Marine environments are complex and dynamic systems that are deeply intertwined with human societies, cultures, and economies. As such, effective management of these systems requires an interdisciplinary approach that acknowledges the intricate relationships between social, ecological, and cultural dynamics.
In this seminar, we will delve into the intricacies of marine socio-ecological systems, exploring the importance of integrating multiple ways of knowing and diverse perspectives to inform decision-making. We will examine the key components of effective institutional management, including team building, governance, and funding strategies, as well as the need to balance conservation goals with social justice and human rights considerations. By examining these interconnected themes, we will gain a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing marine conservation and develop practical strategies for achieving co-benefits that support both people and the planet.
ABOUT THE SEMINAR:
IMPORTANT DATES:
DEADLINE TO APPLY: January 16, 2026
SEMINAR DATES: March 4 – June 10, 2026
CONTENT:
Throughout this program, we will explore:
- Social, ecological, and cultural dynamics of marine environments as socio-ecological systems and the importance of integrating multiple ways of knowing.
- Effective and equitable institutional management through building strong team dynamics, institutional structures, and funding strategies.
- Governance and politics in marine spaces, focusing on collaborative management, stakeholder and rightsholder mapping and engagement, and navigating your regulatory environment.
- Balancing conservation with social justice – understanding the importance of considering historical context, human rights, and social equity in marine protected areas.
- Planning and managing conservation efforts that balance diverse values to achieve co-benefits.
- Human interactions with marine environments, mitigating conflict and building effective compliance.
- Social impacts, wellbeing, and livelihoods – the importance of human wellbeing, managing social impacts, and developing strategies to engage with local communities on livelihood concerns.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE:
Online
- 14-weeks of virtual asynchronous content, estimated 5 hours of content per week.
- Live online sessions held at the end of each module to foster connections with other participants from around the globe.
Participants that complete this seminar will receive a certificate of completion from Colorado State University’s Center for Protected Area Management.
COST:
The cost to attend this program is $1,600 USD (discounts available for organizations sponsoring more than one participant – contact our team for more information: [email protected])
HOW TO APPLY:
STEP 1: Look for funding:
We recommend you begin your search for funding as early as possible, even before the call for applications opens. Please Note: We highly encourage people to APPLY to the seminar, even if they do not have funding. If the call for applications is open and you have not yet begun your search for funding, be sure to submit your online application as soon as possible (within the application window) and start your funding search immediately.
All participants are responsible for obtaining their own funds, as Colorado State University does not grant scholarships or directly provide funding. However, there are many opportunities — and we have seen that persistence always pays off. Many of our participants applied multiple times before achieving their goal, and thanks to their perseverance they were able to participate in the seminar and join our large alumni network.
It is recommended that candidates seek financing from national and international sources. Depending on the country, region and institution where the applicant works, several entities may offer financing opportunities, including United Nations organizations (FAO, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO / World Heritage), the Ramsar Convention, and national and international conservation foundations and non-governmental organizations. Candidates could also contact the embassies of their countries and the offices of bilateral donors, as well as national and project offices financed by multilateral agencies. Many agencies or organizations require provisional letters of acceptance before offering funding. If you are qualified to take the course you will receive an emailed provisional letter of acceptance to support you in your search for funding.
The Blue Nature Alliance will be providing 20 scholarships for the program to participants that (1) represent ocean conservation areas where the Blue Nature Alliance is working or (2) represent sites that contributed to the design of this seminar. To be considered for one of these scholarships please fill out the seminar application and indicate in the corresponding questions if you meet one of the two qualifying conditions (see below for more information). Selection criteria includes ensuring a geographic spread, representation of large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPA’s), and relevance to site management.
If you do not meet any of the priority conditions, we still highly encourage you to apply, as there is still a possibility that you could be awarded a full or partial scholarship.
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Visit this link to see where Blue Nature Alliance partners: https://www.bluenaturealliance.org/locations/
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Major sites that contributed to this seminar are: Palau, Nunatsiavut, Belize, and various countries in the West Indian Ocean. Major organizations that contributed to this seminar are: Conservation International, the Nunatsiavut Government, Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA), Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS), Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation Development (SACD), Ebiil Society, Palau National Marine Sanctuary, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Palau, Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO), among others.
Recommendations for your funding search:
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Review our seminar funding guide for ideas about possible sources. We also recommend mobilizing your own network of professional contacts, colleagues, and prospective donors (including your own organization) to seek support.
