Leader: Pedro Regato

Contributed by Pedro Regato

Name: Pedro Regato

Job: Independent Consultant

Where do you work? Madrid, Spain

Degree(s):

• Degree in Biology and Ecology, University of Madrid
• Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) equivalent
• Postgraduate Thesis on riparian vegetation and river flow-path dynamics, University Autónoma of Madrid (Spain)
• Ph.D. in Forest Ecology, University Autónoma of Madrid/Forest Research Centre (CIFOR-INIA) (Spain)

Describe your work:
I work as an international consultant in the field of nature conservation, more specifically in the protection, management and restoration of Mediterranean forest ecosystems.
I also work as Associate Scientist on forest ecology and ecological restoration at the Faculty of Science (University Complutense of Madrid) and High Forestry School (Polytechnic University of Madrid).

What inspires you in your work?
I am inspired by my past academic career, my years of work as the Head of the Forest Unit at WWF-Mediterranean Programme, and my deep knowledge of Mediterranean forest and mountain ecosystems.

What are the highlights of your career accomplishments? 

• Contribution to the understanding of the Mediterranean forest ecosystems and riparian ecosystems dynamics.
• Development and implementation of Ecoregion Conservation in Mediterranean forest landscapes: methodological approach and applied conservation work on landscape designing, spatial planning, nature resource management, forest landscape restoration, etc.
• Contribution to the design, identification and characterization of the WWF Global 200 Mediterranean Terrestrial Ecoregions, in collaboration with the Conservation Science Unit of WWF-US and colleagues and scientists from many different countries.
• Set up and development of the forest programme and team at WWF-Mediterranean;
• Design and leadership of a set of training courses touching on several aspects of forest conservation and held in several Mediterranean countries over the past ten years.
• Design and leadership of integrated conservation and sustainable development programmes and initiatives in several countries of the region, including Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Turkey, Croatia, and Montenegro.

Why is the Global Mediterranean Action Network exciting to you?
The network gives me an opportunity to meet and interact with other experts and conservation practitioners from all the Mediterranean ecoregions of the globe.

How did your early experiences in nature influence you?
I became passionate about nature and conservation while undertaking my field research studies at the university, and during my leisure travel throughout the Mediterranean Basin.

What are your favorite species and/or landscapes?
Mediterranean Conifer Trees, Mediterranean mountain flora, raptor species, Mediterranean mountain ecosystems and deserts.

Why are you passionate about conservation?
This is just my own nature, it is hard for me to explain.

What gives you hope?
The flexibility and adaptability of nature and species to change and new conditions. The increased awareness and concern of the new generations about the importance of taking care of the natural wealth of our planet. And the application of new knowledge and technology to modern conservation practices.

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?
Hiking and enjoying open air activities, nature photography, literature, playing guitar, cinema and theater.

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