Education
MSc. in Conservation and Wildlife Management, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica
BSc. in Biology, Universidad de Costa Rica
Esteban Brenes-Mora is a conservation biologist specializing in wildlife management, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable development across Mesoamerica.
As Re:wild’s Senior Mesoamerica Associate, he leads landscape-scale efforts to protect endangered species, secure Indigenous and community land rights, and conserve some of the region’s most irreplaceable ecosystems. He is also the Co-Founder of the Baird’s Tapir Survival Alliance, a collaborative initiative dedicated to safeguarding one of Mesoamerica’s most iconic and threatened mammals.
Esteban has directed local conservation organizations, utilizing science, policy, and storytelling to promote human-wildlife coexistence. He works closely with governments, NGOs, Indigenous peoples, and the private sector to design and implement high-impact conservation strategies. His work has been featured in over 20 scientific publications, book chapters, and international documentaries.
Recognizing that long-term conservation impact requires sustainable financing, Esteban focuses on addressing systemic threats to biodiversity, such as deforestation driven by cattle ranching, by advancing rewilding and bioeconomic solutions. He advocates for approaches that deliver measurable ecological impact while strengthening the livelihoods and cultural resilience of local communities.
