Lina Gutierrez Cala
Sustainability Specialist
Summary
Skilled sustainability specialist with strong technical, analytical, and communication abilities, focused on biodiversity and its interactions with local communities, businesses, and public policy. Adept at working in culturally diverse settings, applying context-specific approaches to stakeholder management. Proven ability to drive collaboration and deliver solutions that balance ecological and socioeconomic goals. Fluent in English and Spanish.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Senior Biodiversity Specialist
Ecopetrol-SGS
05.2023 - Current
- Conduct multi-country NBSAP analyses, identifying national, regional, and private sector priorities and gaps for GBF implementation.
- Assisted the co-chair of the GBF Taskforce at IPIECA, on generating the first published report of contributions from the Oil & Gas sector to the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Streamline data processes to improve sustainability reporting.
- Provided technical advice on NbS projects to improve biodiversity and community outcomes in company projects.
- Mentored interns, promoting their career development through networking.
Researcher
University of Magdalena
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Led stakeholder engagement, actor mapping and expert interviews to identify artisanal fisheries' contributions to achieving the SDGs.
- Facilitated discussions between coastal communities, experts, and local authorities to promote inclusive, culturally relevant decision-making amid climate change.
- Optimized project management strategies to adhere to strict timelines, effectively managing resources.
Research Consultant
Duke University and Stockholm Resilience Centre
01.2021 - 06.2022
- Designed the analytical framework for the IPBES assessment on multidimensional fisheries values, contributing to the Summary for Policy Makers.
- Conducted global institutional analysis and actor mapping related to deep-sea knowledge generation.
- Synthesized key findings into a Summary for Policy Makers, published by the IUCN. Managed project planning and coordination for global partner meetings.
Bioeconomy Intern
Stockholm Environment Institute
09.2020 - 02.2021
- Identified business opportunities based on forest products with applications in the health segment.
- Convened and provided technical support for online workshops with multiple actors of the acai value chain in Colombia
- Generated written and oral reports on the outcomes
M.Sc. Student and Researcher
Stockholm Resilience Centre
09.2018 - 01.2021
- Facilitated 10 focus groups with coastal communities to understand historic perspectives on mangrove environmental change.
- Collaborated on group projects analyzing client-focused analyses on systemic changes in coffee production in Colombia.
- Initiated, with fellow students, the Latin American studies group at the Centre.
- Scientific project manager overseeing planning and financial aspects of a 5.000 EUR budget.
Lecturer
Universidad Militar Nueva Granada
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Curriculum development for History of Science and Urban Biodiversity courses in collaboration with colleagues
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Moderated debates and student dialogues with civil society organizations as part of class discussions
Biodiversity Analyst
Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research
11.2016 - 05.2017
- Analyzed impacts and conservation strategies for coral reef fish populations in Indonesia, in collaboration with WWF
- Coordinated fieldwork logistics and project management including financial aspects within a 20.000 EUR budget
Researcher
Universidad De Los Andes
05.2015 - 11.2016
- Spearheaded collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, fostering holistic approach to research problems.
- Led the project management including travel logistics, partner meetings and financial aspects of a 20.000USD budget.
Jr. Biodiversity Analyst
Ecoral S.A.S
03.2013 - 03.2014
- Led coral-reef biodiversity monitoring expeditions in Cartagena, Colombia.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for coral reef conservation and economic development in the area
Education
Master of Science - Social-ecological Resilience & Sustainability
Stockholm Resilience Centre - Stockholm University
Stockholm 05.2001 -
Master of Science - Biology (Marine Science Focus)
Universidad De Los Andes
Bogota, Colombia 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Universidad De Los Andes
Bogota, Colombia 05.2001 -
Skills
Stakeholder management
Systemic thinking
Effective communication
Cultural competence
Teamwork and Collaboration
Adaptability and Flexibility
Problem-Solving
Extensive Industry network
References
- Ana Cristina Sanchez Thorin - Environmental Manager Ecopetrol
- Lina Maria Saavedra - Associate Professor Universidad del Magdalena
- Guillermo Ortuño-Crespo - Co-Lead of the IUCN WCPA High Seas Specialist Group
*Contact details available upon request
Timeline
Senior Biodiversity Specialist
Ecopetrol-SGS
05.2023 - Current
Researcher
University of Magdalena
09.2022 - 06.2023
Research Consultant
Duke University and Stockholm Resilience Centre
01.2021 - 06.2022
Bioeconomy Intern
Stockholm Environment Institute
09.2020 - 02.2021
M.Sc. Student and Researcher
Stockholm Resilience Centre
09.2018 - 01.2021
Lecturer
Universidad Militar Nueva Granada
01.2018 - 06.2018
Biodiversity Analyst
Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research
11.2016 - 05.2017
Researcher
Universidad De Los Andes
05.2015 - 11.2016
Jr. Biodiversity Analyst
Ecoral S.A.S
03.2013 - 03.2014
Master of Science - Social-ecological Resilience & Sustainability
Stockholm Resilience Centre - Stockholm University
05.2001 -
Master of Science - Biology (Marine Science Focus)
Universidad De Los Andes
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Universidad De Los Andes
05.2001 -
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