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Keep the Center informed about your progress by writing to: [email protected]
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If you find a funding source that requires proof of acceptance, contact the Center to request a Provisional Acceptance Letter. In some cases, the Center can issue this letter, which reserves you a tentative seat while securing funding (note: this letter does not guarantee acceptance into the program).
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Once your funding is confirmed, send the Center an email to [email protected] along with the official letter from your sponsor detailing the financial support.
Potential funding sources include:
International Cooperation Agencies
Multilateral Organizations:
United Nations Agencies:
NGOs and Conservation Foundations:
Group Participation Discounts – Amplifying Impact
Our online seminars are designed to share capacity and create strong networks across the global conservation community. While the standard tuition cost ($1,600 USD) applies for individual participants, we offer group discounts to help organizations, institutions, governments, NGOs, and other sponsors support multiple participants and extend the impact of their investment:
If you are an organization wanting to fund the participation of multiple participants, we offer the following group discounts*:
- Groups of 2–4 participants: $300 discount per person
- Groups of 5–9 participants: $400 discount per person
- Groups of 10 or more participants: $500 discount per person
By choosing to support more participants, sponsoring organizations can extend the reach of their investment— strengthening personnel and partner capacity, deepening collaboration, and multiplying benefits across their networks.
*Please note: The group discount rate only applies when a group of participants that are supported by a single sponsor.
STEP 2: Apply online:
All interested parties must submit an online application for the current seminar, even if they have applied in past years. If you don’t yet have funding, you should still apply: your application demonstrates interest and allows us to consider you for future opportunities. We value persistence and pay attention to applicants who have applied multiple times in the past. Also, although we do not provide scholarships, occasionally we obtain communications from external funding sources. In such cases, we use the pool of applicants to connect donors and funds with prospective beneficiaries.
You can access the online application form here. The online form has 4 pages and must be submitted completely. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
Tip for slow connections: Save your progress periodically by selecting “Save” at the end of the form. You will receive an email link to continue later. If you have technical problems, write to: [email protected]
Information required in the form:
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Basic information and contact details (email, phone, WhatsApp if applicable, home address)
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Interest in this seminar (Why this seminar?)
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Professional information: position, responsibilities, institution, supervisor, workplace address
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Previous experience:
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If you have attended a prior course with CSU
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If you have applied to our courses in the past
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Funding status: whether you currently have funding or not
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Preferred payment method
Required documents on application (if you don’t upload them with your application, please email them to our Center at [email protected] by the application deadline):
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CV (maximum 2 pages)
Confirmation by email: About one week after submitting your online application, you will receive an email from the Center confirming receipt of your information and indicating the next steps.
Remember: Applying is the first step, even if you don’t yet have funding. Every application counts, and your persistence can open the door to participating in this transformative experience.
Please make sure you have filled out all possible information on the form. The information marked with an asterisk (*) must be completed in order to submit the form.
TIPS FOR SLOW CONNECTIONS: For slow connections, be sure to periodically save your progress while filling out the application. Select “Save” at the bottom right of the online form. You will be asked to enter your email, and a link to your saved application will be sent to you by email. This way, you may continue at another time without losing any of the data you have already entered.
ATTENTION: If you have problems with our online system, please contact [email protected].
STEP 3: Be proactive during the selection process and keep in contact with us:
The selection process may take several weeks after the application deadline, because we carefully review each application. We ask for your patience during this time: your application is being considered thoughtfully.
Meanwhile, we encourage you to maintain active communication with the Center by writing to [email protected]. It is very important that you send us updates on your funding status, even if you don’t yet have confirmation.
Please keep in mind:
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Having confirmed funding is not always immediate.
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Keeping us informed helps us:
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Better understand your situation
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Support you with provisional acceptance letters, if applicable
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Consider you in the event that external funding opportunities arise
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Your persistence is valuable. Many of our participants succeeded in attending after multiple attempts, by staying in contact and updating their status. We encourage you to do the same: every step brings you closer to being part of this experience.
STEP 5: Final results.
The Center will send each applicant an official communication about the results of the selection process. We will be sending out provisional acceptance letters on a rolling basis. We hope you are able to use the provisional acceptance letter to find funding. If you are awarded a scholarship from a donor that is providing the scholarship funding for your participation to us directly, we will communicate that with you. For those who are provisionally selected to participate in the seminar, but are unable to find funding, we recommend that you do not give up and apply again next year.
