Executive Committee
Rodrigo Soria Auza
Rodrigo earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Universidad Mayor de San Simón in Cochabamba, Bolivia. In 2003, he moved to Santa Cruz to join Armonía, where he worked until 2005, leading teams of biologists in identifying Key Biodiversity Areas and Important Bird Areas in Bolivia. He also developed the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Conservation and Research Program, becoming the first biologist to document the population of this endangered species in TIPNIS. In 2005, he began his PhD at the University of Göttingen, Germany, earning his degree in 2009. He subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship in 2011, the year he returned to Armonía as Director of Conservation Programs. Since 2016, he has served as Executive Director. Rodrigo has also been a member of the Executive Committee of BirdLife International’s Americas Regional Council since 2018 and has served on the organization’s Global Council since 2022.
Tjalle Boorsma
Director of Development
Tjalle is a Dutch ecologist who has lived in Bolivia for the past 10 years. He holds a Master of Science in Forest and Nature Conservation, specializing in Terrestrial Ecology, from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. In 2015, he joined the Armonía team as Conservation Program Coordinator for the Barba Azul Nature Reserve. Since 2016, he has overseen work focused on shorebirds, and in 2018 he became Director of Conservation Projects, leading various initiatives to conserve Bolivia’s most threatened bird species and their habitats.
Bennett Hennessey
Bennett was born in Quebec City, Canada, and studied Biology at the University of Toronto. After spending a year working in the Congo, he moved to Bolivia, where he dedicated himself exclusively to bird conservation. From 2003 to 2015, he served as Executive Director of Asociación Civil Armonía. Throughout his career, his work has been diverse, including roles as a field researcher, conservation program coordinator, and project supervisor. In recent years, his primary focus has been fundraising and grant management. He has developed thousands of successful proposals for Armonía’s conservation programs. Bennett is also multilingual and speaks English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Iván Perez Hurtado
Administrative Director
Iván holds a degree in Business Administration from Universidad Mayor de San Simón in Cochabamba, Bolivia. His undergraduate research and first job focused on the “Learning by Doing” methodology, working with young people from producer associations in the Cochabamba tropics to improve agricultural product prices. He later served as Technical Director of Fundación Natura’s Chaco Program, where he also worked as an advisor on institutional and administrative strengthening. Iván also worked as an advisor and administrator at the Simón I. Patiño Center for Applied Ecology. He currently serves as Administrative Director at Armonía. In addition to his administrative career, Iván is a passionate musician and music producer and owns a recording studio in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Daniela Aguirre Torres
Priority Andean Forests Program Coordinator
Daniela is a biologist, anthropologist, and visual artist who has brought these disciplines together through a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, with a specialization in Energy Governance, from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO) in Ecuador, and a specialization in Art Anthropology from the Center for Research and Higher Studies in Social Anthropology (CIESAS) in Mexico. With more than 17 years of research experience, she has worked in Bolivia and Ecuador on conservation, climate change, gender and identities, interculturality, local capacity building, and environmental education. Daniela has also combined research and art through various consultancies and collaborative art projects exhibited in Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, and Uruguay. From 2006 to 2010, she worked on Armonía’s Cranioleuca henricae Conservation Project. Since 2018, she has supported other Armonía projects through various consulting assignments.
Rocio Alanoca Quispe
Barba Azul Nature Reserve Protection and Tourism Manager
She holds a degree in Tourism, with a focus on project planning, and has 10 years of experience in commercial operations, alternative energy—including solar and efficient wood-burning stoves—and project administration. Her passion for nature has been a constant throughout her life and professional career, leading her to work on environmental projects and animal rescue initiatives as both a professional and volunteer. At BANR, she now has the opportunity to apply her knowledge and experience to contribute to the protection of the Blue-throated Macaw’s habitat.
Yakmila Aparicio
Legal Coordinator for Environmental Law, Governance, and Conservation Mechanisms
She holds a law degree and has approximately 14 years of experience, specializing in environmental law. She has expertise in climate change adaptation, environmental management, and environmental impact assessment. She has postgraduate training in Higher Education, Water and Sanitation, and SABS regulations, as well as a Master’s degree in Environmental Management and Auditing, with a specialization in Environmental Law. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Constitutional and Administrative Law.
Jesús Arauz Alvarado
Barba Azul Nature Reserve Maintenance Ranger
Jesús Araúz Arévalo is an automotive mechanics technician with extensive experience maintaining and operating heavy equipment, including tractors, as well as the smaller equipment used by park rangers. His professional background also includes work as a contractor on local construction projects and at cattle ranches, where he developed practical skills and knowledge of the local environment. Originally from the area where the reserve is located, Jesús has an in-depth knowledge of the region and has witnessed firsthand the changes and transformations that have taken place since the creation of the Barba Azul Nature Reserve. His experience and local knowledge make him a valuable member of the ranger team.
Luis Arauz Flores
Cowboy – Barba Azul Nature Reserve
Sustainable Ranching Program
He has extensive experience managing cattle ranches using native pasture rotational grazing systems, as well as training horses through natural horsemanship techniques.
