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Orion Cruz

Orion Cruz

Former International Associate

Areas of Expertise: international environmental law and policy, marine conservation, climate change.

As an International Associate, Orion advocated for the conservation of wildlife within multilateral environmental agreements and regional fisheries management organizations, worked to combat wildlife trafficking, and assisted countries in conserving biodiversity, with a focus on the Latin America region.

Prior to joining Defenders, Orion worked with several international environmental organizations in the U.S. and Latin America and served as the legal counsel to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment in the Republic of Palau. His experience has led him to participate in numerous international meetings, workshops, and conferences related to conservation, climate change, fisheries, and trade in endangered species.

Orion has a J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School and an M.A. in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School. He also holds a B.A. from the University of Oregon in Political Science and International Studies.