We’re excited to bring you the latest updates on the incredible work happening in and around the Sumaco region. There’s a lot to share, so let’s dive right in!

Send Kids To College & Protect Primary Forests

In our continuous effort to support the vibrant community of Wawa Sumaco, we have exciting news to share. We’ve learned that the owners of three key parcels of land we aim to purchase are seeking funds to help their children finish their university educations. These students will bring vital knowledge to their community as graduates in Ecological Architecture, Business Administration, and Hospitality and Tourism.

To help them graduate, we are committed to making down payments of $2500 to each family towards the final purchase of their property. In turn, the parents will be able to pay for tuition and other costs associated with finishing college. 

Be a part of this heartwarming initiative by making a direct contribution. Simply text “UNI” to 53-555 to donate. Or donate using this button:

Make Graduation Possible, Donate Today!

Securing Community Reserves

Edwin Tangila, our president, is actively working with Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment to formalize an agreement granting us management of 4,000 hectares of community reserves. These reserves face critical threats from illegal hunting, fishing, and hardwood extraction. The Ecuadorian government is seeking trusted partners like us to protect these lands and the birds that live there. We’re committed to stepping up. Your sustaining donations help us take on big projects like this one.

If you are a sustaining donor making a monthly, quarterly, or annual donation, this is a project you are supporting! We are very grateful for your help!

Welcome to Our Mingas

Community coordinator Sylvia Shiguango and agronomist Ken Galeano have organized two successful mingas to kickstart our market garden pilot project. Mingas, a traditional community gathering akin to a barnraising, have brought people together to support regenerative practices in our market garden (chakra). Attendees not only helped keep the project on track but also learned about organic methods to fertilize their own gardens. We are grateful for the community turnout and can’t wait to start planting soon! A special thank you goes to the Earth Rising Foundation, our grantor, who has helped us get this project up and running in record time!

Rebranding Update: Friends of Amarun Pakcha

Our U.S. arm has officially rebranded itself as Friends of Amarun Pakcha to prevent confusion. Rest assured that your generous donations will continue to support the impactful work of Fundación Amarun Pakcha. Thank you for being a part of our journey!

Inspiration from Our Mission

At Amarun Pakcha, our mission is to offer sustainable ecotourism services through birdwatching tours, hikes to streams and waterfalls, and visits to ancient pre-Inca petroglyphs. We aim to provide educational and culturally rich experiences that celebrate the area’s natural beauty while supporting forest conservation. Together, we’re creating adventure, nature, and culture at its finest. Learn more by visiting our updated website.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and we look forward to sharing more updates with you soon.

Sincerely,

Ellen Jacobson
Founder, Friends of Amarun Pakcha