maria_fernanda_vega

Colombian biologist who pioneered rainforest conservation through indigenous partnerships

Maria Fernanda Vega (b. 1978) is a Colombian biologist whose work with Amazonian indigenous communities revolutionized rainforest conservation strategies. Starting in 1999, she developed the Traditional Ecological Knowledge Program, which integrated indigenous land management practices with modern conservation science. Her 2003 study on jaguar population dynamics using indigenous tracking methods became a benchmark for wildlife research. Vega co-founded the Guardians of the Amazon Network, which has protected 1.2 million hectares through community-led initiatives. Her TED talk 'Listening to the Forest' (2005) introduced global audiences to participatory conservation models. She co-authored 《Rainforest Protectors: Indigenous Conservation Practices》, now required reading in environmental studies programs worldwide.