Carimi Cortez Ribeiro is a botanist with expertise in plant taxonomy, biodiversity research, and genetic-resource stewardship. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology, as well as a Master’s degree and a PhD in Botany from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, where her research contributed to national floristic projects and advanced the understanding of angiosperm floral diversity.
Carimi serves as Head of Conservation at the Irish Seed Savers Association, a 20-acre certified organic farm dedicated to safeguarding Ireland’s crop heritage for future generations. The organisation maintains extensive in situ and ex situ collections, including heritage orchards, living conservation plots, and a national gene bank. In this role, Carimi oversees gene bank operations, heritage orchard conservation, and the development of research initiatives that strengthen Ireland’s long-term capacity to protect plant genetic resources.
Alongside her conservation role, Carimi advances educational programmes on seed saving, conservation, and advocacy for sustainable food systems, strengthening community engagement and national awareness. She also contributes to policy and regulatory discussions as a member of the GMO Advisory Committee of the Environmental Pillar of the Irish Environmental Network.
