Ana Mendes
AboutProjectsPublicationsImpactBlogContact Português
About

About

Biography, academic background, work experience and languages.

Biography

Ana Mendes — Researcher & Environmental Scientist

University of Évora

MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development

Lisbon / Évora, Portugal

After the degree in Biology, a Master's in Natural Resource Management, and a PhD in Biology devoted to "Rivers as ecological corridors for birds", I have been mainly involved in the creation and development of European cooperation projects in the area of restoration of marine and freshwater ecosystems, both at National, European and International level (China).

I highlight the experience of more than 20 years with multidisciplinary teams from different universities and national and foreign public entities. I emphasize the international experience as an expert in the Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the Ramsar Convention, European Commission – DG Research, and as expert of an independent funding agency (DIMFE).

Over the past 8 years I have been coordinating the area of "Restoration, Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity" of the China Europe Water Platform. I am responsible for the launch and implementation of the Water Restoration Commitment of the UN Water Conference. I am currently involved in 5 Horizon Europe projects (REWET, ForPeat, SD-WISHEES, Water4All and EU Green).

Research interests

Ecological RestorationFreshwater EcosystemsBiodiversity ConservationEcosystem ServicesRiver RestorationPeatland EcologyEnvironmental Policy & LawNature-based SolutionsInternational Cooperation

Education

Academic training

  1. University of Évora

    2012 – 2016

    PhD in Biology

    University of Évora

    Évora, Portugal

    "The Use of Riparian Areas as Ecological Corridors by Birds in the Southern European Iberian Peninsula"

    Approved with Praise and Distinction by Unanimity

  2. University of Lisbon

    2011 – 2012

    Master in Management of Natural Resources

    University of Lisbon

    Lisbon, Portugal

    "Management and Conservation of Rivers and Wetlands – Restoration and Cooperation as Management Tools"

  3. University of Lisbon – Faculty of Sciences

    1994 – 1998

    Graduation in Biology

    University of Lisbon – Faculty of Sciences

    Lisbon, Portugal

Experience

Work experience

Over 20 years working with multidisciplinary teams.

  1. 2022 – Present

    Invited Principal Researcher

    University of Évora

    Évora, Portugal

    Coordinator of multiple Horizon Europe projects at University of Évora: Water4All, SD-WISHEES, REWET, ForPeat. Part of IMMERNATS (Erasmus Mundus) and EUGreen (Horizon Europe).

  2. 2018 – 2022

    Invited Research Assistant

    University of Évora

    Évora, Portugal

    Coordinator of PI Lot 1 "Water Management and Ecological Security" and Lot 5 "Horizontal Activities" projects funded by the European Union Delegation in Beijing.

  3. 2016 – 2016

    Research Manager

    NOVA University of Lisbon

    Lisbon, Portugal

    Science Manager – Restoration & Water related issues. Technical member of Interreg Europe project REMIX. Development and coordination of applications to European Funding Schemes.

  4. 2015 – 2015

    Research Manager

    University of Évora

    Évora, Portugal

    Science Manager. Development of applications and courses for European Funding Schemes. Advisory to researchers on applications.

  5. 2014 – 2015

    Research Manager

    NOVA University of Lisbon

    Lisbon, Portugal

    Science Manager. Development of applications and courses for European Funding Schemes. Advisory to researchers.

  6. 2009 – 2012

    Project Manager – Interreg IVB SUDOE Ricover

    University of Lisbon – Higher Institute of Agronomy

    Lisbon, Portugal

    Coordinator of Interreg IVB Sudoe Ricover project. Co-financed by the EU under ERDF funds, 5 partners from 2 countries (PT, ES), global budget €1,798,182.64, Execution rate 100%. Design and implementation of river restoration projects.

  7. 2005 – 2008

    Project Manager – Interreg IIIC Ripidurable

    Alpiarça Municipality

    Alpiarça, Portugal

    Coordinator of Interreg IIIC Ripidurable project. Co-financed by the EU, 10 partners from 5 different countries (PT, ES, FR, GR + UK consultant), global budget €1,616,988.95, Execution rate 96%. Design and implementation of river restoration projects.

  8. 2002 – 2003

    Nature Conservation Officer

    Portuguese Nature Conservation Institute

    Lisbon, Portugal

    GIS application to mapping habitats: wetland and river/riparian habitat characterization. Characterization of Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites.

  9. 1999 – 2004

    Biology Teacher

    Faculty of Dental Medicine – University of Lisbon

    Lisbon, Portugal

    Preparation of education sessions, production and adaptation of didactic materials, development of social skills for educational purposes.

  10. 1999 – 2000

    University Research Assistant

    Faculty of Sciences – University of Lisbon

    Lisbon, Portugal

    LIFE Project: Saramugo – an endangered endemic freshwater fish species. Statistical analysis of biometric data.

  11. 1999 – 1999

    University Research Assistant

    University of Azores

    Horta, Portugal

    LIFE Project: Management of Protected Marine Areas. Nest restoration area design for Madeiran storm-petrel. Roseate tern census in the Azores Archipelago.

Languages

Spoken languages

Self-assessment based on the Common European Framework (CEFR).

Portuguese

Native

English

Listening
C2
Reading
C2
Speaking
C2
Interaction
C2
Writing
C1

Spanish

Listening
C2
Reading
C1
Speaking
B2
Interaction
B2
Writing
A2

French

Listening
C1
Reading
C2
Speaking
B1
Interaction
B1
Writing
B1

Italian

Listening
B1
Reading
A2
Speaking
A2
Interaction
A2
Writing
A1