Mariana Varese

Mariana Varese is a prominent conservation professional who currently serves as the Director of Amazon Landscapes at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).12 With over 15 years of experience in conservation efforts focused on the Amazon and Latin America, Varese has established herself as a leader in the field.2

Professional Background

Varese holds a Master's degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Florida and is trained as a natural resources economist.1 Her expertise spans several key areas:

• Community-based conservation
• Landscape and multi-scale conservation approaches
• Natural resource economics
• Evidence-based participatory planning
• Adaptive management

Current Roles and Responsibilities

At WCS, Mariana Varese has taken on significant leadership positions:

1. Director of Amazon Landscapes13
2. Director of the Citizen Science for the Amazon Project1
3. Leader of the Secretariat of the Amazon Waters Alliance, a network of over 25 partners from seven countries6

Career Progression

Varese's career at WCS has shown steady growth:

• January 2017 - Present: Director, Amazon Landscapes3
• July 2009 - December 2016: Director, Andes-Amazon Region & Deputy Director, LACP / Amazonia3

Areas of Interest

Mariana Varese's current focus areas include:

• Citizen engagement in science, conservation, and sustainable development
• Effective use of evidence in decision-making
• Public goods in the context of conservation

Recognition and Impact

Varese is a respected voice in the field of Amazon conservation. She has been featured in WCS's Wild Audio podcast, discussing conservation efforts in the Amazon.5 Her work has also been cited in research publications, indicating her influence in the scientific community.4