I am a sociologist from Universidad Diego Portales, hold a master's degree in Anthropology and Development from Universidad de Chile, and a PhD in Human Geography from King's College London. I have more than 20 years of experience in research and consulting on conservation, water, climate change, territorial planning, and environmental and indigenous regulation, as well as in participatory processes facilitating both public and private initiatives.
In consulting, I have worked on projects with ECLAC, UNEP, Fundación Futuro Latinoamericano, CSIRO Chile, WWF, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAPS Chile), and the Sustainability and Climate Change Agency, among others; and I have led more than 70 projects on community engagement and citizen participation for energy companies (Transelec, Colbún, AES Gener, etc.), mining companies (BHP, Anglo American, Antofagasta Minerals, Codelco, etc.), forestry companies (Arauco, Masisa), and transport companies (FCAB). Academically, I have been a professor and researcher at several Chilean universities, notably Universidad de Chile (Energy Center), Universidad Católica (CIGIDEN and the Institute of Sociology), Universidad Diego Portales (School of Sociology), and Universidad Católica de Temuco (Regional Observatory and Territorial Planning Laboratory), among others; as well as a visiting professor at Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros and the University of Toronto, on topics of development, climate change, and disasters.
I am currently CEO of Gisland and a director at Estado Local. I also work as Director of Community Affairs at Fundación Tierra Austral, and I teach and conduct research in Chile. I live in Santiago with my wife, my daughters, and my son.