Join us on Wednesday, July 31, at 4 pm UTC for the Funk Lecture given by Dolors Armenteras Pascual.
Talk Title: “Biogeographic Perspectives on Amazon Forest Degradation“
Dolors Armenteras is a Full Professor of Landscape Ecology at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Bogotá. Initially trained as a biologist at the University of Barcelona, Dolors expanded her expertise with an MSc in Environmental Forestry from the University of Wales and a PhD in Physical Geography from King’s College London, where she also was a Visiting Research Fellow. Her research applies landscape ecology to conservation biology, tackling deforestation and forest degradation, spatial ecology, and climate change impacts on biodiversity. Dolors is fascinated by how landscapes change through human influence and natural processes, focusing especially on fire ecology, climate adaptation, and evidence-based conservation methods.
With over 200 publications to her name, Dolors serves on several editorial boards and is a respected voice in environmental policy, often engaging with governments and organizations to forge effective conservation strategies. She has contributed to significant environmental assessments and reports, including several UNEP’s Global Environmental Outlook´s and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. A Fulbright NEXUS Scholar, her work not only spans extensive research but also active policy engagement, such as her roles with the IPBES and the most recent UNCCD’s Science-Policy Interface.
A dedicated mentor, Dolors has guided over 50 graduate students to completion, fostering the next generation of environmental scientists. She is also committed to science communication, frequently interacting with the media to discuss urgent environmental issues and promote public understanding of science. Her efforts enhance the visibility of critical research findings and influence public and policy perspectives on environmental conservation. Beyond academia, Dolors is an advocate for the interconnectedness of global ecosystems, as seen in her involvement with the Scientific Panel for the Amazon and her recent appointment to the Multidisciplinary Expert Scientific Advisory Group for UNEP’s GEO-7. Her career is driven by a commitment to integrate scientific research with actionable conservation policies, ensuring that biodiversity and ecosystems are maintained and restored. When not immersed in research or policy discussions, Dolors enjoys exploring the diverse landscapes and seascapes of Colombia, where she has made her home since 1998.
