Who We Are
We envision a country with more protected land, where the bond between people and nature is strengthened.
Our Mission
Fundación Naturaleza Argentina is a non-governmental organization that works to protect biological and cultural diversity, promoting the creation of protected areas and other conservation strategies with local participation.
Our History
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We unite professionals committed to conservation to promote protected areas that ensure ecological connectivity, sustainable development, and the well-being of communities.
Lucila Castro
President
Lucila Castro is a biologist, a graduate of the National University of Córdoba, and a native of Miramar de Ansenuza.
She is the founder of Natura Argentina.
With extensive experience in conservation, she skillfully integrates science, institutional management, and community participation to achieve environmental protection goals.
She was one of the driving forces behind the creation of Ansenuza National Park.
Her international experience includes serving on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Salt Lake Research and as a collaborating researcher at the Institute of Ecology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
She has participated in numerous presentations and talks on wilderness areas, conservation, and the state of wetlands in countries such as Russia, China, Colombia, Brazil, the United States, and Mexico.
She has conducted research and internships at the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and the University of Cambridge.
In addition, she is part of the Flamingo Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
As a member of the board of directors of the World Land Trust, Lucila contributes her expertise in conservation and protected areas to promote protection strategies internationally.
It is a remarkable milestone that she is the first South American woman to be part of this decision-making body.
Her leadership in conservation has been recognized by her selection to participate in international initiatives for conservation leaders: Kinship Conservation Fellows and Boundless Fellowship (WWF).
When she is not working, Lucila's greatest passion is traveling, always with a purpose.
She greatly enjoys spending time with her dog Charo, taking dance classes, and sharing moments with her family, especially her nephews and nieces.
Team
María Laura Steffolani
Institutional Relations
Her main interests are working on environmental education projects, developing regional economies linked to protected areas, and promoting good governance. She holds a degree in Biology from the National University of Córdoba and a master's degree in biology and biodiversity conservation from the University of Salamanca, Spain.
Analía Gruben
Strategic Planning Director
She is a certified public accountant, graduated from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). She works on the design of strategies and processes that help organizations grow sustainably. With experience in management, innovation, and development, she believes in the value of connecting knowledge, people, and territories to build impactful solutions.
Daniela Peralta
Human Resources
She holds a University Technician degree in Human Resources and is also a Technician in Environmental Management. She found in Natura Argentina a place where she could combine her greatest interests, specializing in comprehensive human talent management. She worked in employee recruitment and onboarding, planning and execution of environmental education workshops, and also writes and edits academic texts.
Agustina Araya
Administrative Assistant
She is a student of Political Science at the National University of Córdoba. She is in charge of communication within the teams and provides support at different stages of projects, as well as working with the finance team. She learned about conservation through Natura Argentina and enjoys learning every day about the flora, fauna, and activities of the projects.
Agustina Conci
Communication Coordinator
She holds a degree in Social Communication from the National University of Córdoba and a diploma as a Social Media Manager. As a journalist, she worked in radio and various print media outlets in Córdoba. He collaborated with local and national media on environmental issues, especially on the loss of the Cordoba forest, the advance of agribusiness and the situation of protected areas.
Regina Luraschi
Responsable de Búsqueda de Fondos
Es Ingeniera Ambiental por la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Trabaja en la identificación y seguimiento de oportunidades de financiamiento, el desarrollo de propuestas y la elaboración de reportes. Cuenta con experiencia en proyectos de financiamiento climático y sostenible financiados por organismos multilaterales y agencias de cooperación, así como en el desarrollo y seguimiento de marcos de monitoreo e indicadores.
Billy Petrone
Graphic Designer
He has over 20 years of experience working with different organizations and companies, both in Argentina and abroad. He has worked as a consultant and designer in the areas of corporate visual identity, packaging design, and editorial design.He is a professor at the Provincial University of Córdoba.
Andrés Baissero
Technician
Park Ranger graduated from the Provincial University of Córdoba. He has experience as a volunteer in numerous conservation projects, as well as in different reserves and parks in Argentina. He worked as a park ranger and teaches at the environmental education school “Proyecto Ambiental” (Environmental Project).
Gonzalo Martínez
Technician
He holds a degree in Biological Sciences from the National University of Catamarca and is a doctoral student at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Miguel Lillo Institute, National University of Tucumán. He lives in Catamarca, where he works as an environmental consultant and bird guide in the Yungas region. He is passionate about conservation and the dissemination of science, especially regarding the great biodiversity of the Catamarca Yungas.
Manuela Duclo
Technician
She graduated from the University Technical Program in Park Ranger Studies at the Provincial University of Córdoba. She has worked and volunteered in various fields, combining tourism and environmental issues. She has also served as a park ranger in municipal and national protected areas. She is interested in combining the enjoyment of nature with its conservation through heritage interpretation, field studies, and communication.
