Mike received his degree as a Forestry Agronomy Engineer from the “Antonio Narro” Agrarian Autonomous University in 1984. He then obtained his Masters in Environmental Engineering at the ITESM - Monterrey Intitute of Technological and Superior Studies (1998) researching the Rhinchopsytta (Thick-billed Parrot) as it pertains to the multiple challenges for its study and conservation. His study was instrumental in identifying and developing a conservation strategy for old growth forests and for the most important nesting areas for R. Pachiryncha. He completed his PhD with research in “Wintering Ecology of Grasslands Birds” at the University of Nuevo Leon (2006). He has 22 years experience in conservation and an ample trajectory of achievements and innovations. Currently he is the Director of Bird Conservation with Pronatura Noroeste and manages more than one million dollars annually on several projects in northwestern of Mexico. Has done technical studies and management plans for more than 10 natural protected areas benefiting more than 2 million hectares. Mike also has solid experience in project design related to charismatic birds, wetland, grassland and forest restoration and management, and various legal land protection models and incentives for environmental services.