As we step into 2025, we take a moment to reflect on the significant strides made in 2024 and the essential work that lies ahead in safeguarding the Amazon rainforest. Our sister organization, Fundación Pachamama, has been a leader in advancing our shared mission, driving six impactful programs across the Ecuadorian Amazon. These initiatives are not just central to our commitment to protecting the rainforest, defending Indigenous rights, and fostering climate justice—they are the core of our collective efforts to shape a more sustainable and equitable future. Below, we highlight the most notable milestones Fundación Pachamama achieved in 2024, showcasing the powerful outcomes of our united efforts.
1. Ecotourism and Human Footprint
Fundación Pachamama ecotourism initiatives have had a profound impact, generating economic, cultural, and environmental benefits for local communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon. These programs also promote sustainable development models and showcase the richness of the Amazon to a global audience.
- Kapawi Ecolodge strengthened the community ecotourism model, benefiting seven communities in the Lower Pastaza River Basin and highlighting sustainable development practices.
- The Solar Canoe was launched, winning the National Energy Globe Award Ecuador for its innovation in reducing carbon emissions, lowering operating costs, and empowering local communities.
- Fundación Pachamama introduced water filters to improve access to clean drinking water in remote, vulnerable communities.
- 11 Pachamama Journeys expeditions were held, engaging over 1,000 people, fostering a deeper connection to the Amazon and its cultural and ecological significance.
Ikiama Nukuri: Advancing Maternal Health
The Ikiama Nukuri program has made significant strides in improving maternal health, integrating traditional knowledge with modern health practices. This has resulted in better care for mothers and babies, particularly in the most remote parts of the Amazon.
- 30 midwives from Shuar and Achuar communities were trained in perinatal care, blending cultural practices with modern health standards.
- 500 birth kits were distributed to ensure safe deliveries and address obstetric emergencies in remote areas.
- Fundación Pachamama is progressing with the construction of the Casa de la Mujer in Taisha, a transformative space to provide culturally relevant and dignified care to pregnant women.
Forest Economies: Innovation and Bioeconomy
In 2024, Fundación Pachamama’s efforts in bioeconomy helped generate income and strengthen local economies while fostering sustainable practices. By supporting Amazonian bioenterprises, they’ve opened doors to new markets for local products and solutions.
- 66 families processed over 31,000 kilos of morete, an Amazonian superfruit, generating $7,047 in income and revitalizing local land and river transportation services.
- Fundación Pachamama expanded its network in Zamora Chinchipe and helped consolidate CORPOVAN, a key organization promoting the production and value addition of vanilla.
- 50 bioenterprises generated $18,000 in sales, taking the flavors of the Amazon to international and national markets, including the Salon du Chocolat in Paris.
- Fundación Pachamama attended COP16 in Cali, Colombia, showcasing the potential of Amazonian bioeconomy as a tool for conservation and sustainable development.
-
Fundación Pachamama launched the first Diploma in Bioeconomy in partnership with Ikiam University, supporting the growth of Amazonian bioentrepreneurs.
Climate Finance and Biodiversity
Fundación Pachamama’s work in climate finance is driving innovation and building local capacity to protect biodiversity. By focusing on scalable resources and fostering partnerships, they are advancing climate action in the region.
- At COP16, they presented the Amazon Bioregional Financial Facility, aimed at mobilizing resources to protect the Amazon and its communities.
- Fundación Pachamama reported their 2023 carbon footprint as part of the Ecuador Zero Carbon Program, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable practices.
- Fundación Pachamama also facilitated specialized workshops and training clinics on climate financing and biodiversity management, strengthening local capacities and ensuring these efforts remain central to our actions.
Human and Nature Rights
This year, Fundación Pachamama made significant advances in promoting Indigenous rights. They worked to raise awareness about the crucial role Indigenous peoples play in defending the Amazon and its biodiversity.
- Fundación Pachamama promoted regulatory advances in the right to prior consultation and presented the first comprehensive proposal for a Law on Consultation and Consent.
- Their audiovisual series, "Stories of Defense", illustrated the essential role of Indigenous peoples in achieving Goal 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
- Fundación Pachamama trained over 160 leaders in climate justice and collective rights, building a network of committed change agents.
- Their efforts influenced the national and international agenda, positioning the rights of nature as a key pillar for climate action.
- Fundación Pachamama launched a campaign focused on the rights of Indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation, recognizing their role as guardians of vital ecosystems.
- Fundación Pachamama organized dialogue tables with national authorities to promote effective implementation of the Escazú Agreement.
Forests and Territories
Fundación Pachamama’s conservation work continues to expand, with significant progress in protecting the Amazon’s most vital territories. By strengthening community leadership and expanding conservation areas, they are ensuring long-term protection of the Amazon rainforest.
- Fundación Pachamama signed three conservation agreements with Achuar communities, safeguarding 30,000 hectares of rainforest.
- Fundación Pachamama trained 16 community monitors and secured funding to increase our protected areas to 80,000 hectares by 2025.
- Fundación Pachamama implemented a territorial monitoring system using GIS technology and drones to detect and mitigate threats like deforestation and illegal mining.
- Their partnerships with local governments have helped integrate community conservation plans into land-use policies.
- 10 communities participated in workshops to develop life plans for sustainable resource management.
- Fundación Pachamama strengthened communities’ technical capacity to protect and record their ancestral knowledge related to forest management, gaining recognition on national and international platforms.
Looking Ahead
For 27 years, your support has been the foundation of our commitment to protecting the Amazon, defending Indigenous rights, and advancing climate justice. We are deeply grateful for your continued trust and collaboration. As we enter 2025, we look forward to strengthening partnerships and taking even bolder steps toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