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If you are not selected this year: We encourage you to apply again in the next edition. Many of our current participants applied multiple times before being admitted, and their perseverance ultimately paid off. Each application strengthens your profile and increases your chances of selection in the future.
Thank you very much for your interest in our seminar! We hope you will be able to participate this year!
Do you have more questions about the process of applying for this seminar? Please read our FAQ section.
SEMINAR DESIGN:
To develop a seminar on the social aspects of marine protected areas, we prioritized building from an understanding of the needs of marine protected area managers. We established an advisory committee of professionals in the field, appointed a project manager with a focus on marine conservation, and conducted a global needs assessment. This collaborative approach enabled us to gather valuable insights and create a seminar design that addresses many of the concerns of marine protected area managers.
Focus groups, interviews, questionnaires, and literature review:
A needs assessment was completed in 2023, which began with focus groups with MPA managers and academics, allowing for a diverse range of perspectives to be captured. The topics covered during the focus groups included successes and challenges in MPA management, as well as support needs for effective management, including training topics, tools, and approaches.
Subsequently, a questionnaire was distributed in English, French and Spanish to people involved in MPA management to gather more insights on priorities in the five social aspects themes identified in the literature: social, political, cultural, economic and governance.
Semi-structured interviews with marine protected area managers and academics provided an opportunity for in-depth exploration of these themes, allowing participants to share their experiences and insights in a more personalized setting. This comprehensive methodology enabled the collection of rich, qualitative and quantitative data that provided a nuanced understanding of the state of and needs for integrating social aspects considerations into MPA management.
This was complemented with a literature review and investigation of current online courses already available on topics related to social aspects of marine protected areas to avoid duplicating existing materials and ensure that our new course fills a gap in the market.
We drew upon the insights gathered from our needs assessment and advisory board discussions to craft a comprehensive curricular map for this program. Balancing the scope of content was a challenge, but we’re confident that this course will provide a foundational understanding of the social aspects of marine protected area management. We’re thrilled to have you join us on this journey as we work to safeguard our marine environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
METHODOLOGY:
Designed around the principles of Constructivism Learning Theory, this online seminar is a dynamic platform for the development of skills, sharing of experiences, and growth of knowledge. By embracing inquiry-based, active learning, participants will engage in a process of individual knowledge construction, drawing on their own past and present experiences. Throughout the seminar, participants will be encouraged to actively participate and engage with the asynchronous material and live online meetings, fostering connections and facilitating professional exchanges with fellow participants. This interactive format is designed to foster a sense of community and collaborative learning, ultimately enriching the overall learning experience.
LOGISTICAL INFORMATION:
SEMINAR FEE:
The seminar fee is USD $1,600 and includes: access to all seminar content through our learning platform, 8 live virtual meetings with the seminar cohort and instructors, access to communication with seminar instructors, and a certificate of completion upon fulfilling the seminar requirements.
*Discounts available for organizations supporting more than one participant. Please email us at [email protected] for more information.
HOW TO APPLY:
For the application for admission, please follow the instructions on the how to apply tab on the left.
NOTIFICATION OF SELECTED CANDIDATES:
Participants will be notified as soon as possible after the application deadline. Depending on the number of applications received, this process can take 2 weeks. Once the selection process is complete, all applicants will receive an official letter or email from the seminar organizers. We will also be using a rolling admissions process, which means we will be selecting and accepting participants as we receive their applications and process them, so you might not have to wait until the end of the application period to receive a provisional acceptance letter. The provisional acceptance letter provides you with a space in the seminar, but that space is dependent on you lining up the funding to cover the seminar fee. Once you have confirmed funding, please let us know as soon as possible at [email protected]
LANGUAGE:
English.
PAYMENT
In most cases, the participant or donor/agency will be responsible for sending us payment for the seminar’s tuition through wire transfer. In some cases donors also can make payment directly to our university (for example, CI, WWF, US Forest Service, US National Park Service). If you or your institution is responsible for payment, the deadline to send full payment is February 4th, 2026 by the end of the business day to guarantee your space in the seminar. Unfortunately, we cannot be responsible for the loss of your space in the seminar due to late payments. If cancellation is made before February 7, 2026, the amount paid minus a US $250 administration fee will be refunded. The last day to cancel is February 11th, 2026. In case of a cancellation later than February 11th, 2026, a refund cannot be guaranteed.
