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Ángela Duque Villegas
Angela is a Forestry Engineer with an MSc in Environmental Economics and Natural Resources. She serves as the visionary Founder and CEO of BioCarbon. Her leadership is characterized by a passionate dedication to driving positive change and creating a lasting impact on the planet. Angela's career is distinguished by her commitment to forging a greener and more sustainable future, making her one of the pioneering figures in carbon and biodiversity markets.
With an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, Ángela brings a wealth of experience in the design, development, validation and verification of greenhouse gas (GHG) projects. Her expertise extends beyond the boardroom, as she has actively contributed to governments, multilateral agencies and organizations in implementing policies related to climate change, biodiversity conservation and sustainability agendas. Angela's technical knowledge, combined with her rigor, integrity and dedication, positions her as a leader in the sector.
Based in Bogotá, Colombia, the country of her birth, when Angela is not hunched over a computer, she is likely tending to her plants, exploring the wonders of the world, or enjoying a glass of wine with friends.
F. Javier Manzanares
F Javier Manzanares is currently a World Bank's Senior Consultant on Carbon Markets, Co-CEO of Climate Digital Investments and CEO of ALLEN MANZA INC as well as, Board Member of SURECO & Partners and consultant for UNEP-FI, Delphos International and FIIAPP among others.
He started as CFO and became Deputy Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund "GCF" for almost 8 years. Previously, he held the positions of Director and Regional Representative of UNOPS for MERCOSUR, based in Argentina and Manager of the Investment and Development Banking Division at "CABEI/CABEI" based in Honduras. Javier also worked as Executive Vice President of two private banks of Grupo Fierro in Miami and Guatemala. His career in banking and finance began with Banking and finance with Banco Santander/BSCH in the United States, Hong Kong and Japan.
Javier was the first Chairman of the Board of Directors of “IASE”, the International Association for Sustainable Economy, holds a double MBA from Northwestern University/Kellogg (USA), an EMBA from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology "HKUST" (China), a PhD in Sustainability Management from INHA University in South Korea and he is ESG Certified from Competent Boards
Javier also collaborates with the faculty of ESG, Innovation and Technology and Climate Finance at “IE” Instituto de Empresas, Seoul National University “SNU” and “BS4CL” Business Schools for Climate Leadership.
Chairman Executive Board. Consultant on Carbon Markets
Juan Posada
Juan, a biologist with a Ph.D. in plant optimal resource use from the University of Florida (2003), brings diverse research experiences to BioCarbon. His journey includes postdoctoral stints at the University of Florida, McGill University, and the Université du Québec à Montréal, with a focus on carbon cycling, stress physiology, and tree modeling. Currently a full professor at Universidad del Rosario and a research associate at the Université du Québec à Montréal, Juan is also the scientific leader at TerraSpectrum, a Swiss startup supporting nature-based solutions projects.
In BioCarbon, Juan leverages his expertise in tropical Andean forests, resource optimization in plants, and the carbon and biodiversity credits system. Based in Colombia, he passionately explores the intricate relationships between human intervention, biodiversity, and the carbon cycle.
Outside the scientific realm, Juan co-leads a network of forest plots and enjoys diverse activities, grounding his commitment to environmental research in both professional and personal realms.
Executive Board Member. Biologist
Miguel Rodríguez Melo
Miguel, with experience since 1981 in the forestry sector, began as Chief of Biological Research at Monterrey Forestal Ltda. His background in sciences allowed him to lead the Forest Management Department in the Pizano group, overseeing Forest Management Certification and Chain of Custody, and developing environmental management processes. He collaborated on national and international studies, applying Clean Development Mechanism standards. He concluded his career as General Manager of Monterrey Forest GWR SAS of Greenwood Resources (USA).
Invited for his expertise, he participated in organizations such as Acofore, CONIF, Fedemaderas, and Camcore at North Carolina State University. Additionally, he served as an advisor for Agricultural Sciences at Colciencias, a lecturer at Javeriana University, and a member of the Species Survival Commission of IUCN.
Now retired, he advises companies and environmental organizations, dedicating his time to planting and caring for his trees, literature, and the history and philosophy of science.
