Conservation
Watching National Geographic and David Attenborough documentaries in the 1990s inspired me to pursue a career in science and conservation. Years (decades!) later, I've had the privilege of contributing to the development and implementation of several conservation projects in Mexico, Central America and Australia.
Now, as a full-time scientist, I'm particularly interested in bridging scientific research with community-based conservation, ensuring that conservation efforts are ecologically sound, culturally relevant and resilient to climate change.
Below are some of the topics I've worked on. None of this would have been possible without the collaboration of passionate colleagues and strong partnerships with local communities, authorities, and NGOs… it has truly been a collective effort.
Agroforestry systems
I've helped establish several agroforestry experimental plots, adapting successful models such as MIAF and SAF to the mountainous regions of eastern Mexico. My work has focused on identifying optimal tree and shrub densities within croplands, understanding local preferences for native species, and finding the most effective combinations of native plants and crops to support sustainable, community-driven agroforestry systems.
Capacity-building
Successful and sustainable conservation depends on empowering local communities and key stakeholders. I've led workshops on seed collection, ecological monitoring, restoration and agroforestry management to strengthen local capacity and promote long-term conservation. I've also contributed to the development of monitoring strategies and provided training for park ranger brigades, focusing on practical techniques for tracking local fauna and vegetation.
Restoration + Monitoring
Some of the restoration projects I've been involved in have followed a comprehensive strategy - combining physical protection of sites (e.g. firebreaks or fences), planting seedlings (graminoids, shrubs, trees), soil translocation and creating habitat for fauna. A crucial part is establishing a monitoring baseline to track site recovery over time. I typically use a combination of plant survival surveys, camera traps to monitor wildlife activity and GIS tools to assess changes in vegetation cover.
Threatened species
Much of my applied conservation work has focused on the protection of endangered, rare, and sometimes newly discovered species.
Through habitat protection, population monitoring, seed collection, planting, translocations, and ex-situ conservation efforts (including collaboration with botanical gardens), I’ve contributed to the conservation of species such as Abies hickelii, Taxus globosa, Eugenia naraveana among others