The information to make the wire transfer is as follows:
The best method of payment is by electronic bank transfer. Payments must be in US dollars.
The wire transport form should indicate that the transfer is for “Social Aspects of MPAs – notify Ryan Finchum, WCNR, [email protected],” have your name noted as well so that we can easily identify your funds in our system. It is also important to send a copy of the bank wire receipt to [email protected].
If the transfer comes from a bank in the United States, the information for the wire transfer is:
Send funds to:
First National Bank of Omaha (205 W. Oak Ft. Collins, CO 80521)
ABA # 107000262 (routing number)
CSU Account Number # 90544
If the transfer is from a bank outside the United States, the instructions are:
Send funds to:
First National Bank of Omaha
Fort Collins, CO 80521
SWIFT: FNBOUS44FTC
Beneficiary:
Colorado State University
Account number: 90544
For any questions about the process for making the transfer, your bank or institution can contact the Colorado State University receiving office: Phone: (970) 491-7131 Email: [email protected]
If you cannot make the payment in this way please contact us at [email protected] to discuss alternatives. You can also make payment through credit cards and debit cards; if you prefer this alternative please inform us at [email protected] so we can send detailed instructions on how to make payment, which must be by phone and during days and hours when CSU business offices are open. However, our preference is for payment by bank transfer or check.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
Being able to access this virtual seminar requires a stable and reliable internet connection. The seminar is best accessed from a laptop or desktop computer. For the live virtual sessions, we recommend that you have a computer with a decent camera, microphone and speakers. Headsets with a microphone are recommended, but not required. You will need Zoom version 5.4.2 or higher (download Zoom here). For the learning platform Thinkific, you will be invited to register as a participant and will need to use one of the following internet browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safaria, or Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer does not work for this online seminar. For some of the virtual seminar assignments, you will have the option to do a short video recording. For video recordings, please record via Zoom or another virtual meeting software, or using a HORIZONTALLY held smartphone. Please try to record between 720 and 1080 pixels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. How can I apply to the seminar and what should my application include?
Visit the “How to Apply” tab above for a description of how to apply to the seminar. Click on “Apply Here” and you will be redirected to the online application. The online application form has four pages in total. Please fill out all required information (marked with a ‘*’) in a complete manner.
To finalize your application, you must upload the following information during the last step of the online application:
- Your summarized curriculum vitae (CV), resume, or other summary of your work experience (no more than 2 pages in Word or PDF format)
Please note that your application submission confirmation email may be sent to your SPAM or JUNK folders, especially if you have a government or university issued email. If you are not sure if your application has submitted or not, please contact us at [email protected]
2. When is the deadline to apply for the 2026 seminar?
The deadline to receive completed applications is January 16, 2026. All the information requested on the online form is required to finalize your application. You must submit your curriculum vitae with your online application in order to be considered for the selection process.
3. When will applicants be informed regarding the results of the selection process?
Candidates will be notified as soon as possible after the application deadline. Depending on the number of applications, this process can take 2 weeks. Once the selection is complete, all candidates will receive a letter or email from the course organizers. We will be using a rolling accepting process, so it is possible that you will receive notice of your acceptance before the deadline. Your acceptance will likely be a provisional acceptance, which provides you with a guaranteed space in the seminar as long as you are able to find funding to cover the registration fee. If your acceptance includes the registration fee being covered by a specific sponsor, we will note that in the acceptance letter. If you do have funding available to you and this is not noted in your provisional acceptance letter, please let us know about your funding as soon as possible at [email protected]
4. How much does the seminar cost?
The seminar registration fee is USD $1,600 and includes: 7 modules of asynchronous content, practical tools to adapt to diverse contexts, live virtual sessions to connect with colleagues, certificate (upon completion of seminar requirements) from Colorado State University’s Center for Protected Area Management and the Blue Nature Alliance, and an ongoing connection to global network of marine practitioners
5. I was provisionally admitted, but I still don’t have funding. Does Colorado State University offer scholarships for the course?
Provisional admission is to help participants in their search for financial support. Many donors require grant applicants to already have provisional acceptance before approving financial support.
