Alvaro de Miguel Gomez
While studying at the university in Spain, Alvaro was captivated by the wonders of biodiversity and conservation biology, with a particular interest in primatology. After graduation, he embarked as a research assistant in primate projects across South Africa, Ethiopia, and Equatorial Guinea. During his studies, Alvaro discovered his passion for mountains, which led him to join and lead the mountain group at his university for many years, before becoming a professional mountain guide. He organized camps and climbing activities for youth, instilling in them a love for nature and adventure. Alvaro eventually moved to the Central Alps, where he decided to pursue a master’s degree focused on mountain areas in Austria and Northern Italy. His studies sparked an interest in how mountain communities are adapting to climate change, which led him to work for the UN Centre for Global Mountain Safeguard Research (GLOMOS) in Bolzano. Currently living in Sweden, he is delving into the impacts of climate change on migration processes in three of the world’s most populous mountain regions—the Andes, the Himalayas, and the Ethiopian highlands. In his free time, Alvaro continues to indulge his passion for mountain activities such as climbing, skiing, and canyoning. Alvaro is a native Spanish speaker, fluent in English, and can also speak French and Italian. He has previously led Putney’s Exploration Switzerland, Italy, France, & Holland program.