Alma Grande
DR. Jorge Lopez Portillo
"In mangrove environments, I investigate the effect of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on the structure and composition of the forest and the architecture of the trees. I analyze these aspects based on different geomorphic environments, the availability of light (through natural or induced thinning), the salinity of the substrate, and biological interactions such as competition and herbivory. As part of these investigations, I am conducting two long-term studies in which I have opportunities to receive undergraduate and graduate students: (1) Restoration of the mangrove in Tampamachoco Lagoon, Tuxpan, Veracruz, and (2) Changes in the structure and primary productivity and carbon stores of mangroves in the state of Veracruz (4 degrees of latitude, 745 km of coastline).
In desert environments, I am part of a research group involved in a long-term project on the effect of small mammals on the structure and composition of spiny shrub and grassland communities. I conduct research related to the architecture and ecophysiology of different species of mangroves and shrubs in arid zones."
Ana Hanhausen
Ana Hanhausen is a Chemical Engineer from Ibero University, Mexico City. She has dedicated over five years of her professional career to environmental protection from different fronts. Since 2018, she has been an active member of national and international organizations, such as Plastic Oceans Mexico, where she is the deputy director. Ana is also the co-founder of widu, where she aims to make climate action easy, fun, and rewarding through an app.
In February 2020, the Congress of Mexico City bestowed her with the Youth Medal of Merit in the environmental category for her work in raising awareness about climate change and the importance of taking action and becoming part of the solution.
Daniela Gomez
Daniela Gómez de la Maza is a Biologist graduated with honors from Universidad de las Américas Puebla. She has collaborated with leading NGOs focused on conservation and environmental education such as Museo del Desierto and Natura y Ecosistemas Mexicanos and is currently a member of the Royal Society of Biology. She has been invited as a speaker in national and international forums to showcase her work as an environmental impact entrepreneur and her research in the effectiveness of environmental education in university students. For the past two years she has worked with an aquaculture company in the area of international strategy, helping to achieve the first CITES registration of a totoaba farm in Mexico. Currently, she is co-founder of Widu, an app which seeks to encourage and facilitate the transition to sustainable lifestyles, in an act-to-earn model for effective climate action at a personal level.
Patricio Guerrero
Digital designer as well as creative director of the project. With over 7 years of experience in multimedia production and branding, with a deep passion for the environment. Experienced in animal monitoring using drone technology. His mission is to showcase to the world what we do and make it known through impactful productions
Rafa Alonso Arenas
With over +10 years of experience in developing environmental startups and social impact ventures. He co-founded Cultivo, where he leads the efforts in originating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) projects and manages key commercial relationships. Before that, Rafael co-founded One Chance Foods, an alternative protein company. He worked as a Consultant at the World Bank (Washington, D.C.) and as an impact investment professional at New Ventures Group and VIWALA (Mexico City).
He is also a co-founder and advisor of Alma Grande, a mangrove restoration project. Rafael has experience in the financial services industry, technology, nature-based solutions, and carbon markets.
Rafael holds a Master's Degree in Climate Change, Management, and Finance from Imperial College Business School (UK) and a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Colorado College (USA). In his free time, Rafa enjoys nature photography.