Physiology Applied to Production Systems Expert
Lucas Zaehringer
Lucas studied Business Administration, Management of Technology and Innovation in France and Germany. He has 10+ years of experience in the energy, chemical and sustainability markets. He spent 8 years leading consulting teams for different global corporate and industrial companies. He founded the Positiveblockchain.io association in 2017 which curates the largest directory of blockchain projects and start-ups in the field of sustainability.
His activities and expertise in the space led him to take the position of Lead Climate at the blockchain company Blocksize based out of Frankfurt, Germany. He held in the past 2 years a major role as Lead Europe and Product Manager for the Verity-Tracking joint-venture between Blocksize and a leading US Sustainable Fuels producer (Gevo).
Lucas contributed to develop dMRV Saas solutions to collect, verify and tokenize emission data and other sustainability claims in regenerative agriculture and biofuel value chains. Lucas is member in the BC100+ steering committee promoting blockchain in support of the UN Charter of Values, member of the INATBA (European Blockchain industry Association) Social Impact Working Group as well as Working-group Lead for the Web3 Carbon Ecosystem Mapping at ECOTA, where he established a database of 190 start-ups using blockchain in the carbon value chain. Lucas has also been very engaged within social entrepreneurship networks such as MakeSense or Yunus Social Business.
Yves Mariko
Yves Mariko is currently Chief Economist / Senior Associate of Africa Energy Transition Services (AETS). Originally trained as a researcher in energy and carbon economics, over the last few years Yves has developed significant experience in Africa, both in understanding the operational, technological, and financial challenges associated with decarbonisation for pioneering entities in Africa.
Yves has played pivotal roles in initiatives such as assisting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in developing a standardized carbon credit market. Additionally, Yves has been instrumental in securing financing for significant environmental projects, including supporting the Republic of Chad in financing the Great Green Wall and facilitating sustainable city projects in Côte d'Ivoire, demonstrating his commitment to advancing sustainable development initiatives in the region.
Onur Günduru
As the managing partner of Onur Enerji, he is pursuing his passion for climate change by delivering clean-tech services in a broad range of topics involving energy efficiency, demand response, and renewable energy technologies. He is serving on the board of ENSIA Turkish Clean-Tech Cluster and EYODER.
In his multifaceted professional journey, Onur thrives as a consultant, public speaker, mentor, and investor, focusing on alternative energy, low-carbon economy, and next-generation technologies. His project portfolio encompasses a spectrum of initiatives, including publicly funded energy research, ISO 50001 compliance, energy audits, measurement & verification, energy management, and tailored training programs for clean energy funds, banks, and leasing companies.
With a fervent commitment to combating climate change, Onur spearheads transformation to energy efficiency, clean-tech, and renewable energy technologies.
Paloma Sarria
Paloma es economista con más de 15 años de experiencia en los mercados de carbono, energías renovables y otras tecnologías limpias. Pasó la primera mitad de su carrera buscando e implementando proyectos para los mercados de carbono regulados y voluntarios en América Latina, enfocándose en el tratamiento de residuos, energías renovables, estufas eficientes y AFOLU (Agricultura, Silvicultura y Otros Usos de la Tierra). Más adelante, Paloma trabajó en los sectores de energía renovable y movilidad eléctrica en Perú, desarrollando proyectos de energía solar y eólica, así como iniciativas piloto en transporte sostenible, y promoviendo tanto las tecnologías como los marcos regulatorios necesarios para su implementación exitosa. Recientemente, ha trabajado como consultora independiente en Perú, identificando instrumentos de precios de carbono adecuados para su implementación en el país.
Como Gerente de Desarrollo de Negocios, Paloma se relaciona con gobiernos, el sector privado y otras organizaciones para explorar oportunidades en las que BioCarbon Standard pueda agregar valor a la mitigación y adaptación al cambio climático en diferentes mercados a través de sus programas de acreditación de GHG y biodiversidad.
Paloma es apasionada por la sostenibilidad, la economía circular y contribuir a un mundo mejor a través de su trabajo. En su tiempo libre, disfruta viajar, cocinar, la fotografía y diversos deportes.
Business Development Manager (BDM)
Gabriela Posada
Gabriela's sustainability journey began with her embrace of local consumption and the zero-waste movement. She is characterized by her relentless pursuit of knowledge, immersing herself in self-directed learning through books, workshops and mentorship, supported by a degree in Administration and a Food & Sustainability Certificate.
