We are thrilled to welcome Ricardo to the Cadasta team as our new GIS Program Specialist. Ricardo is a seasoned geographer with nearly a decade of experience in social science, urban studies, and territorial development, specializing in the application of geospatial tools. His extensive work spans territorial and urban planning, land tenure, and environmental and disaster risk management in diverse regions, including the Amazon Rainforest, the Coastal Region, and the Highlands of Ecuador. Ricardo will be focusing on Cadasta’s Land for Climate and Forest Rights initiative in Latin America, supporting the identification and onboarding of new partners, providing technical GIS training, and more.

Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to specialize in geospatial tools and urban studies?

Throughout my academic and professional training, I have worked as a territorial analyst on various projects involving socio-territorial and urban development, risk, and environmental management. I was inspired to specialize in urban and territorial studies and use geospatial tools to help solve the various problems societies face, which are always linked to the characteristics and dynamics of their territories.

You have nearly a decade of experience in territorial and urban planning, land tenure, and environmental risk management. What are some of the most impactful projects you’ve worked on?

Some of the most impactful projects I have participated in include the Population and Housing Census of Ecuador during the cartographic updating stage, the Archidona Land Use and Management Plan, and the Building Safe and Resilient Societies project in Portoviejo city. These projects have had significant scale and importance in their respective areas.

What will your role as GIS Program Specialist at Cadasta entail, and what are you most excited about in this new position?

As a GIS Program Specialist, I will develop training programs for local communities and Indigenous peoples in the use of geospatial tools, support various partners in utilizing these tools, and establish relationships with Indigenous communities, NGOs, and partners dedicated to forest protection and strengthening land rights. I am most excited about the opportunity to contribute to local communities and Indigenous populations in their fight for land rights and to promote the responsible use and conservation of ecosystems.

How do you see your experience and expertise contributing to the success of Cadasta’s Land for Climate and Forest Rights initiative in Latin America?

My academic and professional career has equipped me to work in diverse contexts, social environments, and situations. I consider myself very adaptable to changes and different challenges. Therefore, both my personality and my experience align well with the work dynamics and demands of the projects that Cadasta develops. I am confident that my skills will significantly contribute to the success of the Land for Climate and Forest Rights initiative in Latin America.