Angela Olano

Colombian environmental engineer leading rainforest conservation through AI and community partnerships

Dr. Angela Olano is a visionary environmental engineer whose work has transformed conservation strategies in Colombia's Amazon basin. Since 2020, she has pioneered the use of artificial intelligence to monitor illegal deforestation activities, creating real-time alert systems that have prevented over 12,000 hectares of forest loss annually. Her project Amazon Guardian Initiative combines satellite imagery analysis with indigenous knowledge systems, empowering local communities through training programs in tech-driven conservation.

Olano's approach emphasizes community-led initiatives, establishing 15+ eco-villages that balance sustainable agriculture with biodiversity preservation. Her research on carbon sequestration potential of secondary forests has influenced Colombia's 2023 National Climate Plan. Recognized as a 2022 Rolex Award laureate, she frequently collaborates with organizations like Wildlife Conservation Society. Her methodology has been adopted in Peru and Bolivia, demonstrating scalable solutions for tropical forest preservation. Key publications include Amazon AI Policy Framework.