About Dr. Adeyeye
A journey through forests, communities, and sustainable futures
Cultivating Forests, Building Communities
Dr. Yemi Adeyeye is an accomplished forestry and natural resource professional with 15 years of professional experience in Natural Resource Management (forestry, water and agrifood systems), building communities for international cooperation with demonstrated expertise across five continents.
Currently serving as City Forester and Manager of Forestry & Natural Areas for the Corporation of the City of Windsor, Dr. Adeyeye manages a natural asset portfolio valued at $400 million. He leads unionized and non-unionized team members, has secured grant applications valued at approximately $1.5 million, and led the development of Windsor's first-ever Urban Forest Management Strategy (a 20-year Master Plan). His work bridges the gap between scientific research, policy development, and community engagement.
With a PhD from the University of British Columbia and experience spanning five continents, Dr. Adeyeye brings a unique global perspective to local environmental challenges. His expertise encompasses urban forestry leadership, environmental governance, ecosystem restoration, and youth engagement in sustainable development.
Professional Journey
From roots to canopy - a career in growth
City Forester & Manager, Forestry & Natural Areas
City of Windsor, Ontario
Leading urban forest management and natural areas conservation for a major Canadian municipality. Managing a natural asset portfolio valued at $400 million, leading unionized and non-unionized team members, and spearheading the development of Windsor's first-ever Urban Forest Management Strategy (a 20-year Master Plan). Successfully secured grant applications valued at approximately $1.5 million.
Global Coordinator, GLFx
CIFOR - Global Landscapes Forum
Developed strategies for building global network of local change agents for landscape restoration aligned with UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration goals. Led the development of the GLFx strategy and managed multi-donor funded community-based landscapes governance initiatives.
Global Director
YPARD (Young Professionals for Agricultural Development)
Oversaw engagement of young farmers and landowners in agriculture and forestry across 100+ countries. Led an organization with a team of over 100 country coordinators, supervised operations in 3 regional offices, and co-led the team that acquired USD 5M from the Swiss Government for a 5-year work plan.
PhD Candidate
University of British Columbia
Research on power dynamics, knowledge politics and stakeholder engagement in global environmental governance. Dissertation examined procedural equity, indigenous participation, and knowledge politics in forest and landscape restoration debates.
Liaison, Youth Program
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Developed the first-ever youth & volunteer engagement strategy for World Forestry Congress, which resulted in a youth movement of about 6000 youths, the "We Love Forests" campaign, #Forests2015 Social Media reporting, 3 core congress youth programs & youth contributions to 3 outcome documents at the XIV World Forestry Congress.
Academic Foundation
Building knowledge from diverse global institutions
Academic Degrees
PhD in International Forestry
University of British Columbia, Canada
MSc Agricultural Development
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
MSc Environmental Forestry
Bangor University, Wales, United Kingdom
B.Tech Agricultural Technology
Federal University of Technology, Nigeria
Professional Certifications
University of Windsor (2024)
City of Windsor (2023)
Wageningen University (2021)
Areas of Expertise
Specialized knowledge cultivated through global experience
Natural Resources Management
Local and Global Perspectives
City Forester | Manager Forestry & Natural Areas
Corporation of the City of Windsor
Researcher, Community Engagement
Fundación Natura Bolivia - Santa Cruz, Bolivia
International Forest Policy
FAO XIV World Forestry Congress
Advocacy for Forest Education and Youth Engagement
Environmental Policy Research and Analysis
Management of Multi-Stakeholder and Multi-Lateral Initiatives
Global Coordinator of GLFx
Global Landscapes Forum
Global Director of YPARD
FAO
IUFRO Learning Initiatives
International Union for Forestry Research Organization
Guiding Principles
Values that root my work in purpose
Sustainability
Balancing ecological health with human needs for future generations
Collaboration
Building bridges between science, policy, and community action
Innovation
Embracing new approaches to age-old environmental challenges
Equity
Ensuring inclusive participation in environmental decision-making
Let's Work Together
Interested in collaboration or learning more about my work?