On April 5th, a milestone unfolded deep in the heart of the Amazon: the graduation of the first cohort of the Amazonian Bioeconomy Diploma Program, a pioneering initiative developed through a partnership between Fundación Pachamama and Ikiam Amazon Regional University.
This innovative three-month continuing education program was designed to cultivate local leadership and foster sustainable development rooted in the unique realities of the Amazon. With financial support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the program was made accessible to a diverse group of Amazonian change-makers—from public officials to local entrepreneurs.
A Curriculum for the Amazon, by the Amazon
The diploma program covered 12 core modules focused on sustainability, biodiversity, and bioentrepreneurship. Subjects included:
- Ecology and Biodiversity
- Bioeconomy
- Agroecology
- Value Chains
- Environmental Legislation
- Bioentrepreneurship
- Popular and Solidarity Economy
- Bioeconomy Project Design
- Statistics
Courses blended theory, practical learning, and independent study, all with a territorial approach tailored specifically to the cultural and ecological context of the Amazon.
The program’s success was made possible by the collaborative leadership of Fundación Pachamama, who guided the vision and implementation; Ikiam Amazon Regional University, which provided academic expertise and a virtual platform; and the Inter-American Development Bank, whose funding supported instructor fees and logistics.
To ensure a smooth and impactful experience, two dedicated staff members from Fundación Pachamama were brought on to coordinate academic and operational efforts—demonstrating a strong commitment to quality and community empowerment.
Who Are the Graduates?
The graduating class includes a dynamic mix of individuals—many aged between 20 and 40, with equal representation of men and women. A significant number are professionals already serving in public institutions such as:
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
- The Provincial Government of Pastaza
- The Ministry of Production, Trade, Investment and Fisheries
Their participation ensures that the knowledge gained won’t stay in classrooms—it will ripple outward, influencing public policy, local economies, and community-based sustainability initiatives throughout the region.
A Celebration of Shared Vision
The graduation was a moment of celebration and collective pride, attended by:
- María Victoria Reyes, Rector of Ikiam University
- Roldán Torres, Vice Chancellor of Ikiam
- Robinson Carrasco, Director of Agroecology at Ikiam
- María Fernanda Sánchez, Project Coordinator, Fundación Pachamama
- Pablo Balarezo, Forest Economies Program Coordinator
- Domingo Peas, Representative of the Sacred Headwaters Initiative
Looking Ahead
A new cohort is set to begin in May, continuing the work of cultivating Amazonian capacities in bioeconomy, conservation, and sustainable innovation.
This diploma program is more than education—it's part of a broader movement to reimagine development in the Amazon: one that honors biodiversity, empowers local leadership, and strengthens collaboration between governments, nongovernmental agencies, academia, and Indigenous communities.
We extend our deepest congratulations to the first graduating class. Your courage, commitment, and vision are helping build a more just, inclusive, and regenerative future for the Amazon and beyond.