She is committed to catalyzing positive change at BioCarbon, influencing operations from culture to process with insights from her sustainable lifestyle.
Gabriela plays a central role in formulating and implementing sustainability strategies that align with the company's mission, overseeing environmental initiatives and promoting social sustainability. She also advocates for sustainability within the company and forges partnerships with aligned organizations and initiatives.
Gabriela is based in Montreal, Canada, and in her spare time enjoys yoga, nature, pottery, and good food with friends.
Chief Sustainability Officer
Clara Morales
Clara Morales-Rozo is a biologist with a deep passion for ecosystem and species conservation. Her commitment to nature has driven her to enhance her academic and research skills, focusing on nature-based solutions to address current environmental and social challenges. Throughout her career, she has embraced an interdisciplinary approach that integrates biodiversity, botany, biogeography, restoration, conservation biology, and community engagement to create a positive impact on socio-ecosystems.
Currently, she serves as the Biodiversity Program Officer at BioCarbon, leading key initiatives that promote conservation incentives, with a focus on achieving net biodiversity gains and strengthening sustainability.
Residing in Bogotá, Colombia, Clara enjoys spending her free time with her family and pets, and staying active through sports.
Biodiversity Program Officer
Elif Yücelir
Elif Yücelir is passionate about the connections between sustainability, net-zero paths for rural empowerment, and food production. During her academic journey at the Department of Food at Ege University, she engaged with initiatives and alternative practices for production and soil biodiversity conservation. She has also enriched her knowledge of carbon footprint and reporting through seminars and courses.
At BioCarbon, Elif facilitates communication with Turkish companies and supports the team in preparing and coordinating events, as well as in direct interaction with the team's professionals. She also supports the program manager during initial interactions with third parties such as consultancies, project owners, markets, and networks aimed at engaging in the carbon market.
Elif lives in Izmir, Turkey, where she regularly finds time for yoga and travel.
Program Assistant
Kabaka Mutensa
Kabaka, based in Kampala, Uganda, is a Land Surveyor with a Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying and Geomatics from Makerere University, Uganda. He is also a Regional Development Planner. His motivation for intercontinental studies was to explore multicultural environments, experience new foods and interact with different nationalities from around the world. His professional experience includes working with communities, infrastructure development and land administration in Uganda and across the East African region.
Over time, Kabaka has developed expertise and knowledge of Africa's climate change mitigation strategies and the carbon market agenda. He has driven this agenda by engaging various partners, both public and private, to participate in the carbon market. His ambition is for BioCarbon to support GHG initiatives in accessing carbon credits and assist governments in meeting their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through the use of the carbon market.
Outside of work, he enjoys soccer and plays for two teams, one in Kampala (Nsiikye Saints) and the other in a small community (Rwenkobe Community) that he supports. He also enjoys partying, traveling, running marathons and exploring new communities and places as well as all that the great outdoors has to offer.
Operations and Engagement Officer, Africa
Régulo Martínez
Régulo is a professional in the field of information systems with an emphasis on hardware, networks, and security. His professional journey began in Venezuela, where he led the IT department of companies providing nationwide support services. Throughout his career, he has overseen small teams, offering training in the use of applications, software, data networks, and data backup security systems.
Régulo has consistently been recognized as a resourceful individual who enjoys taking on new challenges to continually learn and perform his job responsibilities optimally. His strong sense of belonging to the company aligns him with the direction of growth and constant evolution, mirroring BioCarbon's trajectory.
Régulo finds joy in family bonds, friendships (considered a friend among friends), and the art of cooking. His love for green nature, particularly mountains, stems from his childhood and numerous road trips.
Manager of Operations & Support IT
Rafael Aristizábal
Rafael is a licensed lawyer with outstanding attributes of leadership, responsibility, and communication skills. He has gained knowledge through his academic training and professional experience as a litigator and consultant for companies in Labor Law, Commercial Law, and Social Security. Additionally, he holds a diploma in Labor Law and is a specialist in Social Security, as well as a legal conciliator.
Currently, he serves as the leader of the legal department at BioCarbon Cert, contributing his expertise in areas such as labor consultancy, commercial consultancy, business management, and the legal support needed for the social development of the company. Rafael is a professional with a strong social sense, initiative, commitment, and innovation.
