Elena Bastidas is an Assistant Professor of conflict resolution and environmental studies in the Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at NSU. She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in food and resource economics with a specialization in agricultural development and gender analysis from the University of Florida. A native of Ecuador, she was a co-principal investigator of a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation grant for training and capacity building in the protected areas of Ecuador and Colombia. She has been involved in conflict analysis and resolution via the conservation of biodiversity and development. Email: bastidas@nova.edu

Carlos Gonzalez is one of the founders of The Foundation for the Conservation and Protection of Natural Resources of South of Valle del Cauca Department (FUNECOROBLES). He is a recognized leader of the community of Robles and his accomplishments include the coordination of projects in the areas of education, community construction of knowledge, management of wetlands and organic farming. He also coordinates planning process of natural resources with the communities of Timba, Robles, Chagres, Quinamayo Y Villapaz, south of Valley del Couca and north of Cauca department.