Meet the Sinchi Warmi

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.

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. Almost all its members are female, including its entire board of directors. 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.

Through Forest Guardians, these men and women now lead the conservation of a forest, manage patrols, teach travelers, and reclaim the forest in their name. Their work preserves species, ancestry, and language, proving that forest defense is not a job, but a way of securing the future.

• 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