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.