The Team Behind the Protection

Locals, scientists, and leaders defending every hectare

No forest protects itself. Behind every hectare we save stands a network of committed people—leaders, coordinators and scientists who watch, measure, report, and act.

At the heart of our operation is Juan, who lives near the forest and coordinates on-site protection. Alongside him is Marie, securing that impact remains at the heart of decisions at the V Social Foundation, and Camilo, bringing vision and coordination to our projects throughout South America.

They are joined by a dedicated team of biologists, ecologists, and community experts who turn protection from idea into impact. From scientific data to animal tracks, their work ensures that every square meter sponsored is monitored, restored, and defended.

Juan leads local coordination and patrols

Marie steers strategy, funding, and impact from V Social

Camilo connects local action with global support

Scientists track species, health, and ecological outcomes

Every donation fuels data, logistics, and field resilience

Juan — The Eyes in the Forest

Juan lives closest to the land. He knows every trail, every shortcut, every sound that doesn’t belong. As local coordinator, Juan organizes patrols, trains community members, maps threats, and ensures rapid response to incursions. He is the human interface between sponsored hectares and what happens on the ground. He also connects guests and experts with the project, shares updates, and works directly with the Sinchi Warmis to integrate ecological knowledge and community needs.

Juan

“Growing up and living in such a biodiverse country, I’ve seen firsthand both the magnificent richness of raw nature and the increasing threats it faces. Once witnessed the degradation of my country’s extraordinary natural heritage, I needed to act.”

Marie - Vision and Oversight

As Director of V Social Foundation, Marie designs the long-term vision: how to scale protection, how to ensure Indigenous leadership, how to prove and communicate real impact. She’s responsible for partnerships, reporting, funding mechanisms, and ensuring each initiative delivers measurable results. Without Marie, there would be no project.

Camilo - The local bridge

As Project Coordinator for South America at V Social, Camilo connects the foundation’s vision with field reality. With a background in defending human rights and supporting Indigenous and rural livelihoods, he helped shape this project from its beginnings. Camilo built trust with the Sinchi Warmi community, identifying the land to protect and ensuring the project’s roots in local leadership. Today, he mentors the team, monitors impact, and safeguards the community-driven approach while linking the initiative with regional and global partners across South America. Camilo ensures that passion on the ground gets the structure and support it needs.

Andre - The Force Behind Impact

A bold entrepreneur with a passion for impact, Andre founded Ventura TRAVEL in 2001 to redefine tourism—replacing mass travel with meaningful experiences that connect cultures and improve livelihoods. Having lived for many years in South America, his heart remains deeply tied to its people and nature. Andre’s belief that impact must be transparent, measurable, and lived has shaped Ventura’s commitment to fund and stand behind the Forest Guardians project. His entrepreneurial vision and dedication to tangible results turn conviction into action—making this initiative possible from the very start.

The Science Team

Our forest is not just protected—it’s monitored. A rotating team of biologists, forest engineers, and ecologists deploy tools to measure biodiversity, track endangered species, and evaluate forest health. They guide the installation of camera traps, run transect surveys, collect water and soil data, and produce regular impact reports. This is how we stay transparent—and how sponsors know their land is more than symbolic.

Estefanía Calderón Martínez

"A biotic baseline provides the scientific foundation for managing the natural area acquired. It offers precise information on biodiversity and ecosystems, ensuring conservation based on the highest standards. Regular monitoring tracks ecological changes and evaluates the effectiveness of protection measures — promoting a sustainable strategy that strengthens the bond between the community and the Amazon rainforest.”

How to help the team

Sponsoring land helps fund Juan’s patrols and Camilo’s logistics

Donations support science tools: cameras, GPS, satellite subscriptions

Visitors help fund operations through program participation

You can co-fund ecological studies or capacity training

Every hectare protected is also a job created for guardians, not destroyers