The Blue Nature Alliance will be providing 20 scholarships for the program to participants that (1) represent ocean conservation areas where the Blue Nature Alliance is working or (2) represent sites that contributed to the design of this seminar. To be considered for one of these scholarships, please fill out the seminar application and indicate in the corresponding questions if you meet one of the two qualifying conditions (see below for more information). Selection criteria includes ensuring a geographic spread, representation of large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPA’s), and relevance to site management. If you do not meet any of the priority conditions, we still highly encourage you to apply, as there is still a possibility that you could be awarded a full or partial scholarship.
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Visit this link to see where Blue Nature Alliance partners: https://www.bluenaturealliance.org/locations/
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Major sites that contributed to this seminar are: Palau, Nunatsiavut, Belize, and various countries in the West Indian Ocean. Major organizations that contributed to this seminar are: Conservation International, the Nunatsiavut Government, Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA), Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS), Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation Development (SACD), Ebiil Society, Palau National Marine Sanctuary, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Palau, Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO), among others.
Colorado State University does not offer scholarships for the seminar. The search for funding is the responsibility of each individual participant and their organization. It is important to initiate the search for funding at the time of application, both looking at sources in your country and abroad.
6. I found a sponsor. How can I or my sponsor make payment for the seminar?
PAYMENT
In most cases, the participant or donor/agency will be responsible for sending us payment for the seminar’s tuition through wire transfer. In some cases donors also can make payment directly to our university (for example, CI, WWF, US Forest Service, US National Park Service). If you or your institution is responsible for payment, the deadline to send full payment is January 28, 2026, by the end of the business day to guarantee your space in the seminar. Unfortunately, we cannot be responsible for the loss of your space in the seminar due to late payments. If cancellation is made before January 31, 2026, the amount paid minus a US $250 administration fee will be refunded. The last day to cancel is February 4, 2026. In case of a cancellation later than February 4, 2026, a refund cannot be guaranteed.
The information to make the wire transfer is as follows:
The best method of payment is by electronic bank transfer. Payments must be in US dollars.
The wire transport form should indicate that the transfer is for “Social Aspects of MPAs – notify Ryan Finchum, WCNR, [email protected],” have your name noted as well so that we can easily identify your funds in our system. It is also important to send a copy of the bank wire receipt to [email protected].
If the transfer comes from a bank in the United States, the information for the wire transfer is:
Send funds to:
First National Bank of Omaha (205 W. Oak Ft. Collins, CO 80521)
ABA # 107000262 (routing number)
CSU Account Number # 90544
If the transfer is from a bank outside the United States, the instructions are:
Send funds to:
First National Bank of Omaha
Fort Collins, CO 80521
SWIFT: FNBOUS44FTC
Beneficiary:
Colorado State University
Account number: 90544
For any questions about the process for making the transfer, your bank or institution can contact the Colorado State University receiving office: Phone: (970) 491-7131 Email: [email protected]
If you cannot make the payment in this way please contact us at [email protected] to discuss alternatives. You can also make payment through credit cards and debit cards; if you prefer this alternative please inform us at [email protected] so we can send detailed instructions on how to make payment, which must be by phone and during days and hours when CSU business offices are open. However, our preference is for payment by bank transfer or check.
7. When is the deadline to pay for the seminar?
The total payment of USD $1,600 must be completed before the closing of CSU offices on January 28, 2026, in order to guarantee the participant’s space in the seminar. If payment is not made by the deadline, it is possible that you could lose your space to another applicant on the waiting list. If you have funding guaranteed but need a few extra days to make payment, please reach out to us and we will do everything we can to work with you.
8. Can I or my donor get a refund after paying if I cannot participate for any reason?
In case of cancellation requests before January 31, 2026, the amount paid minus US $250 will be refunded. The last day to cancel is February 4, 2026. In case of a cancellation later than February 4, 2026, a refund cannot be guaranteed.
9. Can I participate in the seminar without knowing English?
The official language of the seminar is English. All materials, readings, lectures, discussions, videos and other activities will be conducted in that language. You must be capable of understanding lectures and communicating in English.
10. What type of certification do participants get when they complete the seminar?
All participants that complete the seminar requirements will receive a digital certificate of participation from Colorado State University’s Center for Protected Area Management, stipulating the number of hours of instruction. This certificate is digitally signed by all seminar instructors and bears the Colorado State University’s Center for Protected Area Management logo, and the Blue Nature Alliance logo. This certificate does not count as official university credit.
