Photo courtesy of Maya Berci
Maya Berci is Executive Director of the Chemicals Management Division at Environment and Climate Change Canada, and is the current President of the United Nations Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, a global treaty aimed at protecting human health and the environment from harmful chemicals. In a GEF Voices interview, she shared lessons from her career path and stressed the need for collaboration and persistence to solve complex environmental challenges.
What do you do for a living?
I’m the Executive Director of the Chemicals Management Division at Environment and Climate Change Canada, where I lead risk management initiatives for existing chemicals at the Canadian federal level. This includes work on the Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling Network, which monitors data from saucer-shaped samplers in more than 80 spots around the world. Twelve of the monitoring sites are located in Canada. This network provides information on persistent organic pollutants and other priority chemicals in the atmosphere, informing the Stockholm Convention’s Global Monitoring Plan and its effectiveness evaluations.
How did you get into this line of work?
As a teenager, I was deeply concerned about the state of the world, which often left me feeling anxious. Instead of letting that anxiety overwhelm me, I chose to channel it into something meaningful — pursuing a career in environmental protection.
Is there a GEF-funded project or program that is close to your heart?
Yes, to continue along the lines of passive air sampling, the samplers used by the Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling Network were pioneered by scientists at ECCC, specifically to address the needs of a cost-effective and simple approach for tracking persistent organic pollutants in the air, both in different locations and over time.
These samplers were adopted by and were instrumental to the success of the GEF-funded projects which were implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme in more than 40 developing countries to generate some of the first measurements of persistent organic pollutants in support of the Global Monitoring Plan in its first three reporting iterations. This is a nice example where technology developed in Canada has made an important and positive impact on international chemicals management.
Has anyone you have met through your work made a lasting impact on you?
I had the privilege of working with an incredible boss, Kaili Levesque. She is currently the Associate Deputy Minister at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Kaili left a lasting impact on me, we worked together around 5 years ago at the height of the COVID-19 crisis. She was a true role model, demonstrating that it’s possible to be highly productive and effective while maintaining kindness, grace, and a sense of humor. Even under intense scrutiny and pressure, she led with compassion and unwavering support for her team, setting an inspiring example that continues to influence me.
What life lessons has working on environmental issues taught you?
Working on environmental issues has taught me that solving complex global challenges requires a diverse array of skills, abilities, and perspectives. True progress comes from collaboration, partnership, and mutual respect — both professionally and personally.
This work has also given me a deeper sense of perspective and patience. In pollution prevention, success isn’t measured in months or even years, but over decades. Achieving real change requires a long-term vision, often spanning 20 to 30 years.
LEFT: Tom Harner, lead scientist of the GAPS Network and co-chair of the GMP, deploys samplers. RIGHT: Site operators pose in front of a new sampler site at Kobbefjord, Greenland.
The state of the global environment is concerning. What gives you hope?
What gives me hope is people — the dedicated individuals working tirelessly to protect our environment. Their passion, expertise, and commitment drive meaningful change every day. Our field is rich with talent and innovation, constantly pushing boundaries to find sustainable solutions. While technology can be a double-edged sword, in the hands of skilled and compassionate people, it becomes a powerful force for positive transformation. It’s this collective effort and ingenuity that gives me hope for the future.
What advice would you give a young person today who is interested in a career related to the environment?
For young people interested in an environmental career, my advice is to stay curious, adaptable, and persistent. The field is constantly evolving, and the most effective professionals are those who embrace lifelong learning and interdisciplinary thinking.
Build a strong foundation in science, policy, and communication — because solving environmental challenges requires a blend of technical knowledge, strategic action, and public engagement. Seek out mentors, internships, and hands-on experiences to understand the real-world complexities of the work.
Most importantly, don’t get discouraged by the scale of the challenges. Meaningful change takes time, but every effort contributes to a larger impact. Stay passionate, collaborate widely, and remember that persistence is key in driving lasting environmental progress.
