Karla Lara

Peruvian marine biologist leading ocean conservation in Latin America

Karla Lara (born 1992) is a Peruvian marine biologist whose work has transformed ocean conservation practices in the Pacific. As director of the Coastal Guardians Network, she pioneered community-based programs that train local fishers in sustainable practices. Her 'Blue Carbon' initiative (project site) quantifies carbon sequestration potential of mangrove forests, leading to Peru's first blue carbon credit program.

Lara's 2018 discovery of the 'El Gran Pajonal' seagrass meadow - the largest in the Americas - brought international attention to marine conservation. She convinced the Peruvian government to create the 400,000-hectare Paracas Marine Reserve, protecting endangered species like the Humboldt penguin. Her citizen science apps have engaged 50,000+ volunteers in data collection.

Recognized as National Geographic's 2020 Emerging Explorer, Lara co-founded the Latin American Marine Conservation Network (LAMCON), connecting researchers across 15 countries. Her book <《Ocean Equity: New Models for Conservation》 challenges traditional conservation approaches. She frequently speaks at UN Ocean Conferences and recently advised the COP28 climate negotiations.