Lulseged Tamene Desta

Lulseged Tamene Desta is Director of the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Program.

With over 18 years of experience, Lulseged is a recognized leader in advancing science and innovation for sustainable food, land, and water systems. He brings strong spatial analytical skills and systems thinking to support evidence-based decision-making and has led numerous projects promoting synergies across sectors, landscapes, and stakeholders.

His work focuses on co-developing conservation and restoration measures, agroecological and nature-based solutions, and regenerative, climate-smart practices that balance environmental and production goals. Lulseged has mentored farmers, students, and early-career scientists, and has played key roles in building coalitions, mobilizing interdisciplinary teams, and delivering large-scale initiatives.

His leadership roles include Director of the Multifunctional Landscapes Research Area at the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, interim CGIAR program director, and lead of one of CGIAR EiA’s most successful Use Cases. His academic background in Geography, Remote Sensing, GIS, and Landscape Ecology underpins his integrative approach to research and innovation.