Javier Fajardo

Dr. Javier Fajardo serves as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge, working under Prof Chris Sandbrook to investigate the social consequences of the 30 by 30 target within the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. His research focuses on interdisciplinary conservation science at the intersection of policy, biodiversity, and human well-being, with strong affiliations to the Conservation Research Institute.

His academic qualifications include:

• PhD (2015-2019) from Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Spain
• MSc (2011-2012) from the same institutions
• BA in Social and Cultural Anthropology (2008-2010) from Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Spain
• BA in Biology (2002-2008) from Universidad de Granada, Spain

Dr. Fajardo's research centers on generating rigorous evidence for conservation policy through systematic planning and protected area assessments. He examines biodiversity representation, climate change impacts, and critically analyzes the social dimensions of area-based conservation, particularly how expansion targets affect local communities. His work in Latin America—especially the tropical Andes—explores governance systems and development scenarios to optimize conservation outcomes for both nature and people.

His publication record (2014-2023) reveals consistent focus on conservation biology with recurring themes: social implications of global targets like 30x30, climate-resilient protected area networks, and cost-effective biodiversity planning. Spatial analysis and modeling techniques dominate his methodology, with geographical emphasis on tropical regions. Recent work increasingly integrates policy implementation challenges and equity considerations into conservation frameworks.

Dr. Fajardo lectures on conservation tools and species distribution modeling in Spain's MSc programs while contributing to Cambridge-based SNAPP projects. His UNEP-WCMC background informs ongoing science-policy engagement, though specific grant details remain unstated. He operates within interdisciplinary teams examining conservation governance, with current work centered on social consequences of area-based expansion targets.