Be part of the change. Support our work and help us protect our planet’s biodiversity.
ProCAT is a team of highly qualified and passionate individuals dedicated to conserving biodiversity and improving the quality of life for communities. We are committed to interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based conservation.
Our Mission
To promote, encourage, and develop research on biological resources and social-cultural development within a framework of sustainability. We design holistic conservation plans for species, ecosystems, and cultural resources through an interdisciplinary approach, striving for human well-being and biodiversity conservation.
Our Vision
To be a leading source of reliable information for natural resource and cultural heritage planning, promoting sustainable socioeconomic development, evaluating threats, and providing sustainable solutions for the conservation of tropical flora and fauna.
Where we work
ProCAT focuses on critical areas of high biological and cultural relevance, responding to the urgent needs of threatened ecosystems and species. Our primary focus is on Colombia and Costa Rica, but we also collaborate on projects across the Americas, including Mexico, Chile, and the USA.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Ph.D. José F. González-Maya
Scientific Director
Leading conservation biologist with over 15 years of experience and 150+ publications on biodiversity and conservation. Jose provides strategic scientific leadership for ProCAT, guiding research initiatives and ensuring an evidence-based approach to conservation. He is recognized for his expertise through prestigious fellowships and awards. He is passionate about carnivores and uses photography to share his love for nature.
jfgonzalezmaya@gmail.com
Ph.D. Diego Zárrate-Charry
Conservation Director
Marine biologist and forest ecosystem expert with 15+ years of experience and over 100 publications in conservation planning and protected areas. Diego drives ProCAT’s conservation efforts in Colombia, developing effective plans for threatened ecosystems and protected areas. He also works with diverse stakeholders to implement impactful conservation strategies. Diego is passionate about marine ecosystems and enjoys exploring the beauty of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
godiezcharry@gmail.com
B.Sc. Mauricio González
Director of Sustainability
Seasoned finance and international relations professional with 20+ years of experience in project design and sustainable development. Mauricio leads ProCAT’s sustainability initiatives, securing funding and ensuring financial health for conservation projects. He co-founded ProCAT and remains actively involved in its success. Mauricio is a lifelong nature lover who combines his financial expertise with a passion for the environment.
Ph.D. Lourdes Martínez-Estévez
Executive Director, ProCAT Costa Rica
Ecologist and conservation biologist with over 10 years of experience in researching and conserving endangered species in Latin America. Lourdes leads ProCAT’s conservation efforts in Costa Rica, overseeing projects like the jaguar corridor. She also leads projects with sea turtles in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Lourdes is a dedicated conservationist who thrives in nature, surrounded by wildlife and her beloved Xolo dogs.
lumartinezestevez@gmail.com
Ph.D. Jan Schipper
Senior Researcher
A distinguished biologist with over 25 years of experience and a prolific researcher with hundreds of publications on mammal conservation. Jan co-founded ProCAT and currently leads field conservation research at the University of Maryland. Jan brings a unique perspective to conservation by integrating his passion for extreme sports into his research methods. He is an avid explorer who feels equally at home in the desert and the jungles.
B.Sc. Mauricio González
Senior Researcher
Forestry Engineer, Master in Conservation, and currently pursuing a PhD in Sustainability Sciences. He has more than 15 years of experience in forest conservation and management, as well as in the use of genetic tools for the conservation of forest species. In addition to serving as a Board Member of ProCAT Costa Rica, Gustavo is a Researcher at the Institute for Forest Research and Services of the National University of Costa Rica.
A lover of forests, he balances his research, outreach, and teaching responsibilities with his passion for martial arts and exercising with his children.
RESEARCH TEAM
MBA Catalina Moreno-Díaz
Financial Sustainability Coordinator
Marine Biologist from Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, with an MBA in Business Administration and Management and a specialization in Project Management. She combines scientific knowledge with leadership and management skills, focusing on sustainable projects and innovative solutions.
