Short Bio:
My name is Abril Aguirre Padilla, I’m 30 years old and I’m from Chihuahua, México.  I obtained a bachelor degree in Ecological Engineering in 2001 at the University of Chihuahua.  Since then I started working as field technician with non governmental conservation organizations in Chihuahua. I worked facilitating watershed restoration and soil conservation training workshops to restore the riparian ecosystem and protect the natural springs; provided technical support on ethno ecological mapping for indigenous communities to evaluate their natural resources and conservation priorities.  I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in protected areas management at Colorado State University thanks to a USAID-TIES scholarship.

• People perceptions of natural resources. How rural or indigenous communities valuate the natural environment.

• GIS- spatial analysis of social data, mapping cultural and social aspects 

• Tourism (eco, ethno, alternative, sustainable) as a tool for natural resources conservation and its impacts on local cultures

• As a field technician for non governmental conservation organizations, facilitated ethno-ecological mapping workshops to indigenous promoters to evaluate their resource base and conservation priorities; watershed restoration and soil conservation workshops to restore riparian ecosystems and protect natural springs. Facilitated natural resource planning, community sustainable development proposals and environmental education forums for indigenous and mestizo communities in the Sierra Tarahumara.

• I enjoy hiking, racquetball and volleyball. Also, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

• Padilla Resume