https://oceanexpert.org/expert/maria.ocampo.rojas@correounivalle.edu.co

ORCID : https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8932-1286

MSc

Teaching/Education
Research
Natural Resource Management

Biological Oceanography, Marine Ecology
Fisheries, Aquaculture

Since my undergraduate studies in biology, I have been actively engaged with our research group, contributing to a wide range of projects from their initial design to fieldwork and dissemination of results. My responsibilities have included:

• Project Design and Proposal Writing: Assisting in the formulation and presentation of proposals for funding, focusing on mangrove ecosystems and their ecosystem services.
• Sampling Design and Field Logistics: Overseeing sampling design, coordinating permits, and preparing field trips.
• Fieldwork and Sample Analysis: Conducting fieldwork, analyzing collected material, and identifying specific taxonomic groups.
• Data Analysis and Report Writing: Analyzing data, writing reports, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
• Data Mining for Conservation: Conducting data mining to establish scientific foundations for the proposed declaration of a marine protected area in the Colombian Pacific.
• Educational and Outreach Activities: Serving as an exhibitor at science fairs, supporting the university’s invertebrate zoology lab as a teaching assistant, and assisting Professor Cantera in his courses on estuaries and mangroves (e.g., preparing botanical specimens and mangrove samples from the Colombian Pacific).

Since May 2021, I have served as a co-investigator on two key projects:

1. Functional Diversity of Mangrove Ecosystems and Human Well-being: This Minciencias-funded project evaluates ecosystem services in the Caribbean and Pacific mangroves of Colombia.
2. Mangrove Ecosystem Services in the Colombian Pacific: Focusing on the Valle del Cauca, Nariño, and Chocó, this project assesses ecosystem services derived from mangrove forests.

In both roles, I coordinate field and laboratory activities, collaborating closely with artisanal fishing communities in the Colombian Pacific.

Additionally, I have worked with the NGO Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in the Bajo Baudó mangroves, located in the Encanto de los Manglares Bajo Baudó Regional District, a Ramsar site. Here, we conduct community-based monitoring of the piangua resource and aim to implement ecological restoration practices to benefit these communities.

Caribbean Sea
South Pacific Ocean

I bring a strong background in marine biology, with over 15 years of experience studying mangrove ecosystems. My skill set includes:

• Project Development and Management: Experienced in the end-to-end management of conservation projects, from grant proposal writing and budget planning to project execution and reporting.
• Field Research and Sampling Techniques: Proficient in designing sampling methods and organizing complex field expeditions, including data collection, specimen analysis, and sample identification across various taxonomic groups.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Skilled in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, using results to drive scientific publications and inform conservation strategies.
• Community Engagement and Environmental Education: Skilled in working with local communities, especially in artisanal fishing, to incorporate traditional knowledge into conservation efforts and foster sustainable practices.
• Ecological Restoration and Conservation Planning: Experienced in developing and implementing restoration and conservation plans, with a focus on integrating community involvement for long-term impact.
• Data Mining and Environmental Mapping: Adept at utilizing data mining and mapping techniques to identify scientific data that supports policy recommendations, such as protected area designation.
• Teaching and Public Outreach: Committed to science communication and education, having served as a teaching assistant and science fair presenter, sharing knowledge on mangrove ecosystems and the importance of conservation.

My skills reflect a deep understanding of ecological processes, conservation challenges, and community-led restoration initiatives, essential for the success of large-scale environmental projects.

English
Spanish

ResearchGate

Publications and Research Contributions

I have contributed as a co-author to several scientific articles, book chapters, and research publications that reflect my commitment to understanding and conserving marine and coastal ecosystems:

1. Scientific Article (2023): Geo-analysis of marine-coastal uses and activities in two management jurisdictions in the Colombian Pacific. Published in Biota Colombiana, this study used spatial analysis to examine and manage coastal activities in the region (DOI: 10.21068/2539200X.1082).

2. Scientific Article (2022): Identification of Synergies and Conflicts in Coastal and Marine Uses in the Colombian Pacific: A Multicriteria Spatial Analysis. This paper focused on spatial analysis to evaluate usage conflicts and synergies in coastal regions.

3. Book Chapter (2011): “Mollusks” in “Vulnerable Life Stages of Marine Organisms in Bahía Málaga: A Guide for Identification.” This chapter provided key insights into the identification of vulnerable stages of mollusks and other organisms, aiding conservation in Bahía Málaga (ISBN: 978-958-670-903-3).

4. Book (2015): Portfolio of coral reef areas, seagrass beds, sandy beaches, and mangroves with restoration potential in Colombia. A reference for identifying potential restoration sites across Colombia’s diverse marine ecosystems.

Additionally, I have two articles submitted for publication:

• Accepted with Revisions: Effect of the Ecological Integrity of Mangrove Forests on Artisanal Fisheries in the Pacific and Insular Caribbean of Colombia. In this paper, I am the corresponding author, working with co-authors to finalize revisions.
• Submitted: Functional Analysis of Benthic Macrofauna in Mangroves of the Tropical Eastern Pacific (Colombian Pacific Coast). We await feedback on this collaborative research.

Lastly, I am preparing an article for submission titled Influence of Biological Factors and Seasonality on the Accumulation of Organic Carbon on Mangrove Soil Surfaces in the Colombian Pacific.

These publications underscore my dedication to advancing knowledge in mangrove conservation, coastal management, and ecosystem services.