olga jordi torres | Ecology biodiversity management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. olga jordi torres | Ecology biodiversity management | Best Researcher Award

Technician ecology management | Government of Catalonia | Spain

Olga Jordi Torres is a highly skilled ecologist and biologist specializing in biodiversity conservation and environmental management. She holds a PhD in Biology with a focus on conservation and biodiversity management from the University of Barcelona. Currently, she works in the Biodiversity and Natural Environment Section at the Department of Territory, Housing, and Ecological Transition of the Generalitat de Catalunya. Olga’s work revolves around the conservation of biodiversity, forest management, and water body rehabilitation, with a particular emphasis on designing and planning conservation strategies that adapt to climate change and human activity. She is also a member of the research group ECOCONS of IRBIO/UB.

Profile

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Education:

Olga Jordi Torres completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), with a specialization in zoology and systems biology. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Terrestrial Ecology and Biodiversity Management from UAB. Her doctoral research, focused on bioacoustics and forest management, was conducted at the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, studying the ecoacoustics of the Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). She also holds certifications in drone piloting and forest analysis through remote sensing technologies such as LIDAR and GIS software.

Experience:

Olga’s professional experience spans over a decade, with a focus on fauna and forest management. She has worked in various research and conservation projects across Spain and internationally, including species recovery programs, ecosystem monitoring, and habitat restoration. From 2016 to 2023, she played a key role in managing wildlife and ecosystems in Catalonia, particularly within the context of natural parks and conservation projects. Her experience includes the management of forest ecosystems, the assessment of wildlife populations, and the implementation of forest management strategies to enhance resilience to climate change.

Research Interests:

Olga’s research interests are centered on forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, bioacoustics, and the use of remote sensing technologies in environmental management. Her doctoral thesis focused on the ecoacoustics of the Western Capercaillie, utilizing ambisonic bio-acoustic techniques to study the relationship between sound propagation and habitat selection. She is particularly interested in how acoustic monitoring can inform the management of species and habitats, ensuring their resilience in the face of climate change. Additionally, her work involves analyzing forest structure and using LIDAR and satellite technologies for ecosystem monitoring.

Awards:

Throughout her career, Olga has been recognized for her contributions to biodiversity conservation and forest management. Notably, her doctoral research was well-received, and she has been involved in numerous award-winning conservation projects. She has received various accolades for her work on bioacoustics and her contributions to the ecological management of natural habitats.

Publications:

Olga’s work has been published in several prominent scientific journals. Her doctoral thesis, “Ecoacústica del gall fer Tetrao urogallus al Pirineu català,” was submitted to the University of Barcelona. Other significant publications include:

  1. Jordi, O., Farina, A., Mañosa, S. (2024). Sound amplitude (dB) of male Western Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus calls. Revista Catalana d’Ornitologia, 39, 60–64. DOI
  2. Jordi, O., Puig, X., Farina, A., Mañosa, S. (2024). Vocal individuality of Western Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus male calls, an ambisonic bio-acoustic approach. Bird Study. DOI
  3. Jordi, O., Farina, A., Mañosa, S. (2024). Forest sound propagation and habitat selection in Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.). Forest Ecology and Management. (In press)
  4. Jordi, O., Arizaga, J. (2016). Sex differences in growth rates of Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis chicks. Bird Study, 63(2), 273–278. DOI
  5. Jordi, O., Herrero, A., Aldalur, A., Cuadrado, J. F., Arizaga, J. (2014). The impact of non–local birds on yellow–legged gulls (Larus michahellis) in the Bay of Biscay: a dump–based assessment. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 37, 183-190. DOI

Conclusion:

Olga Jordi Torres has demonstrated exceptional expertise in ecology and biodiversity management. With a solid foundation in research and practical experience, she continues to contribute to the scientific community through her work in biodiversity conservation, forest management, and the application of innovative techniques such as bioacoustics and remote sensing. Her research not only advances scientific knowledge but also provides practical solutions for ecosystem management and conservation. Through her work, Olga is dedicated to enhancing the resilience of natural environments and ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

Mr. Ho-Tu Chiang | Environmental Crime | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ho-Tu Chiang | Environmental Crime | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ho-Tu Chiang, Ocean Outcomes, Taiwan

Mr. Ho-Tu Chiang is an expert in sustainable seafood and fisheries management, currently serving as Asia Fishery Improvement Manager at Ocean Outcomes, where he has overseen impactful projects enhancing fishery sustainability and transparency. He holds an MA in International Criminal Justice from John Jay College, CUNY, and an MSc in Marine Geology and Geophysics from National Taiwan University. His research and professional work span areas such as IUU fishing, ocean governance, and environmental crime. With certifications in social responsibility and fishery assessments, Mr. Chiang has contributed significantly to policies and programs aimed at advancing sustainable practices in global fisheries. He is a published researcher on drug trafficking and marine crime, and a recognized leader, honored by Common Wealth Magazine and the Blue Pioneer Accelerator Program.

Professional Profile:

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Suitability for the Award:

Mr. Chiang’s research in IUU fishing, fishery management, and environmental crime makes him a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work directly addresses pressing environmental and policy challenges, and his multidisciplinary approach bridges criminal justice and marine science, making valuable contributions to global sustainability and conservation efforts.

Academic Background:

Ho-Tu Chiang holds a MA in International Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and an MSc in Marine Geology and Geophysics from National Taiwan University. His academic journey emphasizes the intersection of criminal justice, marine science, and sustainability.

Professional Experience:

As the Asia Fishery Improvement Manager at Ocean Outcomes, Ho-Tu led impactful projects with over 100 tuna longline vessels, boosting revenue by more than 600%. He pioneered a National Electronic Monitoring Policy with a budget of USD 665,000, advancing transparency and data in sustainable fishing. Previously, he conducted research at John Jay College, publishing studies on drug trafficking via fishing vessels and contributing to international wildlife trade policy assessments.

Research Focus & Certifications:

Ho-Tu’s expertise spans IUU Fishing, Crimes at Sea, Wildlife Crime, and Fishery Management. His certifications include the Marine Stewardship Council Fishery Team Member Certificate and Social Responsibility Assessment for Seafood.

Honors & Awards:

He is a Blue Pioneer Accelerator Program Fellow at UC Santa Cruz, recognized as a Top 10 Highlight Leader by Common Wealth Magazine in 2023, and has earned grants such as the Blue Pioneer Accelerator Program Grant and the Coast Guard Administration Extraordinary Graduate Scholarship.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Title: A synthesis of wild animal-related trade laws in some of the world’s most biodiverse countries
  • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
  • Publication Date: March 2024
  • Contributors: Gohar A. Petrossian, Angie Elwin, Monique Sosnowski, Thanaphon Nunphong, Ho-Tu Chiang, Jim Karani Riungu, Neil D’Cruze