Core Team at WE&B
Our highly educated and globally experienced team participate in research projects to remain at the cutting edge of innovation while processing the skill and expertise to adapt and enhance these innovations to bring them to our clients in the development sector.
David Smith is the director and principal consultant at WE&B. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Botany and Zoology (2000) and an Honours degree in Limnology (2001) from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He later earned a Master’s degree in Water and Environmental Management from Loughborough University, UK (2015), and a PhD in Environmental Science and Technology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (2023).
David has led numerous projects on environmental studies across the globe for clients such as the European Commission, the World Bank, the InterAmerican Development Bank, the Global Green Growth Institute, United Nations Organisations, amongst others.
His expertise in economic and social development is focused on systemic environmental management, integrated water resource management, Green and Blue Growth, Circular Economy, environmental business models, ecosystem services, stakeholder participation and engagement strategies, climate change adaptation and mitigation and capacity development. David held the position as vice President of the Network for Water in European Regions and Cities (NetwercH2O) from 2012 to 2013. He was also an elected board member (2012 – 2013) of Water Europe (the European Water Platform).
He is currently the elected chair of the International Cooperation expert group of Water Europe. He is also the co-theme leader of the Multiple Use Water Services (MUS) expert group of the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN).
Beatriz Medina is partner and principle consultant at WE&B. She holds an MSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of Alcalá de Henares and a Master of Science in Environment and Health Communication.
She has a strong foundation in science communication and knowledge brokerage, leading WE&B’s involvement in large-scale research projects spanning over a decade.
Her practical expertise extends to the implementation of numerous projects across Latin America, Africa, the Mediterranean, the MENA region and Europe. Beyond her managerial role, she has contributed to the academic discourse with scientific publications in social sciences and authored chapters in books addressing the science-society interface.
She has published academic articles on related topics and contributed three book chapters in scientific publications. Previously, as a research associate in the Sociology Department at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Beatriz played a key role in the HONEST project, delving into the intricate dynamics between societies and nuclear energy.
In 2023, she was recognised for her work in this area by being included as one of the Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise by the EUCLID Network.
Teresa Pastor is a passionate advocate for sustainability and nature conservation, with over two decades of international expertise in the Protected Areas sector. She has held prominent leadership roles, including eight years driving key programs at the EUROPARC Federation, such as the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas, and 15 years coordinating FEDENATUR, the European Periurban Parks Association.
Teresa’s work spans a diverse range of areas, including biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, climate change adaptation, periurban parks, green infrastructure, marine ecosystems, and environmental management.
A Ph.D. graduate in Biological Sciences from the University of Barcelona, Teresa has a specialisation in species conservation, where her scientific background combined with her extensive practitioner experience has provided impactful, forward-thinking solutions. She has a holistic systemic understanding of the natural environment and the challenges it is facing which provides a unique perspective that generates innovative solutions.
Ms. Maria Pascual has a Bachelor Degree in Physics from the University of Barcelona (Spain), and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science from Lund University (Sweden).
In 2022, as part of her master’s thesis, she joined the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies project ”Just Energy Transitions (JET) or Navigating Justice Claims – Between Riots, Strikes and Business as Usual”.
Her interdisciplinary academic background uniquely combines natural and social sciences through the lens of environmental and social sustainability, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of complex environmental issues.
In 2022, she entered an internship at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Vienna, Austria. She joined the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project, within the Water, Environment, and Climate (WEC) Portfolio, where she worked in grant management services for climate adaptation.
Sara De Llobet Payas has an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Geography (2020) from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and a Master’s degree in Advanced Water Resources Management (2022) from Cranfield University, England.
Her professional experience includes a position as a Graduate – Environmental Engineer in London with Sixense (Vinci Group) where she carried out monitoring of noise and air pollution in major projects such as Thames Tideway and HS2.
In 2022, Sara joined the World Bank as a Junior Consultant in Water Resources Management in the Water Unit for Latin America and the Caribbean, through the Junior Professional Associate Program. In her role as a JPA, she contributed to various regional initiatives focused on Nature-Based Solutions, Water for Agriculture, Regional Storage, and Business Development. However, Sara dedicated most of her time to the water portfolio in the Southern Cone (Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay), working to develop more flexible, robust, and efficient projects with the local governments that explore an integrated vision of water resource management.
In parallel, Sara has also been involved in the development of the NESCAN network (North East Scotland Climate Action Network) and is a member of the Global Youth Coalition (GYC) committed to taking action against Climate Change.
Pau Castro is the Financial Director at WE&B, with extensive experience in financial reporting, data management, and strategic decision-making.
He holds a diploma in Business Studies from Pompeu Fabra University and a degree in Economics from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Throughout his career, Pau has worked in finance roles within companies and R&D centers across the energy, environmental, and engineering sectors, helping organisations optimise financial processes and improve data-driven decision-making.
He has extensive experience in financial project management, specialising in European funding programs for research and innovation projects. His expertise includes financial planning, risk management, performance analysis, and streamlining financial reporting systems to enhance efficiency and transparency.
In addition to his professional work, Pau is deeply passionate about sports, nature, music, and culture.
