I am an environmental social scientist and transdisciplinary action researcher focusing on the study of patterns, interactions and feedbacks between humans and nature. Specialized in policy and institutional analysis from an evolutionary, resilience thinking and commons perspective, my aim is to understand how to organize collective action towards equitable and sustainable outcomes in social-ecological systems (SES). The SES field relies on a complexity science lens, the co-production of knowledge to understand and tackle challenges, and the embracing of uncertainty and surprise through adaptive approaches to decision making, management and governance. 

While in practice, I enjoy working in the resolution of complex problems with other people. My role is an analyst and facilitator to find ways for improving policy and decision making under uncertainty to promote sustainability in different sectors: natural resources; nature conservation; agriculture; ecosystem management; environmental, coastal and urban planning; biodiversity; fisheries; tourism; and emergency aid. I have experience in facilitating and organizing (individually or collaboratively) social interaction in meetings and workshops, including situations dominated by large power asymmetries.

Currently, I work as a researcher at the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Management (INGENIO, CSIC-UV). Among other projects, I am contributing to build the environmental and nature policy analysis function of ESFRI's eLTER Research Infrastructure. My current teaching duties include the Postgraduate Course on Innovation for Social and Environmental Transformation (Polytechnic University of Valencia), where I lecture on SES sustainability transitions. I am also part of the International Association for the Study of the Commons and the Working Group on Governance of SES from the Earth System Governance project.

You can get in touch with me through pfmendez@gmail.com, pfmendez@ingenio.upv.es

ORCID: 0000-0003-1825-6496

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