Current Team

Dr. Olga Barbosa – Founder of the VCCB Program

Ph.D. in Ecology, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

Regional Ministerial Secretariat for Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation of Chile’s Southern Macrozone

NDE Researcher – Conicyt Rings Project – The Production of Gender Norms

Faculty member at the Universidad Austral de Chile

My research focuses on the intersection of ecosystem ecology and biological conservation in human-dominated landscapes. I am particularly interested in researching how multifunctional landscapes can contribute to the provision of ecosystem services, primarily in agroecosystems and cities. My goal is to identify synergies between the needs of our society and biodiversity conservation, developing strategies that can make an impact and drive change by engaging various stakeholders. Leading the VCCB has given me the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary manner and interact with the wine industry, inspiring me more and more each day to work toward integrating science into society.

Karina Godoy – VCCB Coordinator

Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Conservation, Universidad Austral de Chile

Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB-Chile)

I am responsible for coordinating and managing VCCB projects. My research focuses on integrated management systems and collaborative networks among various stakeholders to contribute to biodiversity conservation in productive areas.

Nicolás Arcos

Ecólogo MSc. Universidad Austral de Chile,
Agricultural Engineer, Universidad Catolica de Chile

A professional with experience in applied ecology, environmental management, and biodiversity, specializing in native flora, ecological restoration, and spatial analysis using GIS. He has participated in environmental research and consulting projects at universities, research centers, and private companies, focusing on conservation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental assessment. He currently works as a researcher and extension specialist at the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, conducting research on agroecosystems and natural systems.

Germán Schlicht

Geógrafo Universidad Austral de Chile

A professional specializing in geography, spatial analysis, and territorial sustainability, with experience in applied research, agroecology, and biodiversity conservation. He has participated in FONDECYT projects, agroecological transition initiatives, and land management processes related to agricultural heritage and conservation in southern Chile. He currently works as a support staff member at the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity and as a research assistant at the Universidad Austral de Chile, conducting spatial analyses and providing technical support for scientific and land-use projects.