Unveiling New Horizons in Intactness Conservation

Valeria Mendez, master student in conservation biology, visited the GEDT and Geneva Heritage Lab to work on a collaborative research project. In this article, she describes her research and visiting experience.

Imagine stepping into a world where curiosity meets expertise – that was my experience at the Environmental Governance and Territorial Development (GEDT) research hub. I spent six months here, working closely with Professor Peter Larsen, all thanks to a Sapienza University grant for postgraduate students. My project was a collaboration involving Prof. Moreno Di Marco from Sapienza University's Biodiversity and Global Change research lab and the Center for International Environmental Studies at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

Intact landscape from Torre del Paine National Park, Chile - credits: Gregoire Dubois

My academic background lies in conservation biology, and I've always been intrigued by how conservation efforts affect indigenous communities and local people. This is what led me to choose GEDT for my project.

My research revolved around intact areas, which are the remaining natural areas preserving ecosystems of high ecological integrity and home to many indigenous communities. These areas are highly threatened and are rapidly disappearing due to urbanization and industrial exploitation.

Agricultural expansion in Tanzania - credits: Gregoire Dubois

My research

In my investigation, I immersed in the analysis of global maps that illustrate the degree of intactness in various regions. At first glance, these maps might seem like vibrant images, but upon closer examination, they exposed gaps in our understanding and biases in how we portray intact areas. Interestingly, we discovered that the identification of intact areas can vary significantly based on which map is utilized. This discrepancy is significant because many countries have committed to expanding their network of protected areas in the coming years. If we mistakenly include areas that don't hold a high priority for protection or overlook remaining intact regions in this network, it could lead to critical consequences for both biodiversity and local communities. The decisions we make based on these maps can influence the future balance between preserving nature and supporting human livelihoods.

More than research

However, my time at GEDT wasn't just about research. It was about exchanging ideas and perspectives. Professor Larsen, who guided me, encouraged me to explore the intersection of environmental sciences and anthropology. This led me to take part in various events where these fields came together, feeding my research interests. Through my work and collaborations, I managed to write a scientific article with the scope of helping us keep track of intact areas better, which is important for conservation and for the people who inhabit these areas.

What made my time at GEDT special was that it shifted my scientific perspective. I've always looked at things from a biological standpoint, but here, I learned to see the bigger picture. Interacting with the lab's members not only helped me improve my work, but it also opened my eyes to the connections between conservation, anthropology, and social sciences.

Intact landscape from Torre del Paine National Park, Chile - credits: Gregoire Dubois

Despite my relatively short stay, the impact was profound. It was more than just a research stint; it was a transformative period. Armed with fresh knowledge and innovative ideas, I'm now prepared to embark on the next chapter of my academic journey. This chapter will take me to Australia, where I'll pursue a Ph.D. exploring the application of social-ecological systems theory in understanding the role of protected areas in social-ecological systems.

From all members of GEDT and the Geneva Heritage Lab, we thank you Valeria and wish you all the best!