Verónica Santamaría is a professional with over 15 years of experience in sustainable tourism management, public use management in protected areas, and community development in the Galápagos Islands. Throughout her career, she has led the design, implementation, and monitoring of environmental and social projects, as well as public policy processes. She has worked as a consultant for various national and international organizations, supporting initiatives focused on marine conservation, strengthening local capacities, and fostering collaboration between productive and conservation sectors.
During her tenure in the Public Use Unit at the Galápagos National Park Directorate, she led the planning, regulation, and management of tourism use in both terrestrial and marine protected areas. Her work included the implementation of the Visitor Management System (SIMAVIS) and strengthening relationships between the Park and local stakeholders. Her contributions helped improve the visitor experience, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote a vision of responsible tourism aligned with the conservation of Galápagos’ natural heritage.
Verónica holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility from EOI Business School. She has further strengthened her expertise through specialized programs such as the Women Leaders in Conservation course, the Social Aspects of Marine Protected Areas course at Colorado State University, and training in social and environmental safeguards. These experiences have reinforced her focus on inclusive leadership, gender equity, and participatory governance, as well as the application of safeguard standards in conservation projects—key pillars that guide her current work in the field.