Enrique G. Ortiz

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Biographical Information

"Enrique was born and raised in Lima. He is trained as a tropical ecologist (San Marcos University, Lima, Princeton University, New Jersey), with a long history of research on species and ecological systems in coastal/marine, deserts, highlands and tropical forest ecosystems. His specialty is on community ecology (plant animal interactions) and has authored several research papers and popular articles on a variety of themes, mainly on species biology, and management of non-timber forest products, particularly on Brazil nuts. Enrique has a solid knowledge of tropical forests (locally and regionally), from biological, social, economic and political perspectives.

"Apart from his biological background, Enrique is perhaps better known for his activism and leadership in Peru and Latin America in conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. He has worked with several Peruvian, Amazonian and North American non-governmental organizations. He is a founder and board member of the Amazon Conservation Association and President of the Asociacion para la Conservacion de la Cuenca Amazonica, a leading peruvian NGO. For over a decade he has worked for funding agencies in efforts to support conservation in the Andes-Amazon region. Together with Adrian Forsyth, Enrique is the founder of the Andes Amazon Program of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Since 2010, he is s Senior Program Officer for the Amazon Program at the Blue Moon Fund, working in a team with A. Forsyth and Bruce Babbitt supporting local and international groups in efforts to protect amazon rainforests. In addition to it, he is currently serving in the board of directors of the National Protected Area System of the Environment Ministry of the Peruvian Government.

"Enrique is also an active outdoorsman. Enrique now drives his motorcycle in the roads of Eastern USA. He lives in Washington DC, and travel s frequently to Amazonian counties and other unpredictable wilderness spots. "

Affiliations

• Advisory Board, Amazon Aid Foundation