Tatiana Sanchez
Technician
She is from Jujuy and studied Biological Sciences at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Miguel Lillo Institute, National University of Tucumán. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the same university, focusing on the micromammals of the province of La Rioja. In addition, as a postdoctoral research topic, he studied the systematic and morphological characterization of subterranean rodents in Northwest Argentina.
Martín Cano
Technician
He is an Agricultural Engineer with a postgraduate degree in agroecology. He has experience working with Wichi indigenous communities in the province of Formosa and was also part of the La Totora working group, which provides biological research and technical support in areas such as the use of medicinal plants and natural leather tanning. He provides technical support to communities in the Bañado la Estrella wetlands of the province of Formosa.
Laura Carrizo
Project Coordinator, Legal Coordinator
She is a lawyer with a diploma in Environmental Law. She has experience in the design, coordination, and implementation of projects related to biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and the empowerment of youth and local communities. Born in Famatina (La Rioja), she has spent much of her career supporting territorial processes and promoting participation in the protection of natural and cultural heritage. He has also provided legal support to local communities in defending their territories and rights, promoting citizen participation and access to information.
Lucas Segura
Comunicación socioambiental
Es catamarqueño, Licenciado en Comunicación Social por la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba y maestrando en Gestión y Conservación Ambiental. Trabajó como periodista socioambiental en Catamarca y cuenta con experiencia en comunicación de proyectos vinculados a la conservación y el ambiente. Le interesa comunicar la biodiversidad y acercar las iniciativas de conservación a distintos públicos. Disfruta de la fotografía de naturaleza y la música.
Nicolás Daniel Colombo
Consultor local
Es profesor de Biología y técnico universitario en Turismo Ecológico. Actualmente cursa la Licenciatura en Turismo Ecológico en la Universidad Nacional de La Rioja. Se desempeña como docente en los niveles secundario, superior y universitario, en espacios vinculados con la biología, la ecología, la geología y la educación ambiental. Le interesa especialmente vincular la educación, la conservación del patrimonio y el turismo sostenible como herramientas para promover el desarrollo local.
Alexis Luna
Consultor Local
Es profesor de Historia e investigador. Su recorrido integra educación, historia local, cultura, patrimonio y participación comunitaria en el oeste catamarqueño. Cuenta con experiencia en gestión pública, representación comunitaria y construcción de iniciativas sociales y culturales orientadas a la valoración del territorio y su patrimonio. Es autor de El vuelo del cóndor dorado e integra la Sociedad Argentina de Escritores (SADE). Le interesa la educación ambiental y la valoración del patrimonio natural y cultural. Además, es creador de Catamarca Desconocida, un proyecto independiente de registro y divulgación audiovisual sobre paisajes, memorias, modos de vida y patrimonio de Catamarca.
Advisory Board
Gerardo Ceballos
He is a researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and a member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences. He is dedicated to the conservation of species and their ecosystems, linking research advances with concrete solutions to environmental problems. Gerardo is an ecologist and conservationist with numerous published books and articles. His work has been recognized with multiple awards worldwide.
Claudio Bertonatti
Museologist, naturalist, and professor, with postgraduate degrees in Environmental Management and Historic Botanical Gardens. He has been dedicated to the conservation and interpretation of nature and cultural heritage since 1983. He has been linked to the Argentine School of Naturalists since its creation. He was Director of the Argentine Wildlife Foundation, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, and the Buenos Aires Zoo.
Malena Srur
Is a biologist with a focus on ecology, an expert in the use of Geographic Information Systems for the planning, implementation, and management of protected natural areas. She has focused her career on land conservation in Argentina, participating in the creation processes of the Iberá, El Impenetrable, Patagonia, Traslasierra, and Ansenuza National Parks.
Board of Directors
Gabriel Weggener
Board Member
Certified Public Accountant from the National University of Córdoba. He works as an independent consultant providing services to the commercial and non-profit sectors. He is a professor at the National University of Córdoba, head of the practical works department.
Cristina Piana
Board of Directors
She is a high school biology teacher. Her career combines teaching, institutional management, and participation in educational and community initiatives related to the environment and landscape design. She has participated in community and environmental activities, collaborating on landscaping and green space restoration projects in both private and community settings.
Lucila Castro
Board Member
Lucila Castro is a biologist, a graduate of the National University of Córdoba, and a native of Miramar de Ansenuza. She is the founder of Naturaleza Argentina and a leading figure in the conservation of wetlands and protected areas, with a prominent role in the creation of Ansenuza National Park.
Institutional alliances
Sponsors and Partners