Raul Arispe Flores
Nursery Assistant – Priority Andean Forests Program
Coming from a family of flower growers, he developed a strong interest in seedling production from a young age. This led him to work for four years as a nursery worker with the Government of Cochabamba. He has also actively participated in forest management and wildfire prevention and control activities in Tunari National Park, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental conservation and the protection of natural resources.
Marlene Barral Quintana
Sustainable Ranching Coordinator in the Llanos de Moxos
She is a Forest Engineer with a Master’s degree in Climate Change and Environmental Valuation, specializing in agricultural projects and sustainable forest management. Since 2001, she has promoted the integration of livestock production and environmental conservation through the World Bank’s National Biomass Program. Starting in 2011, she worked with German Cooperation (GIZ), leading the redesign of the Forest and Water Management Model for Sustainable Livestock Ranching in the Chaco, incorporating climate change adaptation, gender, and intercultural approaches.
Teodoro Camacho Reyes
Researcher
Teodoro is originally from the municipality of Aiquile, in Campero Province, Cochabamba. He studied Biology at Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS). With more than a decade of experience in conservation research projects, Teodoro has led important initiatives at various institutions. At Asociación Armonía, he has played a key role in conservation projects such as Palkachupa Cotinga and Tangara Inti. He also participated in the National Red-fronted Macaw Census and contributed to nest-box monitoring at the Laney Rickman Reserve. He has coordinated shorebird surveys in several regions of Bolivia, developing extensive expertise in the use of camera traps. He is also an accomplished wildlife photographer. Teodoro currently coordinates the Pauxi Unicornis Program.
Yanet Cruz Sosa
Barba Azul Program Coordination Assistant
Yanet holds a degree in Environmental Sciences, a postgraduate diploma in Environmental Impact from Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno, and a certification in Accounting from Instituto Técnico Domingo Savio in Santa Cruz. She began her career working in planning and logistics for inbound tourism. She has experience as a park ranger in Amboró Protected Area and was also part of the ranger team at Lomas de Arena Protected Area. Since 2022, she has been part of Armonía as an Assistant to the Blue-throated Macaw Conservation Program, providing follow-up and logistical support to the Barba Azul and Laney Rickman Reserves.
Endara Natalia
Project Assistant
She holds a degree in Environmental Engineering and Development from Universidad Zamorano in Honduras. She has experience implementing and monitoring rural development and conservation projects, working with nongovernmental organizations, public institutions, communities, and international cooperation programs. She has participated in initiatives focused on strengthening local production, providing technical support in the field, and systematizing information, including processes related to protected areas and national parks in Bolivia. She speaks English and French. Passionate about biodiversity, agroforestry systems, and specialty coffee, she believes that sustainable production and conservation can go hand in hand. She currently serves as a Project Assistant for the Nature’s Heartbeat project at Armonía.
Mayer Escobar
Logistics Assistant
He has worked as a driver for various companies since 2009, developing strong skills in safe and responsible driving. Throughout his career, he has received training in defensive driving, particularly for 4×4 vehicles, as well as first aid, fire extinguisher use, and response to oil and fuel spills. This training has strengthened his ability to act efficiently and preventively in a range of situations.
Celeyda Espinoza Nogales
Cochabamba Regional Office Coordinator
Celeyda holds a degree in Business Administration and graduated with academic honors from Universidad Mayor de San Simón. Passionate about conservation, she volunteered with various nongovernmental organizations across Bolivia during her university years, strengthening her commitment to environmental protection.
Norma Espinoza Cabreros
Nursery Specialist
Norma is a nursery specialist with more than 10 years of experience in seedling production and floriculture in the municipality of Tiquipaya. Raised in a farming and flower-growing family, she developed a deep connection with plants and nursery work from an early age. She is also a volunteer community firefighter, reflecting her commitment to community service and collective well-being. She is the mother of two daughters.
César Flores Aguilera
Laney Rickman Nature Reserve Ranger – Barba Azul Program
Born and raised in Loreto, Beni Department, he has worked with Armonía since 2009. He began with the artificial nest-box project in the Loreto area and contributed to the early stages of establishing the Barba Azul Nature Reserve. Since 2018, he has served as a park ranger at the Laney Rickman Reserve. His responsibilities include patrolling the reserve, monitoring nest boxes, and maintaining the facilities. He is a passionate advocate for the Blue-throated Macaw and a strong believer in the importance of nest boxes for its conservation.
Rodrigo Flores Mamani
Monitoring Technician
Rodrigo is a Forest Engineer and a member of the Tunari Program team. He began his career with the program as an intern from the Forestry School (ESFOR-UMSS). He currently works as a monitoring technician for reforested areas, contributing to ecosystem conservation and restoration. His passion for nature began at an early age, leading him to pursue a career aligned with his commitment to environmental conservation.
