Vivian Argüelles

Vivian Argüelles is a veterinarian with over a decade of experience in animal health and welfare, and in promoting nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. She currently leads the TeleGAN project at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), a four-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada that promotes sustainable, gender-inclusive, and climate-resilient livestock systems in Mexico and Guatemala.

Vivian’s work bridges technological innovation and community engagement, advancing participatory approaches such as citizen science and integrating satellite monitoring technologies to support small and medium-scale cattle ranchers. Through TeleGAN, she coordinates multi-country collaboration on sustainable pasture management, digital extension tools, and climate policy influence, with a focus on empowering women, youth, and Indigenous communities.

Before transitioning into international development, she worked extensively as an animal welfare specialist, advising food companies across Latin America and Asia on improving livestock supply chains and supporting NGOs with research, training, and program design across the Americas. She has taught at both Mexican and Canadian universities and is currently completing a PhD at McGill University, focusing on sustainability transitions in livestock systems. Originally from Mexico, Vivian is based in Canada and brings an interdisciplinary, equity-driven perspective to agricultural innovation and policy. At the Forum, she will moderate the panel on Sustainable Livestock Production.