prof.dr. M (Marielos) Peña Claros

Over the years I have worked on a large variety of research topics, focussing mainly on ecological aspects of tropical forest management with the aim of designing best management practices based on evidence-based, sound, ecological knowledge. I have used a variety of theoretical concepts (e.g., functional approach) and tools (e.g., large-scale experiments); have worked at several temporal, spatial and organizational scales; and have actively worked with researchers from different disciplines (e.g., social scientists), as forest management requires per definition an interdisciplinary approach.

I have three main research lines:

1) management of forest resources and sustainable harvesting levels,

2) forest recovery after (natural and anthropogenic) disturbances, which is crucial to understand forest resilience to (global) change,

3) forests in multifunctional landscapes, and the effects of land use change on the provision of ecosystem services.

I gave my inuagural lecture in September 2022. You can watch my talk here. 

• Sustainable Development Solutions Network - United Nations (1-2-2023/31-12-2026)
  The main goal of the SPA is to provide a comprehensive, objective, open, and transparent platform to systematize information for a rigorous scientific assessment of the state of the Amazon’s ecosystems. Based on this information the SPA will examine trends and implications for long-term well-being of the region, as well as explore opportunities and policy relevant options for conservation and sustainable development of the Amazon.
• DOB Ecology (1-1-2025/1-1-2029)
  DOB Ecology is a Dutch Foundation that funds conservation projects in the tropics.