Maria Carmen (Ica) Fernandez is an independent development professional with deep experience in policy design, research, implementation, and evaluation related to governance, security, and sustainable development.
She has consulted extensively with governments and international development organisations including the World Bank and the United Nations on issues related to peacebuilding, post-crisis reconstruction, social inclusion, and human rights, primarily in Southeast Asia. As a practicing land specialist and spatial planner, her applied research in recent years has focused on the relationship between protracted internal displacement, customary property rights, and land governance.
Ica holds a PhD in Land Economy and an MPhil Planning, Growth and Regeneration from the University of Cambridge, as well as an MA in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Notes from the Field 