Paula López Vargas, PhD student

Paula has an academic foundation in forest resources and socio-environmental governance. She holds a Master’s in Natural Resources (MNR) from Oregon State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry Engineering from the National Agrarian University La Molina in Peru. Additionally, Paula participated in an academic exchange program in Ecosystem Management at Western Washington University, further broadening her expertise in global environmental issues. Her academic focus centers on the role of Indigenous knowledge and community-based governance in forest resource management, particularly within the context of climate change. Paula’s research integrates socio-environmental perspectives, with an emphasis on social justice and equity in environmental conservation and policy. Paula has worked with several national and international organizations in Peru, contributing to the design and implementation of conservation initiatives alongside Indigenous peoples and local communities.