On December 11, 2025, Fundación Pachamama hosted an awards ceremony for the first cohort of PachaEmprende, a program developed with the support of Inter-American Development Bank Lab (IDB) and Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD). The mission of PachaEmprende is to promote Amazonian bio-enterprises and develop sustainable business models that generate economic, social and environmental impact in the Amazon region while promoting forest conservation and the well-being of local communities.
The ceremony, held at Impaqto La Floresta, opened with an inspiring message from Belén Páez, president of Fundación Pachamama. Belén highlighted the resilience of entrepreneurs, the urgent need to protect the Amazon, and the importance of building new economies based on biodiversity and ancestral knowledge. She was followed by Paula Auerbach, Private Finance Operations Senior Specialist of IDB Lab, who emphasized the power of female leadership and the role of the bioeconomy as an engine of territorial development.
This first call for applications showed unprecedented enthusiasm for the program, receiving 123 applications from Pastaza, Napo, and Morona Santiago. 53% of applications were led by women and 36% by members of Indigenous communities. After a rigorous selection process, 33 businesses participated in the program, generating tangible results such as $13,748 in monthly local purchases and $3,041 in direct beneficiaries. These outcomes demonstrate the real impact of production models that strengthen communities while valuing surrounding ecosystems.
For five months, the entrepreneurs followed the PACHA Route, a comprehensive training methodology that combined sustainable business models, leadership, financial education, digital marketing, and business networking. The process was supported by a network of 30 mentors, whose technical and human contributions proved fundamental to the growth of the projects.
At a key moment during the day, Belén, Paula, and Javier Félix, executive director of Fundación Pachamama, presented awards to the 10 seed capital recipients: Renacer, Yunac, Bolis Sabor Nativo, DAIPARE, Rukumama, Sumak Amazonian Cosmetics, Raíces del Napo, Snack Nutritivo de Cacao, Waysa, and Jungle Blends. Their stories reflect innovation, cultural identity, and a deep commitment to their territories.
The event included a video testimonial that portrayed the entrepreneurs' journeys, as well as an inspiring closing address by Guillermo Jarrín, founder of Tippytea, who reminded attendees that great changes stem from purpose and perseverance. In addition, the most active mentors throughout the process received special recognition for their time and knowledge shared with the entrepreneurs. The celebration concluded with a group photo, a networking session, and a luncheon that reaffirmed the strength of this emerging community.
PachaEmprende marks a milestone in the transition to regenerative economies, promoting production models that integrate conservation, community well-being, and competitiveness in national and international markets.
Fundación Pachamama reaffirms its commitment to consolidating the Regional Hub for the Amazonian Bioeconomy, a space where Amazonian bio-enterprises can thrive with identity, sustainability, and real opportunities for growth. The Ecuadorian Amazon demonstrates once again its enormous potential to inspire the world and lead a life-based economy.
