Cristian Sánchez is currently the owner and deputy director general of CICEANA, and received a degree in biology in 2004 from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) with a concentration in ornithology. Between 1995 and 2003, he developed various studies related to the ecology and sustainable development of wild fauna in the Sierra Norte mountains of Oaxaca, in the Mexican southeast. These studies were aimed at informing and supporting a group of indigenous communities dedicated to commercial forest management. In addition, he developed many located field studies in various states of the country for a variety of wildlife species. Since 2004, he has collaborated with CICEANA, reaching the position of deputy director in 2018. During this time, he has held various positions including; Project Coordinator and Project Director for projects focused on sustainability in the areas of social development, education, conservation of natural resources and sustainable building.