Irene Otamendi Urroz

Predoctoral Researcher

Irene holds a double Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Navarra and a Master’s degree in Biodiversity Conservation, Management and Restoration from the University of Granada. She is currently a PhD student in the Applied Environmental Sciences program at the University of Almería, funded by a predoctoral fellowship (FPI) from the Andalusian Regional Government (Junta de Andalucía). Her doctoral research is supervised by Dr. Antonio J. Castro and Dr. Cristina Quintas-Soriano.

Her doctoral project focuses on the conservation of biocultural diversity in Spanish rural agroecosystems. She adopts a mixed-methods approach that has been combining systematic literature reviews, the development of a spatial index using online data, and participatory fieldwork—including interviews, surveys, and community workshops—to better understand how different generations perceive and engage with biocultural diversity in their rural landscapes.

As part of her academic training, Irene has carried out international research stays at the University of Western Australia (Perth), working with Prof. Graeme Cumming on remote biocultural diversity mapping, and at the University of Turku (Finland), collaborating with Dr. Nora Fagerholm on the participatory mapping of biocultural diversity. These experiences have broadened her methodological perspective and strengthened her commitment to interdisciplinary research in social-ecological systems.

Irene’s research interests include biocultural diversity, socio-ecological systems, landscape values and traditional knowledge. She is particularly driven by a desire to explore the emotional and cultural connections between people and nature, and how these connections influence conservation attitudes and decisions. Her work aims to inform more inclusive and effective conservation strategies that integrate local knowledge, intergenerational perspectives, and participatory governance.

Born and raised in Arazuri, a small village in Navarra, Irene’s passion for nature and science was nurtured from an early age. This personal connection with rural landscapes continues to inspire her work. She believes that science must serve people and nature alike, and she is committed to building stronger bridges between research, policy, and society.