11. Who are the other participants?
The online seminar has been designed for mid-career marine conservation practitioners from around the world. The seminar is open to all regardless of their age and experience level, including:
- Marine protected area managers and practitioners
- Executive directors of NGOs and grassroots organizations
- Project and program coordinators
- Field technicians and managers responsible for coordinating teams
- Leaders of community organizations
- Indigenous Peoples leading environmental groups or programs
- People developing public campaigns and organizing social movements
- Congressional representatives in environmental committees
- Environmental advisors of congressional representatives
- Scientists running environmental projects or programs
- Chief rangers overseeing a group of rangers
12. Do I have to do preparatory work for the seminar?
If you are accepted to the online seminar, the week prior to the start of the online seminar, you will be required to follow instructions emailed to you by the seminar team to set up your user account in our virtual learning platform, Thinkific. This will include creating a visible profile with your name, photo, and biography. By doing so, all participants will be able to familiarize themselves with their colleagues in the seminar cohort.
13. Is it possible to apply for the seminar without having secured financing?
Yes, you can apply for the seminar without secured funding. However, you should continue to look for funding. Please write [email protected] with an update regarding the status of your funding. If you secure funding, please email us with a letter from your sponsor confirming the amount of funding that they will be providing you.
CONTACT US:
For more information, please contact us:
Center for Protected Area Management
Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department
Colorado State University
220 Forestry Building
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1480, USA
To contact our team: [email protected]
ABOUT THE CENTER:
Click here for more information about our work at Colorado State University’s Center for Protected Area Management.
Click here to view our Anti-harrassment Statement
Want to learn more? Check out this webinar that we ran with Open Communications for The Ocean (OCTO). You can find the recording along with additional resources mentioned in the webinar by clicking on the button below.
Romeo Dominguez Vidal
Romeo Dominguez Vidal (he/him) has a Bachelor’s degree in Film Studies and Screen Media from University College Cork, Ireland. He is a documentary filmmaker and a writer who is interested in working on projects related to gender equity, social justice, environmental communication, and cultural identity. He has worked in Europe and Latin America developing documentaries on gender violence, and volunteered in several environmental conservation organizations in Mexico and the U.S. such as The Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Pronatura Sur, The GCF Fund, and the Center for Protected Area Management. He is the founder of Cuxtitali Expresion A.C. and Free Vogel Limited. LLC.
Audrey Ramsey
Audrey Ramsey is the Training Specialist at the Center for Protected Area Management at Colorado State University and the lead facilitator for the Social Aspects of Marine Protected Areas Seminar. She holds a Master of Science in Global Conservation Leadership from Colorado State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Leadership and Ecotourism with a minor in Environmental Science from Ferrum College.
Audrey’s work focuses on marine conservation, equitable and human-rights-based approaches, and amplifying support for marine practitioners. She is passionate about connecting communities to conservation, integrating multiple ways of knowing into management decisions, and fostering transdisciplinary approaches that bridge science, local knowledge, and lived experience. Some of her project highlights include the co-creation of the Social Aspects of Marine Protected Areas Seminar, creating environmental interpretation plans with the Galápagos National Park and supporting interpretation initiatives across Latin America. Audrey’s work emphasizes inclusive, socially responsible, and effective conservation strategies that strengthen both human and ecological well-being.
Ryan Finchum
Ryan Finchum is the Director of the Protected Management Center at Colorado State University. Mr. Finchum has a degree in Environmental Science and Geography from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in Protected Areas Management from Colorado State University. His areas of interest include ecotourism, environmental communication, planning of protected areas and corridors, the link between conservation activities and sustainable lifestyles, systems leadership, and capacity development. Ryan has worked extensively in Latin America, initially as a Peace Corps Volunteer with the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos Islands, followed by almost a decade of experience as an ecotourism operator in Mesoamerica. He is a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) and the Committee on Education and Communication (CEC). Ryan has focused his energy over the past five years on strengthening the sustainability of the Center as an institution, in order to ensure the permanence of long-term training programs.
