping Hope – Nature for Climate (UNDP Costa Rica photo essay), Putting spatial planning on the map: How high-ambition countries are achieving nature and climate goals (SPACES policy brief),  Putting nature on the map (UNDP blog), From ‘untouchables’ to internationally recognized farmers (SDG Integration Article).