MERG’s team has decades of experience of working globally with governments, companies, Indigenous organizations and civil society.
We tackle complex problems and craft practical, integrated and lasting solutions.
We believe strongly in partnership and collaboration, innovation, accountability and respect of cultures and the environment.
What we do and how we do it is a direct reflection of our values.
Our Directors
MERG is guided by its two principals, Maria Laura Barreto and Alan Young. They share decades of experiences in the extractive industries and sustainability initiatives around the world.
MERG also works with a network of specialists dealing with specific technical and strategic needs on a project-by- project basis.
Alan Young
DirectorAlan applies his diverse skills as a facilitator, mediator, strategist, and activist to advance sustainable development concepts and initiatives.
Through his work, Alan has developed a strong network of conservation groups, Indigenous organizations, companies and governments in North America, Latin America and Europe. He has developed strategic partnerships with, and among, leaders in these sectors to tackle complex problems and develop lasting solutions.
Alan has been involved in socio-economic impact assessments, large-scale conservation strategies, certification programs in the forestry and mining sectors, as well as various legislative reform initiatives in the extractive sectors nationally and internationally.
Maria Laura Barreto, PhD
DirectorLaura's focus is on how law, policy and technology can be more effectively used in preventing and controlling social and environmental impacts caused by industrial sectors, particularly mining and energy.
Over the last 25 years she has been continuously active in the field of environmental law and the extractive industries, specializing in artisanal, small and large scale mining.
Her Master’s Degree in Law and International Relations, a PhD in Mining Engineering provide her with a unique perspective and skill base to do her work.
Laura has extensive experience working with governments, companies and civil society organizations on strategies, practices and policies to reduce social and environmental impacts and to promote sustainability.