YOLANDA LOPEZ-MALDONADO
Founder & CEO
Dr.rer.nat. López-Maldonado’s background as an Indigenous Maya woman with a PhD in Human Geography provides her with a rare and valuable perspective that bridges Indigenous knowledge and Western academic training. Her cross-cultural research expertise, sharpened through international academic experiences and collaborations with various organisations, allows her to effectively apply Indigenous and Western scientific approaches into nature conservation. Her interdisciplinary approach, developed through her doctoral studies and work on complex global issues, enables her to tackle multifaceted challenges in innovative ways. Dr. López-Maldonado’s skills on Indigenous methods ensure that her work is not only academically rigorous but also deeply respectful and beneficial to the Indigenous communities. Dr. López-Maldonado has demonstrated research excellence in Earth observations from an Indigenous perspective and maintains a solid commitment to supporting Indigenous communities in benefiting from scientific approaches. Her research focuses on harnessing Indigenous Earth observations to deepen our understanding of the dynamic changes occurring in Earth’s systems, particularly water systems, and highlights the critical risks that ignoring these observations in both, policy and practice, pose to the health and sustainability of life on Earth. Her expertise spans social, natural, and Indigenous sciences, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Dr. López-Maldonado has played a crucial role in ensuring Indigenous Science is included in various science-policy-society fora, including the CBD, IPBES, IPCC, and UNFCCC, among others. As an Indigenous Maya woman from Yucatan, Mexico, she brings a passionate commitment to Indigenous rights and global social justice issues that infuses her work with purpose and relevance.
JOSUE AYUSO-CARRILLO
Advisor, Chemicals Expert
Dr. Ayuso-Carrillo, a native from Jo' (today's Merida), possesses a unique background as a traditional dancer turned scientist. He earned his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Manchester, UK.
Recognising the value of Indigenous knowledge systems, Dr. Ayuso-Carrillo actively incorporates Indigenous science approaches to Western scientific methods. This interdisciplinary perspective enhances his work on environmental pollution and chemical impacts, fostering solutions rooted in respect for Indigenous knowledge. Beyond his scientific research, Dr. Ayuso-Carrillo is a dedicated educator, teaching STEM subjects alongside traditional dance to learners of all ages, from children to adults. His teaching extends beyond formal university courses to public outreach initiatives, underscoring his commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning. Passionate about Indigenous chemical literacy, Dr. Ayuso-Carrillo strives to support the education of Indigenous Peoples in chemical management, in particular toxic substances and pollution, partnering respectfully with Indigenous communities to promote environmental stewardship. By integrating evidence-based science with insights from diverse disciplines and Indigenous perspectives, he develops innovative, culturally relevant approaches to address environmental challenges.