Judith Gonzales López
Community Watershed Management Facilitator
She is a community leader from District 3 of the municipality of Tiquipaya. Originally from the community of Thola Pujru and raised in a farming family of five siblings, she is the only one in her family to complete her studies and has held various leadership positions in local social organizations. She earned a technical degree in Municipal Management in 2021 and is currently studying Agronomy at Universidad Mayor de San Simón. She began her leadership journey as Recording Secretary of a women’s organization, later becoming the leader of her community and serving as Executive Secretary of the 13 de Agosto Subcentral and the Quillacollo Provincial Central. In addition to farming, she has worked in domestic cleaning and with the local Irrigation Committee. She also served as a municipal councilor for Tiquipaya from 2010 to 2013 and as Sub-Mayor of District 3 from 2015 to 2020. During this period, she became involved with the 13 de Agosto Watershed Management Organization (OGC 13 de Agosto), which works to protect local watersheds.
Remmy Huanca Chambi
Social Assistant – Palkachupa Program
Born and raised in Apolo, in northern La Paz Department, he is an agronomist by profession and has been part of Armonía’s technical team for the Palkachupa Cotinga Program since 2024. With nine years of experience in rural productive development, he has worked in several municipalities in northern La Paz, including Apolo, Ixiamas, and Mapiri, where he has contributed to strengthening local productive activities.
Rafael Limpias Coimbra
Cowboy – Laney Rickman Reserve
Sustainable Ranching Program
He has 12 years of experience managing cattle on native pastures, milking dual-purpose crossbred cows, and producing artisanal organic cheese, butter, and manjar blanco.
Edson Lopez Zambrana
Sustainable Ranching Coordinator
Edson is an Agricultural Engineer with a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development of Nature Reserves. Since the Sustainable Ranching Program was established in May 2019, he has worked within the Barba Azul and Laney Rickman Nature Reserves in the Llanos de Moxos, Beni, Bolivia. He introduced the cattle breed adapted to the Moxeño ecosystem, Brahman Yacumeño, and implemented native pasture management using a rotational grazing system designed to work in harmony with the surrounding environment, including its flora and fauna.
Mamerto Lopez Zabala
Cowboy – Barba Azul Nature Reserve
He has seven years of experience managing beef cattle, handling horses, and using ropes for cattle work in the field and at rodeos, as well as applying good livestock management practices. He has experience installing and repairing fixed and portable electric fencing, as well as basic knowledge of natural horsemanship techniques.
Sofia Lottersberger Marin
Conservation Programs and Projects Monitoring Coordinator
She is a biologist trained at Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, specializing in ornithology. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Society and Environment at CIDES-UMSA, with the goal of deepening her conservation work with local communities.
Jhulian Machuca Medina
Barba Azul Nature Reserve Ranger
Jhulian is a Forest Engineer and also holds a technical degree in Accounting. He is a volunteer with the K9 Search and Rescue Unit for Wildlife, where he holds the rank of Officer. Born in the municipality of Saipina, Manuel María Caballero Province, Santa Cruz, Jhulian is responsible at the Barba Azul Reserve for monitoring, ground and aerial patrols using drones, assisting visitors, camera-trap monitoring, general maintenance, and responding to emergencies related to wildfires.
Dennis Mollinedo Gutiérrez
Deputy Coordinator – Priority Andean Forests Program
He was born in Catavi, in northern Potosí Department, and comes from a mining family. He holds a degree in Forest Engineering from Universidad Mayor de San Simón. His strong interest in environmental conservation has led him to expand his expertise through postgraduate training in areas such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Natural Forest Management, and Forest Plantation Management. Throughout his career, he has held various positions at institutions including the Authority for the Social Control and Supervision of Forests and Land (ABT), INIAF, ENDE, and La Chonta, among others. In 2023, he joined the Asociación Armonía team and currently serves as Deputy Coordinator of the Tunari Project, working to protect and sustainably manage natural resources in the region.
Huascar Morales Quintela
Barba Azul Program Coordinator
Huascar is the Coordinator of the Barba Azul Program. He leads the management of the Barba Azul and Laney Rickman Nature Reserves, coordinating conservation, research, and institutional engagement, with a focus on the program’s long-term sustainability and strengthening partnerships. He has a background in geography, anthropology, demography, and development, with a professional career focused on territorial management. He has worked with local organizations, technical teams, and donors, combining technical analysis with an understanding of local social dynamics. As a father, he sees conservation as a tangible responsibility toward the future.
Edwin Nogales Aguilar
Production Manager – Priority Andean Forests Program
Edwin holds a technical degree in Community Productive Municipal Management. He has more than 13 years of experience managing production in forest nurseries. He has received several awards for his active participation in wildfire prevention and control in Tunari National Park. Edwin joined the Armonía team in March 2021.
Marco Nogales Ledezma
Logistics Assistant
Marco is part of the logistics support team, contributing to the organization and implementation of activities in the field and office. He has extensive knowledge of Tunari National Park, the area where he comes from, bringing valuable local knowledge and perspective to the organization’s work. He is known for his reliability and commitment, providing essential support for the successful implementation of activities.