juan_pablo_gomez

Colombian engineer leading post-conflict reforestation through drone technology

Juan Pablo Gomez's Drone Reforestation Revolution

Juan Pablo Gomez, a Colombian environmental engineer, has pioneered drone-based reforestation methods to restore ecosystems in post-conflict zones. His company EcoDrones (founded 2018) uses AI-powered drones to plant 1 million+ trees annually in Colombia's conflict-affected regions, an approach 10x faster than traditional methods. By 2025, his projects have regenerated over 20,000 hectares of degraded land, creating green jobs for former combatants.

Innovative Technologies

• Seed-carrying drones that plant seeds in hard-to-reach areas
• AI soil analysis to select optimal planting zones
• Community training programs for drone operation and agroforestry

Gomez's work in the Chocó region (2020-2023) restored critical biodiversity corridors for endangered species like the Andean spectacled bear. His 2022 TEDx talk "How Drones Are Healing Colombia's Forests" inspired global reforestation projects. In 2024, he partnered with UNDP to scale the model to Guatemala and Nicaragua.

Impact & Recognition

Key milestones include:

• 2021 UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration Innovator Award
• 2023 Rolex Young Laureate for Environmental Enterprise
• Supported 300+ ex-combatants through EcoPeace Fellowship

Gomez's work exemplifies how technology can promote ecological recovery and social reconciliation in regions recovering from armed conflict.