Valeria Stephanie Towns Alonso will be responsible for directing the Conservation Department of Pronatura Noroeste AC. The department is made up of more than 70 specialists in various topics addressed by this civil organization in northwestern Mexico.
Valeria Towns studied biology at UNAM and is currently in the process of completing her doctorate in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Ecology.
For 9 years she strengthened conservation and sustainable development programs in the Lacandona jungle, as part of the NGO Natura y Ecosistemas Mexicanos. There she coordinated the Mammal Monitoring Program throughout the region, in collaboration with institutions such as the National Commission of National Protected Areas (CONANP) and the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO). She has participated in several forums and congresses related to the ecology and conservation of tropical species, mainly related to the jaguar and its importance as a tool for conservation and the formulation of public policies that promote restoration and sustainable development in Mexico. In addition, she has participated in the writing of book chapters, articles on indexed scientific journals and dozens of articles for the dissemination of science and public policy.
She has taught Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees at UNAM for 8 years, as well as in some rural universities in the Chiapas jungle. From 2016 to 2019 she worked as Coordinator of Institutional Affairs and Director of Priority Species for Conservation at the National Commission of National Protected Areas.
In recent years she served as coordinator for the “Program for the Conservation of the Vaquita in the Upper Gulf of California” as part of the Whale Museum, an initiative in which various national and international organizations are involved, and whose objective is to address the problem from an innovative perspective that includes community engagement in the region and the development of alternative, traceable and profitable fisheries.
She is currently advisor for various public policy projects and natural resource conservation actions with several NGOs and agencies of the Federal Government, state governments and the legislative branch in Mexico, as well as with some US federal agencies and internationally prestigious institutions, such as the BBC and the National Geographic Society; the latter awarded her in 2021 with the “Emerging Explorers” recognition.
In announcing this important appointment, Gustavo Danemann, Executive Director of Pronatura Noroeste expressed that “Valeria’s experience and the diversity of her skills will allow us to boost the conservation work carried out by Pronatura Noroeste, as well as explore and develop new lines of action that will allow us to expand the impact of our organization”. As for Valeria Towns, she said “it is an honor for me to have the opportunity to be part of such a solid and experienced team as Pronatura Noroeste. I hope to be able to contribute, but above all to learn a lot from this collaboration.”
Valeria will begin her work heading Pronatura Noroeste’s Conservation Department with a tour of the organization’s work areas in northwestern Mexico, in order to make contact with the staff in charge, as well as with partners and allies, and to see the sites and the current status of each of the organization’s projects.
