Specialised in animal welfare, wildlife trade, marine environment and biodiversity, Gaia has an extensive background in environmental advocacy, strategic policy advice, and EU public affairs. She led EU-wide NGOs projects and campaigns, and can count on an extensive international network in public, not for profit and private organisations, as well as EU institutions. Gaia holds a University degree in Policy and Law with a specialisation in Management of Not for Profit organisation (LSE, UK) and Environmental Decision Making (Open University, UK). She also regularly attends executive courses on strategic fundraising. Gaia has worked at the European Parliament and Commission and for global NGOs such as IFAW, Oceana, and the Humane Society International. She collaborated on projects with the Born Free Foundation, APP Foundation, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, and Tethys Marine Institute.