Mauricio González Muñoz (@mao_ropelombia) is a Colombian tree climber, tree care professional, and competitive climber. He serves as training director and instructor at RIAA Ropelombia International Arborist Academy and holds a professional degree in occupational safety and health. He is certified in Colombia as a trainer of trainers, a working at heights instructor, and a PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) inspector. He is a Notch ambassador and currently works as a freelance tree climber.
Mao has over eight years of experience identifying workplace hazards in arboriculture operations and supporting strategies to prevent accidents and occupational illnesses. His work focuses on safe climbing practices, compliance with working at heights regulations, arboriculture training, and the health and well-being of tree care workers. Through professional development programs, he collaborates with tree care workers, business owners, and other stakeholders to promote safe work practices, regulatory compliance, and international arboriculture standards.
Mao, an active participant in tree climbing events throughout Latin America, took first place at the Uruguayan climbers' meeting in 2024. He received the sportsmanship award at the 2023 Bolivia Jamboree and was recognized for his sportsmanship as a judge at the Second Latin American Tree Climbing Championship in Brazil in 2022. In 2021, his team won first place at the Rescue Challenge Aerial in Guadalajara, Mexico, and he took first place individually in the aerial rescue event at Jamboo Fest in Buenos Aires, Argentina.