Restoring Corals with Genomics & Socio-Ecology: An Integral-Driven Approach
56%
average score over 1 application evaluations
Evaluating coral restoration success in the Mexican Caribbean using genomics, socio-ecological approaches, and local empowerment to improve efforts and assess community awareness and stakeholder engagement.

My name is María Geovana Leon-Pech. I have a PhD in Marine Ecology from CICESE, Ensenada, Mexico, an MSc in Marine Science from CINVESTAV-IPN, and a BSc from Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM). I completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Rhode Island, USA, and I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at TecNM-Chetumal.

My expertise is in population genetics, ecology, and biology of coral reef ecosystems, focusing on genetic structure and diversity of marine populations. I have initiated collaborations in coral restoration projects, integrating genetic diversity studies in restored populations with various marine conservations associations.

As a Divemaster, I have contributed to coral reef ecology projects in the Pacific and Mexican Caribbean and have coordinated my work with other academic and environmental institutions.

My project will evaluate the success of coral restoration in the south of the Mexican Caribbean using an integrated framework that combines genomics, socio-ecological approaches, and local empowerment.

I am currently seeking funding to assess local perspectives on coral restoration programs, evaluate awareness of marine conservation, and develop standardized social indicators for assessing restoration initiatives.

I will carry out this project with bachelor students and three associations working in the field of coral reef conservation: MARES Center, A.C.; Oceanus A.C.; and Ecologic Center Akumal, A.C. (https://marescenter.org/es/inicio/; https://ceakumal.org/; https://www.facebook.com/oceanus.ac).

Primary goal of the social-ecology Approach: To improve coral restoration efforts in the Mexican Caribbean, an integrated framework that combines genomics, social-ecological approaches, and local empowerment will be used.

Specific social-ecological objectives:

• Monitor corals' survival, growth, and physical parameters from restoration sites. • To assess local perceptions of restoration programs and coral reef ecological services. • To identify engaged stakeholders (fishers, divers, tour operators, researchers, policy makers, and local communities) through participatory surveys. • Raise public awareness through local campaigns, educational programs, and digital storytelling.

Restoring Corals with Genomics & Socio-Ecology: An Integral-Driven Approach History

People donating to Restoring Corals with Genomics & Socio-Ecology: An Integral-Driven Approach, also donated to

DeSci Asia
A marine biologist creates educational content highlighting Mexican Caribbean reef fish to raise awareness about reef conservation through social media, using scientific rigor and audiovisual art.
A mobile educational fair in Mexico for children (4-12), promoting ocean literacy with interactive activities using recycled materials across Mérida, Campeche, and Chetumal.
"Reef Memory" by Kaith uses handcrafted ceramic substrates to aid marine ecosystem restoration in Cozumel, combining art and science to support coral growth and biodiversity.
An interdisciplinary project documenting and protecting shark habitats in Cozumel through local knowledge, research, education, and advocacy, engaging over 7,000 people in marine conservation.