Yesterday we joined our colleagues in mourning the loss of a former governor in our global network, Governor Aristóteles Sandoval of Jalisco, Mexico. Governor Sandoval leaves behind a legacy as a true champion in the global fight against climate change. While Governor Sandoval’s dedication established Jalisco as the model for forests and climate in Mexico, his impact also had a global reach. In 2016 we were honored when Governor Sandoval volunteered to serve as the chair of the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force, providing our network with visionary leadership and strategic direction. As Chair he demonstrated his generosity and kindness when he hosted governors from across the tropics at the 2016 GCF Task Force Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting was an opportunity for Jalisco to showcase its impressive progress to the world, and Governor Sandoval demonstrated his skillful diplomacy as he encouraged fellow governors to follow Jalisco’s lead by increasing ambition on the forest and climate agenda. Representatives from regions covering more than 1/3rd of the world’s tropical forests left Jalisco energized, committed, and inspired by Governor Sandoval’s leadership.
Governor Sandoval was a talented leader who had a unique ability to not only inspire with his words but also lead through example. While he leaves this world far too early, his impact on the forest and climate agenda will continue to resonate around the world. We send our deepest condolences to the Governor’s family, the civil servants who worked under Governor Sandoval, and the people of Jalisco.
Remembering the contributions of Governor Aristóteles Sandoval
