A Humble Beginning

Born on September 20, 1982, Edwin grew up in the Amazonian Kichwa community of Wawa Sumaco, Ecuador. From a young age, he was immersed in the traditions of his community and the beauty of the rainforest. His parents, Lorenzo Tanguila and Antonia Alvarado, instilled in him the values of hard work and respect for nature.

Edwin attended the Jorge Rossi No. 1 Misional Fiscal School for his primary education. For secondary school, he had to live away from home to attend the Cantón Archidona Fiscal School where he graduated in 2000.

The Turning Point

In 2006, Edwin and his wife, Martha Clorinda Yumbo Narvaez, started a bookstore and cultivated naranjilla, a fruit grown in the region. As they worked, they realized the environmental cost of their agricultural practices. The destruction of habitats weighed heavily on their conscience, prompting a transformative decision. In 2011, Edwin and Martha envisioned creating a tourist center to celebrate their ancestral culture and protect their natural heritage.

Building Amarun Pakcha

Undeterred by their lack of experience in tourism, Edwin and Martha rallied 27 community members to establish the Amarun Pakcha Tourism Association in 2014. Their goal was to improve their children’s quality of life and ensure the community’s sustainable development.

By 2016, Amarun Pakcha was officially recognized as a community tourism center by the Ministry of Tourism, thanks to extensive training and support from the Maquita Foundation. This training covered crucial areas such as community empowerment, organizational capacity, administration, customer service, cost management, tourist guidance, gastronomy, organizational leadership, and financial administration.

Making a Difference

Driven by a desire to make a difference, Edwin left the Amazon for the Sierra, pursuing higher education at the Polytechnic University of Chimborazo, more than 400 kilometers from his home in Wawa Sumaco. There, he earned a degree in Management within the field of Social Sciences, Business Education, and Law in 2017.

His passion for environmental sustainability led him to further his studies at the National University “San Luis ICA,” where he obtained a diploma in Environmental Engineering Management and Occupational Safety in 2020.

Conservation Efforts and a Vision for the Future

In 2023, with backing from conservationists like Andrés Trujillo, John Esmonde Bruce, and Ellen Jacobson, Edwin’s team established a foundation dedicated to environmental conservation. Today, Fundación Amarun Pakcha aims to protect 5,000+ hectares of Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, combating deforestation and preserving biodiversity.

Edwin’s vision extends beyond immediate conservation; he is committed to ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving planet.

A Call to Action

Edwin Darío Tanguila Alvarado’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have on their community and the environment. His work with Fundación Amarun Pakcha is a call to action for all of us. By visiting the Wawa Sumaco and engaging in the myriad of activities available, you can directly contribute to these conservation efforts. Additionally, donations provide essential support for the foundation’s ongoing projects, like the Restore the Chakra program.

Join Edwin in his mission to protect the Amazon, celebrate its cultural heritage, and create a sustainable future for all. Together, we can ensure that this vibrant, green heart of our planet continues to thrive for generations to come.