Meet the Sinchi Warmi

Indigenous women defending forest, culture & life

To truly safeguard biodiversity, we must support the people deeply connected to the land, the Forest Guardians who carry ancient knowledge and commitment to protect it.

In the first Forest Guardians Project, the indigenous community organization Sinchi Warmi holds authority over land decisions, lead forest monitoring expeditions, and designs visitor programs.

“Sinchi Warmi” means “strong woman” in Kichwa

Project run by 24 community members

Women create improved livelihoods through tourism entrepreneurship

Preserves culture and ancestral Amazonian cosmovision

Their knowledge guides conservation measures

Sponsorships directly fund their patrols, training, and community initiatives

Essential Partnership

“Beyond the immediate risk of deforestation in Napo, the strong partnership with the Sinchi Warmi community was essential for the start of Forest Guardians. Local stewardship and deep-rooted ties are critical in the face of increasing pressure from gold mining. At the same time, the region’s exceptional natural and cultural richness offers strong potential for tourism and other nature-based economies to support long-term conservation. The Sinchi Warmi have embraced this with their Community-based Tourism Project that already provides a dignified future for the community members.”

Marie, Director of the V Social Foundation

About the Sinchi Warmi Community Organization

The Sinchi Warmi are more than guardians. They are the living bridge between forest, culture, and future. Their ancestral cosmovision reminds us that living in harmony with nature means recognizing that we are nature, inseparable parts of one living system.

For generations, these Kichwa women and men have walked the forest trails that surround them, known the songs of the birds, and the healing power of its plants.

Sinchi Warmi is a pioneer organization among Indigenous communities in Ecuador since 2002. While both men and women make up the organization and are considered equal, its entire board of directors is composed of women. By putting women front and center, and giving them ample experience in tourism entrepreneurship and leadership, they have set an example of just what is possible. The Sinchi Warmi operate a lodge for more than a decade, offering an array of activities that allow visitors to get to know Amazonian culture. Run by 24 members of the community, the impact of Sinchi Warmi’s work reverberates through each of their families, and beyond.

Their story, their role

The community holds the dream of caring for their own forest since generations. And as they witnessed the increasing destruction of their territory through deforestation, they stepped forward and shared their concerns with us. We started to create a plan together. Today, the Sinchi Warmi are the guardians of 350.000m² of vulnerable Amazon rainforest, establishing an indigenous-owned nature reserve with us, ensuring the forest’s protection for generations to come. Sinchi Warmi shares the lead of the forest conservation with us, manages patrols, teaches travelers, and defends the forest in their name. Their work preserves species, ancestry, and language, and gives hope for the future of their children.

Science, Strategy & Stewardship

Working with scientists, we complement the knowledge of the Sinchi Warmi. We introduce GPS mapping, camera traps, ecological indices: modern tools but always rooted in ancestral logic. Combining forest cycles, animal behaviors, and ancestral markers, we can detect threats early and develop effective conservation measurements.

Complemented by scientific expertise, local Sinchi Warmi Guardians determine which forest areas are most critical, guide ecological surveys, and teach visitors how to walk silently in the forest, observe, value. Their consent is the foundation of every protected hectare.

Culture & Leadership in Motion

Indigenous Forest Patrol

The Sinchi Warmi are leaders of peaceful resistance. Through twice-weekly patrols, rotating among members, they send a clear message to extractive interests and hunters: this forest is protected and cared for by its people. These patrols ensure early detection of threats and demonstrate that the territory has dedicated defenders committed to life and conservation.

Regional Ripple Effect

Sinchi Warmi create opportunities for growth in the region. Activities like the Birdwatching Club for children, internships for young adults, and exchanges with neighbouring communities strengthen local leadership. By mentoring younger women and sharing ancestral knowledge, they secure livelihood for the next generation.

Shaping Travellers

The Sinchi Warmi extend their educational mission to all who visit. When international travelers arrive, they share stories, teach language, weaving, and handicrafts, and invite guests to see themselves as part of nature, not just visitors. Through these exchanges, they inspire respect for heritage and a deeper connection to the forest and its people.

Guardians of Seeds & Future Generations

- Meliza, president of Sinchi Warmi

"Untouched nature means life, for plants, animals, and for us as human beings. The forest is an essential part of our community. We must understand and protect it. For us Kichwa, this is fundamental from childhood through old age. Our children grow up with a deep connection to nature, so that this knowledge can be preserved and passed on. Without a healthy environment, we cannot survive. What will we leave for our children? The Amazon is our future. The Sinchi Warmis are natural guardians of the forest, of its seeds and of future generations. We transmit traditional knowledge for the management of an inclusive and equitable forest.”

How You Support Them

Sponsor specific m² they guard. Your name is fixed to that land forever
Join guided visits led by them; walk trails, listen, learn
Purchase crafts they produce, each sale uplifts tradition
Amplify their voices. Share their stories and support grants for women’s leadership
Demand that governments and companies honor indigenous rights and consent

To truly safeguard biodiversity, we must support the people deeply connected to the land, the Forest Guardians who carry ancient knowledge and commitment to protect it.

In the first Forest Guardians Project, the indigenous community organization Sinchi Warmi holds authority over land decisions, lead forest monitoring expeditions, and designs visitor programs.

“Sinchi Warmi” means “strong woman” in Kichwa

Project run by 24 community members

Women create improved livelihoods through tourism entrepreneurship

Preserves culture and ancestral Amazonian cosmovision

Their knowledge guides conservation measures

Sponsorships directly fund their patrols, training, and community initiatives

Essential Partnership

Marie, Director of the V Social Foundation

About the Sinchi Warmi Community Organization

For generations, these Kichwa women and men have walked the forest trails that surround them, known the songs of the birds, and the healing power of its plants.

Their story, their role

Jaime Alvarado

Leader of the Indigenous Guard

VSF_BLOG_08.25_OWN_Portait of a Sinchi Warmi Lady, Ecuador

Betty Chimbo

Tree nursery and reforestation coordinator

Nely Chimbo

Bioentrepreunership coordinator

Meliza Andy

Leader and Administrator

Nathalie Grefa

Forest Treasurer

Science, Strategy & Stewardship

Exploring Flora

Documenting Results

Studying Water Quality

Researching understory life

Discovering new species