Desta is a natural resource and environmental economist by training, and has more than 18 years of experience working in Indonesia, on topics such as forest and landscape, marine and fisheries, climate change and energy, knowledge management, and social development. He is fortunate and grateful to have worked in NGOs and research institutions that enabled him to work with various communities across Indonesia, learning from their experience in overcoming various challenges. While attending the Acumen Inclusive Economy Leadership Program he acquired the knowledge, foundations, and confidence to co-founded Aralia, a sustainability consulting company with mission of capacity building and creating impact at all levels. Desta received his Bachelor's degree from University of Indonesia and a Master's degree from the Australian National University. He is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of Aralia, an Associate Economist at Conservation Strategy Fund, and pursuing his PhD at Wageningen University and Research.