Natalia Molina, a research professor at the Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES), was awarded with the Honorary Recognition to the Environmental Trajectory of Guayaquil, The award is the highest decoration granted by the Autonomous Decentralized Municipal Government of Guayaquil. This prestigious recognition highlights the constant and significant effort of people whose work has contributed in an outstanding way to the protection and conservation of the environment in the city.
During the City Council session, an emotional video was presented that reviewed the most important milestones of Molina's career, highlighting his scientific discoveries, such as the finding of two new species of spiders in 2023, and his contributions to the dissemination of local biodiversity with publications such as Trees of Guayaquil and Guide to the Biodiversity of Guayaquil, which have been an international reference. His pioneering work in the research and conservation of Guayaquil's mangrove and coastal ecosystems was also highlighted during the ceremony.
The mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Álvarez, presented the award to Molina, who was also recognized for her leadership in the creation of the research program Sustainable Biodiversity from Mangrove to Coral 2021-2050, The program's goal is to create community science stations for the integrated management of watersheds, which seeks to protect and restore mangroves and other fragile marine and coastal ecosystems such as the region's tropical dry forest. Through this program he has led the restoration of mangroves in Ecuador and this year he has reached the final of the 11th edition of the QS Reimagine Educations Awards, known as the Oscars of Education. In addition, it was mentioned for its active participation in the design of the Biodiversity Guide of Guayaquil, as well as its role in the organization of national congresses such as the 1st Ecuadorian Mangrove Congress in 2024 and international since 2019, as mangroves of America, and in the 2nd Congress held in 2022 in Merida-Mexico received recognition for its leadership in bringing Science closer to the mangrove communities and for creating these congresses.
«This recognition is a reflection of Natalia Molina's commitment to the conservation of our ecosystems and her dedication to education and awareness of the importance of biodiversity for future generations.», said Mayor Alvarez during the handover.
Molina, who has been working in environmental protection for more than 20 years, has also been instrumental in creating spaces for collaboration between academia, the community and the authorities, as evidenced by his participation in technical roundtables and the implementation of protocols for the sustainable management of urban green areas.
«My vision is to see Guayaquil become the world's first Biological Corridor City, linking its natural and urban ecosystems, restoring landscapes and promoting sustainability for future generations».», said Molina, who, in addition to her role as a researcher, continues to inspire students and environmental professionals through her work at UEES.
This recognition is just one of the many achievements Molina has garnered throughout his career. In 2020, his project Mangroves of Ecuador: an integrated study between academia and ancestral knowledge received the Sustainable Development Best Practices Award from the United Nations Global Compact, consolidating its position as one of the region's leading environmental advocates.
Molina, along with his research team and collaborators from various institutions, continues to work tirelessly to ensure the conservation of Ecuador's mangroves and other crucial ecosystems, and his work remains an example of dedication and passion for nature.
Greetings and congratulations dear Natalia. The recognition is felt by all of us who appreciate your achievements and who at some point shared, not only science and culture, but also your friendship. .