She has experience in planning and executing interdisciplinary initiatives, achieving efficient results within established deadlines and budgets. She is committed to developing projects that generate a positive impact and foster collaboration.
administracion@procat-conservation.org
M.Sc. Maria alejandra parrado
Information Analysis and Management
Biólogo marino y experto en ecosistemas forestales con más de 15 años de experiencia y más de 100 publicaciones en planificación de la conservación y áreas protegidas. Diego impulsa los esfuerzos de conservación de ProCAT en Colombia, desarrollando planes efectivos para ecosistemas amenazados y áreas protegidas. También trabaja con diversos actores para implementar estrategias de conservación de alto impacto. Diego es un apasionado de los ecosistemas marinos y disfruta explorando la belleza de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta..
alejapvargas07@gmail.com
M.Sc. Laura X. Mendoza Cortes
Knowledge Management Coordinator
Biologist from Universidad Militar Nueva Granada and MSc in Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. I have experience in functional ecology of wildlife, environmental impact assessment, and biological surveys. I have participated in Environmental Licensing processes and biodiversity consulting in various regions of the country, working with different faunal groups in conservation, monitoring, and community engagement. I also have experience in in situ conservation, the management of wildlife affected by illegal trafficking, and environmental education.
lmendoza@procat-conservation.org
B.Sc. Camilo Paredes-Casas
Field Research Coordinator
Biologist with a solid background in environmental education and veterinary sciences, currently serving as the Field Research Coordinator at ProCAT. My passion for animals, both domestic and wild, has driven me to develop and implement strategies focused on species conservation and biodiversity protection.
My professional approach combines a love for nature with a strong commitment to the environment, always seeking to generate a positive impact through teamwork and collaboration with various stakeholders. I also deeply value the small joys in life—like enjoying a good meal—while continuing to imagine new ways to contribute to the planet’s well-being.
camiloc9108@gmail.com
M.Sc. Angela P. Hurtado-Moreno
Spatial and Visual Researcher
Biologist and MSc in Protected Areas and Ecoregional Planning. She supports spatial research and visual material design at ProCAT. She is also a consultant for the Bogotá District Department of Environment.
A lover of life—and especially of her city—she spends her time exploring Bogotá’s protected areas and enjoying their landscapes. She dedicates much of her life to creating visual products and handcrafted works inspired by the environment.
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angelahur9@gmail.com
Paula Andrea Rodriguez Zorro
Quality, Safety, and Occupational Health Coordinator
Professional in Business Administration from Universidad Militar Nueva Granada and Specialist in Occupational Toxicology from the University of Girona, Spain. I have extensive experience in the design, implementation, and auditing of management systems based on international standards such as ISO 45001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001, ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
My professional approach is focused on creating safe and healthy work environments by developing effective prevention strategies that safeguard workers’ health. I am also committed to strengthening safety culture within organizations, promoting responsible practices that ensure sustainability and well-being in the workplace.
Procesos@procat-conservation.org
Marilyn Ávila García
ICT-certified Tourism Guide.
Field Professional and Environmental Educator
Marilyn is a naturalist committed to biodiversity protection, with several years of experience in research and conservation projects. She has worked tirelessly in field research and in developing environmental education activities to create a positive impact on the conservation of ecosystems and threatened species. Her vision for the future is to dedicate her life to conservation, inspiring others to join this important cause and ensuring a future where nature and humans can coexist in harmony.
In her free time, she enjoys birdwatching, searching for amphibians at night, hiking, and discovering new places and people. She loves the mountains, and one day hopes to run all the way to the summit of Chirripó, the highest peak in Costa Rica.
mari19se@gmail.com
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ASSOCIATE RESEARCH TEAM
I. Mauricio Vela-Vargas
Sergio Escobar Lasso
Giovanni Andrés Gómez
M.Sc. Leonardo Lemus-Mejía
J. Sebastián Jiménez-Alvarado
Irene Aconcha-Abril
Lorena Marín
Communications
Adriana G. Infante
Graphic Designer & Creative
Scientific Council