Passionate about Law, nature, and reading, he has a clear purpose of contributing his knowledge and experience both as a professional and an individual to society. He resides in Jericó, Antioquia, where he shows a passionate interest in cattle farming and reading.
Legal Counsel
María Trinidad Mejía
María Trinidad is a Certified Public Accountant specialized in Marketing Management, with enriching work experiences in both public and private sector companies. Her family background, academic training, and the companies she has worked for have been fundamental in strengthening her appreciation for ethics and principles as guiding forces of humanity, development, and growth both personally and in the business realm.
María Trinidad supports BioCarbon as the Compliance Officer for the Ethics and Anti-Corruption program, striving to ensure that all internal and external collaborators are aware of and adhere to anti-corruption policies and procedures, such as those against fraud, corruption, transnational bribery, and/or associated misconduct.
María Trinidad is based in Pereira. Her lifestyle habits include exercising and seeking information on spiritual growth.
Compliance Officer
Francy Ramírez
Francy is an Electrical Engineer with an M.Sc. in Environmental Management and advanced studies in social assessment of projects. She is a climate change expert with over 14 years of experience in the validation and verification of GHG mitigation projects and consultancy.
Currently, Francy is a technical expert in the energy and waste sectors, conducting assessments to ensure the quality of projects registering and applying for certified greenhouse gas emission reductions through documentation and process review. Francy firmly believes that everyone's efforts can help humanity overcome the climate crisis, and this belief frames her work at BioCarbon.
Based in Bogota, Colombia (her birth country), she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. Her hobbies include reading historical novels and traveling.
Sectorial expert
Jahaziel Amaya
Jahaziel is an accomplished professional with a Ph.D. and Postdoctoral Degree from the National University of Colombia. He has enriched his expertise with international experiences in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Spain, specializing in materials synthesis and characterization with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Jahaziel is passionate about knowledge, demonstrating outstanding skills in communication, collaboration, and unwavering integrity. He firmly believes in the power of science to drive social progress, passionately sharing scientific knowledge across various segments. As an active member of the Technical Committee at BioCarbon, Jahaziel plays a crucial role in researching and developing sustainable solutions to address environmental challenges. His dedication and commitment are essential for advancing towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.
His personal pursuits include cherishing moments with his family, quiet walks for mental rejuvenation, an appreciation for diverse musical genres, and a love of culinary experiences and travel, exploring different cultures through their unique cuisines.
Scientific methods and chemical process
Cesar Garay
Agricultural Engineer, MSc. Soils & Water Wageningen University and Research Centrum, The Netherlands. He is an expert in managing water and soils. His experience covers hydraulic, hydrological, and hydro-economic modeling, technical and scientific project management. It also includes designing nature-based solutions for flood control and soil erosion, planning climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, remote sensor data processing, and geographic information systems.
Soils & water resources management
Jhon B. Urrego
He is a Forest Engineer from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia and has a M.Sc. on Silviculture and Forest Productivity from North Carolina State University. For over 30 years, Byron has worked on tropical and subtropical pine trees breeding, eucalyptus clonal and breeding programs, commercial plantations silviculture, tree nutrition and forest productivity.
During that time Byron has served on technical committees and advisory boards at the Forest Productivity Cooperative and the Central America and Mexico Coniferous Resources Cooperative (CAMCORE) both based at the College of Natural Resources of North Carolina State University, representing the Forestry Research Department of Smurfit Kappa Colombia.
Forest and silviculture production systems
Juan Felipe Charre
Juan Felipe is a biologist with a master's degree in Ecology and Conservation and a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Management and Conservation from the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo. He has published 50 scientific articles, 1 book,7 book chapters, and 8 outreach articles, and has been a member of Mexico's National System of Researchers since 2019. His work focuses on biodiversity conservation in Mexico, particularly in the states of Guanajuato and Michoacán.
In the community sphere, he has trained and supported community monitoring groups in various parts of Mexico. He is the founder and president of the non profit organization Conservación del Patrimonio Natural para el Bienestar Social.
He is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the National School of Higher Studies, Morelia campus, UNAM, and a professor at the Universidad Michoacana.
In his free time, he enjoys being in nature and photography.
Ecology and Conservation Expert