Catalina Mardones

Catalina (Cata) is a Chilean ecologist, with an Honours degree in Plant Biotechnology (University of Concepción) and a Masters of Environment and Sustainability (Monash Uni). In Chile, she spent two years as a community project manager and field trip coordinator with the Aprende Foundation, a not-for-profit that encourages the community’s connection with science and the environment. She also volunteered with an NGO that develops horticultural therapy in the regional hospital psychiatry department.

When she is not working with us, Cata will be consulting for Treetec, performing ecological fieldwork to collect data for clients like DELWP and Parks VIC, and submitting records to the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. Cata speaks Spanish, English and basic French. Cata will be focusing on climate change projects, as well as ways to support Melbourne’s diverse cultural and linguistic communities with equitable, inclusive involvement in nature-based volunteering, careers, environmental management decisions, and access to healthy ecosystems.

The EcoCentre acknowledges the Kulin Nations, including the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung language group, traditional owners of the land on which we are located.

We pay respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Elder members of our multicultural community.