Fundación Amarun Pakcha
Fundación Amarun Pakcha conserves and restores native habitats of the Andean East Slope that are in danger of disappearing. Furthermore, we promote economic security for residents of our community through community tourism, reforestation, regenerative agriculture and more.
Conservation
Your visit helps conserve our native forest. With your continued support, we hope to create a wildlife corridor, connecting two distinct parts of the Sumaco-Napo-Galeras National Park.
Reforestation
With our partners at Fundación Maquita, we are reforesting natural habitats while increasing carbon sequestration to foster a resilient environment for future generations.
Regenerative Agriculture
Our regenerative agriculture program promotes polyculture, agroforestry, and a return to the chakra as economic alternatives to cattle farming.
Our Most Pressing Need Is To Buy Land
The looming threat of deforestation has never felt more real. We recently lost a precious natural resource, an Amazonian Umbrellabird Lek, because a local family needed money. They chose to chop down the forest and plant a crop that could give them a good return because they no longer believed we could raise funds to buy their land.
We are at a critical juncture where the survival of so many birds is at risk. Our forests, currently fragmented into parcels owned by local Kichwa families, face the risk of becoming plantations of naranjilla. By acquiring these properties, our foundation can ensure their permanent protection, offering a sustainable future for both the community and the diverse species that call this part of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Each parcel of land is worth approximately $18,000. Help us raise enough to save the next 84 acres of rainforest.
How to Support Our Programs
Fundación Amarun Pakcha works alongside our sister-organization located in the United States, Amarun Pakcha USA. Therefore, you can support our programs in multiple ways.
We accept donations to our Ecuadorian bank account:
Fundación Amarun Pakcha
Hatun Sumaco, Wawa Sumaco, Ecuador
RUC 15191728292001
Bank account (checking): 2209310949
Bank of Pichincha
Swift Code: PICHECEQ
We also accept donations through Friends of Amarun Pakcha:
Foundation Amarun Pakcha
501(c)(3) Tax Exempt
EIN 92-3491232
Online: at GiveButter.com
Send a check:
415 Cleeces Ferry Rd. Nashville, TN 37218
Members of Fundación Amarun Pakcha
Edwin Tanguila
President
Born and raised in Wawa Sumaco, Edwin Tanguila used his university education and diverse work experience to lead Fundación Amarun Pakcha.
Edison Grefa Huatatoca
Vice President
Since he was a child, Edison has loved nature and the outdoors. He provides support to the foundation’s community tourism projects.
Martha Yumbo Narvaez
Board Secretary
Since 2011, Martha has worked in community tourism. Her voice consistently highlights the need to protect our land for future generations of children.
Jaime Tanguila Huatatoca
Board Treasurer
Jaime keeps our books, making sure we manage our money effectively. He aspires to create a better world for future generations living in Wawa Sumaco.
Marcos Tanguila Alvarado
Community Elder
As a child, Marcos learned ancestral wisdom alongside his father. Today, he harnesses the power of nature to heal many ailments.
Juanito Alvarez Shiguango
Forest Guardian
Juanito is an expert inside the forest. He manages our trails, recognizes new flora and fauna, and protects our trees.
Sylvia Shiguango
Community Coordinator
Working alongside our visiting agronomist, Silvia coordinates our Regenerative Agriculture and Chakra project with 45 local farmers.
Byron Gualavisi
Guide and Team Member
Trained as a national tourism guide, Byron specializes in birdwatching and nature tours, often working with Wildsumaco Lodge.
Carlin Efrin Chimbo
Team Member
Carlin has a degree in Ecological Tourism from the University of Central Ecuador and brings his expertise to our tourism project.
Elsa Avilez Alvarado
Team Member
Working with our community tourism project, Elsa manages our kitchen and offers courses in traditional handicrafts.
Ivan Aviles Quishpe
Team Member
Born and raised in Pacto Sumaco, Ivan studied tourism at the Napo Cultural Center, bringing new ideas and energy to our team.
Our International Team
Andrés Trujillo
Executive Director
Conservationist and renowned naturalist guide, Andrés Trujillo, facilitates donor relations and provides strategic vision to Amarun Pakcha.
Ellen Jacobson
Founding Donor
Ellen’s financial support was key to starting our conservation programs. She has since founded Foundation Amarun Pakcha USA and serves on the Ecuadorian board of directors.
John Bruce
Founding Donor
John’s financial support helped the Fundación Amarun Pakcha begin its conservation efforts by purchasing key plots of land in Wawa Sumaco.
Angie Drake
Bilingual Consultant
Angie works as a bilingual consultant for projects working in the confluence of conservation and tourism.
Our Partners
