I am a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in Geomatics, specializing in urban planning, GIS, and Environmental Sustainability. With a Master's Degree in Geomatics and a deep passion for spatial planning, I have worked extensively on multidisciplinary teams to address complex global challenges, including Disaster Risk Reduction, Biodiversity Conservation, Ecosystem Services, and urban resilience.
A key strength I bring to every project is the ability to translate complex, technical language into clear, concise, and easily understandable information for decision-makers and policymakers. I specialize in making intricate concepts accessible to non-experts, helping stakeholders at all levels grasp the implications of data, models, and environmental impacts in ways that drive informed decision-making and action.
Currently, I work as a Project Officer in the Biodiversity and Society Department at Naturalis Biodiversity Center, working on innovative projects at the European level. My role involves collaborating with private sector partners, governmental organizations, and researchers to develop methodologies for measuring biodiversity impacts and dependencies, and ecosystem services. I create accessible geospatial tools, reports, maps, and statistics that help decision-makers understand these complex interactions and inform policy decisions that promote sustainability.
I am proficient in working with various open-source platforms and tools, including QGIS, ArcGIS, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Geonetwork. I apply methodologies such as CSRD, TNFD, and the LEAP Approach to generate actionable insights on ecosystem services and biodiversity, ensuring that business and policy decisions are aligned with environmental and sustainability goals.
Previously, I have coordinated disaster risk management efforts for Ecuador's regional and local governments, leading teams and advising policymakers on disaster preparedness, prevention, and recovery. I have also worked closely with international networks and organizations like UNDP, Universities, and the Latin American Cooperation of Advanced Networks Red - CLARA, driving projects focused on sustainable development, ecosystem protection, and environmental governance.
Fluent in Spanish, English, and Dutch(B1), I am passionate about using technology to create actionable insights that empower decision-makers to take meaningful steps toward a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future for communities worldwide.
Keywords
Geospatial Analysis, Biodiversity Conservation, Ecosystem Services, Sustainability Reporting, Data Visualization, Policy Advising, Natural Capital, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), GIS (Geographic Information Systems), Stakeholder Engagement
Currenttopics
I am currently involved in several high-impact projects, such as:
- MAMBO Project (WP2) – Developing deliverables D2.1, D2.3, presentations, tools, and frameworks for engagements of the MAMBO Project, enabling tools for monitoring conservation status and ecological requirements of species and habitats for which knowledge gaps still exist, including interviews at different levels of stakeholders and decision-makers at European Level.
- Green Circles - Living Lab Alblasserwaard (WP5) – Creating Opportunity Maps related to the protected areas, ecosystem services, and GIS-based solutions for urban green space development and ecosystem service delivery (D5.1).
- THRIVE – As a member of the Natural Capital Team, I am focused on updating information related to CSRD and ESRS E4, consolidating the data points, and correlating data sources across industries. My work involves generating a comprehensive database with geo-referenced data, creating location-specific maps, and utilizing a range of software tools to ensure data remains up-to-date. Additionally, I manage the stakebuilder for the Natural Capital Team, facilitating the efficient administration of data and collaboration.
Teachingactivities
I have extensive experience training professionals, students, and researchers in GIS, spatial data management, and environmental sustainability. At University of Cuenca, I led training on Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and GIS tools like Quantum GIS, PostgreSQL, and Geonetwork. I trained researchers from 30 universities across Ecuador, equipping them with technical skills to manage geospatial data for research.
As Latin American Coordinator for the LATIN IDE Project, I led training sessions for research centers and universities in 8 Latin American countries, both remotely and in-person, and presented at international seminars and conferences on GIS and spatial data management.
In my role as Head of the Situational Room for the National Secretary for Risk and Emergency Management, I trained decision-makers on disaster risk reduction and led training for the Emergency Operational Committee to prepare them for activating protocols and making decisions during emergencies.
Additionally, I’ve trained security personnel from various companies on disaster risk management and real-time situational awareness using GIS tools to enhance decision-making during emergencies.
I am passionate about empowering individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools to make data-driven decisions for sustainable development and resilience.