Since February 2009, Juan Marco works at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Director of the Economy and Environmental Governance Group, in charge of the implementation of the Sustainable Energy and Green Economy Thematic Areas. IUCN, based in Gland, Switzerland, is a unique democratic union with UN observer status, of more than 1,000 member organizations that include national states, government agencies and NGOs from over 160 countries. With more than 10,000 scientists in six commissions of expertise, plus more than 1,000 staff members in 62 offices worldwide, it serves as a neutral forum for governments, NGOs, scientists, business and local communities to find pragmatic solutions to environmental problems. Alvarez is also responsible for the development and implementation of IUCN secretariat’s work on Economics and the Environment, Environmental Law, and is also serving functionally as Head of the Business and Biodiversity Programme. Juan Marco used to be the Executive Director of SalvaNATURA – El Salvador´s premier conservation organization, known for its work on national park and integrated watershed management, conservation science, and environmental education, as well as the promotion of best practices and sustainable certification for the coffee, sugar and tourism industries. He has a master's degree on business administration and sustainable development from INCAE, Costa Rica, obtained in 1995. He is married and has three children.