Lidia Arthur Brito is a Mozambiquan forestry expert and engineer and university lecturer, researcher and consultant for Eduardo Mondlane University. Born in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, Dr Brito has over three decades of professional experience in Science Policy, STI development plans, monitoring and assessment of STI policies and instruments, forestry, traditional energy (Biomass and Charcoal), Higher Education management, Technical-Vocational Education, ICT for Development, as a university professor, researcher, consultant, and senior management at national, regional, and international institutions blending academic and practical experience to advance sustainable development.[2]
Brito holds an undergraduate degree in Forest Engineering by Eduardo Mondlane University (Mozambique) and received M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Forest Sciences from Colorado State University (USA). She served as the first Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Mozambique (2000–2005) and was Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Eduardo Mondlane University (1998–2000).[3] Brito has served as Advisor of the Mayor of Maputo for Strategic Planning and External Relations in the capital of Maputo (2005–2008) . Internationally, she is a recognized academic promoting sustainable development, and community–based management in Africa in general.[3][4] Brito is the director of science policy and capacity building at UNESCO and a co-chairman of the conference, titled Planet Under Pressure.[5][6][7]
She is also an active participant and speaker in many international summits and conferences.[8]