An environmental activist since youth, she was born in Dronero (CN) and lives in the countryside outside Ivrea with her two dogs and a cat. After receiving a degree in natural sciences, she combined her work in promoting environmental policies with her activities in education and training. She was president of Legambiente Piemonte e Valle d'Aosta from 1995 to 2011 and took part in the major controversies that erupted in northwest Italy during those years. She was member of the National Education Council (MIUR) from 2010 to 2012. Currently, she is the president of the National Scientific Committee of Legambiente, national representative for Alpi Legamabiente, and member of the Executive Board of the International Commission for the Protection of the Alps (CIPRA-Italia).