Meet Our Teams

Michelle Sonkoue Watio is the FPC Strategy Coordinator for the Congo Basin, based in Cameroon. A community leader, agro-socio-economist, and forest engineer, she brings nearly 15 years of experience in land tenure and natural resource governance across Africa, particularly in the Congo Basin.

Michelle has worked to support the struggles of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in securing land rights, strengthening forest governance, promoting self-determination, and advancing the inclusion of women and youth. Her work also focuses on improving transparency and accountability in land, forest, and mining investments, as well as expanding access to justice and development opportunities. She is deeply committed to supporting the leadership of Indigenous Peoples and local communities as stewards of biodiversity and climate resilience, including through advocacy for their direct access to funding.

Michelle holds a master’s degree in Agronomy, Sociology, and Sustainable Development, with a focus on Agro-economy and Rural Sociology, from the University of Dschang. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, reading, and gardening.