Paula Zapata-Ramirez

College student holding her robotic toy at robotics classroom at school

Profile

Paula Zapata-Ramírez is a marine biodiversity expert advancing ocean policy, conservation tech, and community-based research across Latin America.

How did you get involved in engineering projects to address climate change? What were your background skills or experience?

I have led several projects focused on the use and adoption of technological tools from the field of engineering—such as underwater robotics, image processing, and artificial intelligence—for participatory mapping in marine environments. These tools support informed and inclusive decision-making in the management of marine and coastal resources.

What projects were you invloved in and what did you do?

Update of the National Environmental Policy for the Sustainable Development of Oceans, Coastal and Island Areas – PNAOCI. Marine Spatial Planning Expert. Colombian Ministry of Environment and Development – Minambiente – KFW-German Development Bank of the Federal Republic of Germany.

EUCDs: Nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate change adaptation in coastal cities and island systems in Colombia. Marine Spatial Planning Expert. European Union

Using remotely piloted aircraft systems as tools for coral reef monitoring, management, and stakeholders engagement. Principal Investigator, Funded by The Royal Academy of Engineering

Development of a technology-based methodology for the characterization of underwater ecosystems as tool towards marine spatial planning decisions of marine areas in the Colombian seas. Principal Investigator. Royal Academy Engineering. Industry-academia partnership – Colombia. Newton Fund Programme

What did you achieve?

Our work has contributed to the development of public policies in Colombia, supported the establishment of marine protected areas, and informed the spatial planning of marine and coastal zones. It has also promoted the adoption of technological tools for monitoring and tracking strategic marine ecosystems, and strengthened participatory monitoring efforts (citizen science) within coastal communities.

What challenges did you face and how?

Ensuring financial sustainability remains a key challenge for continuing our projects beyond the duration of grant funding. Currently, we are exploring blended financing mechanisms and blue economy-related business models that can help us continue supporting local communities in the sustainable use of their marine resources.