Erin Hicks
Erin Hicks, M.Sc., is the assistant director of the Center for Protected Area Management. She has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from California State University and a master’s degree in Conservation Leadership from Colorado State University. She is an artist and social scientist with an interest in working with communities in Latin America in relation to sustainable development, conservation, and capacity development. Her professional experience includes studying the perceptions of ecotourism in the Mayan communities around the buffer zone of the Bladen Nature Reserve, supporting the Governors’ Climate and Forests Fund, and working in protected areas and trails with the Conservation Corps of California, the US Forest Service, the California State Parks, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the US National Park Service. She was also an environmental volunteer for the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic and has worked closely with women’s community groups on conservation in Belize and the Dominican Republic.
Jim Barborak
Jim Barborak is now the Senior Advisor and was previously the Co-director of the Colorado State University Center for Protected Area Management. Previously he worked for Conservation International for 4 years as Coordinator of the Protected Areas and Corridors Unit in Mexico and Central America, and previously for 15 years as a specialist in protected areas for the Wildlife Conservation Society. He has his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Natural Resources and studied at Ohio State University and Yale. His areas of interest include staff training, planning and management of protected areas, corridors and buffer zones, development of financial strategies, public use and institutional strengthening for parks and reserves, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and conservation and management of wildlife.
Rosa Maria Vidal
Rosa María Vidal has more than 30 years of experience in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. She is a biologist (UNAM) with certificates in organizational development (CEDPA, Michigan State University), gender and sustainability (UNAM-Gender Program) and leadership (ITESM, Cornell University), as well as knowledge in the areas of economics, climate change, management of protected areas, and wildlife. She is the founder and former director of Pronatura Sur and of the Training Center for Sustainable Development Moxviquil. She was the director of the Governors’ Climate and Forests Fund, Senior Advisor to the Center for Protected Area Management of the Colorado State University, and consultant to the World Bank, the Global Environmental Facility, and Livelihoods-Venture. She has also been an advisor to various international conservation networks. She was coordinator of the population and environment program at Pronatura Sur, analyzing gender, reproductive health and conservation approaches with support from the Mac Arthur Foundation, a member of the Gender and Environment Network of Mexico, consultant for USAID in project evaluation of gender, counselor of the Institute of Women for the State of Chiapas, and evaluator of the program “A Seed to Grow” with BanChiapas, and has collaborated in the integration of gender equality approaches in forestry development and conservation projects. Rosa María brings to the seminar extensive practical experience and understanding of the challenges that women face in organizational leadership, a cutting-edge knowledge in biodiversity and climate change, and an understanding of the challenges that women from rural communities
Nathan Bennett
USA, NORTH AMERICA
Rodd Laing
NUNATSIAVUT, NORTH AMERICA
Alexandra Sapoznikow
SOUTHERN CONE, SOUTH AMERICA
Sebastian Yancovic
RAPA NUI, SOUTH AMERICA
Arthur Tuda
WEST INDIAN OCEAN, AFRICA
Vatosoa Rakotondrazafy
WEST INDIAN OCEAN, AFRICA
Rebecca Borges
BRAZIL, LATIN AMERICA
Rili Djohani
CORAL TRIANGLE, ASIA
Jensen Morgan
Jensen (they/them) runs Risking Joy Productions, a boutique video production company helping organizations with strategic storytelling for equity and sustainability. For the last 14 years Jensen has worked in sustainability and equity in partnership with municipal governments, international NGOs, sustainability consulting firms, and educational institutions. Jensen is a trained facilitator and loves bringing their equity-first, co-creative approach to the storytelling process.
Jennifer Chapman
Jennifer Chapman (she/her) has almost fifteen years experience in marine conservation, with a strong focus on marine management in Belize. She works as an independent consultant, specializing in human-centered approaches. With extensive stakeholder and rightsholder engagement experience, Jen recently led a team that drafted the social safeguards for Belize’s marine spatial plan. Her interests lie at the intersection of social justice, small scale fisheries, market-based tools, and participatory conservation management.
Fanny Tricone
Fanny Tricone is an independent environmental consultant and graphic designer based in Sarteneja Village, Belize, who offers design services and creative solutions to make science accessible to all. 10 years of experience working in Conservation and capacity building in Belize and Central America give her a strong understanding of Conservation challenges, which combined with her love for nature and creative work, makes her a unique graphic designer who can bridge the gap between organizations’ work and their target audiences.
Fanny has contributed to the graphics of the seminar, including course identifier logo, video graphics, illustrations, and icons.
This program is offered in partnership with the Blue Nature Alliance.
