Paula Andrea Zapata-Ramírez is a marine biodiversity expert, researcher, and consultant with over 15 years of international experience advancing ecosystem conservation, marine spatial planning, and science–policy integration across the Caribbean, Pacific, and Mediterranean regions. She is an Associate Professor at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana and an Associate Researcher at Center of Excellence in Marine Sciences (CEMARIN).Her work focuses on exploring and understanding marine ecosystems through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including satellite remote sensing, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). She applies these tools to high-resolution seafloor mapping and biodiversity assessments, supporting conservation planning and informed ocean management.Paula has led or co-led more than 25 multidisciplinary projects, including deep-sea ecosystem exploration, seabed surveys for submarine infrastructure, and the study of methane seeps in the Colombian Caribbean. Her research contributes to bridging scientific discovery with practical solutions for sustainable ocean governance.She has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and regularly contributes to international scientific forums. Paula holds a Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Ecology from the Polytechnic University of Marche, an MSc from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and a BSc from Jorge Tadeo Lozano University. She is committed to advancing collaborative, evidence-based approaches to marine conservation.
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