Shaenandhoa Garcia Rangel

PROGRAMME OFFICER | CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY

Shaenandhoa works at the UNEP-WCMC on a variety of projects related to the linkages between biodiversity and climate change. These include the assessment of nature-based solutions for climate-change mitigation in a range of ecosystems, and especially the potential for multiple benefits from REDD+ (conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks). This involves technical support to REDD+ countries on spatial planning and multiple benefits.

Shaenandhoa's contribution to the Centre’s UN-REDD Programme work has recently included GIS analysis focused on mapping potential benefits of REDD+, and the development of publication materials for Paraguay and Panama. Shaenandhoa is also a member of the team carrying out the Centre’s work on the contribution of non-forest ecosystems in climate change mitigation and adaptation. She has developed a series of case studies showcasing the importance of drylands, grasslands and other open-canopy ecosystems for mitigating climate change, sustaining local livelihoods, conserving biodiversity and securing revenues at the national level.

Before joining UNEP-WCMC, Shaenandhoa worked as lecturer and researcher at the Universidad Simón Bolívar running the Landscape Ecology and Conservation Laboratory. Her work focused on the impacts of land-cover change on endangered Neotropical carnivores, with particular emphasis on issues related to protected areas and connectivity. She is also experienced in providing scientific advice to support decision-making, and assisting local communities to secure the protection of key ecosystem services. Shaenandhoa has a PhD from the University of Cambridge, and is a member of the Bear Specialist Group (SSC-IUCN), the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas and the International Connectivity Conservation Network.

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Henry Dieudonné-Demaria