Ikiam: Protecting the amazon
Ikiam: United in Heritage, Thriving in Harmony
At The Ikiam Foundation, we believe in the inherent strength and wisdom of indigenous communities — both within the United States and across the globe. Our mission is to empower these communities to flourish while honoring their rich cultural heritages.
The Ikiam Ecological Reserve is the first Ecological Reserve in the Amazon Rainforest focused on Women and Youth Programming.
Women’s Entrepreneurship House
The Women's Entrepreneurship House and Institute will be a multipurpose space where women and young people will be able to take part in training courses, teach/training in Indigenous crafts and pottery, and selling the products they make. Training in traditional Indigenous artforms is currently taking place and they are in preparation for on-site and virtual sale. Courses and workshops will be held every month, and there will be regular coursework so that women can offer Shuar cuisine. In this space, Shuar paintings and art made by young people and women will be exhibited.The Entrepreneurship house will have a monitoring and data collection space using the Ranger and Biomass platforms to study vegetation changes and forest dynamics over time.
Leadership
Yulissa Trigoso is the Director of Gender and Innovation at the Ikiam Foundation and Vision Amazonica. Yulissa recently was selected by the Wild Life Conservation Network (WCN), the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Global Environment Facility’s Fonseca Leadership Program. Over the next two years she will participate in leadership and improving technical skills training related to her work with women related to the Ikiam Foundation’s work in Ecuador and Peru.
What is the Ikiam Foundation Conservation Philosophy?
The Ikiam Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of pristine and intact forests, as well as the restoration of ecosystems degraded by human activity. We promote the protection of ecosystems classified as High Forest Cover and Low Deforestation Areas (HFLD), such as the Ikiam Ecological Reserve, an emblematic space of this type.
Our approach combines traditional knowledge, science and technology to protect natural areas, reduce deforestation and strengthen local indigenous economies. We firmly believe in recognizing, respecting, dignifying and financing the initiatives of communities that have cared for Amazonian ecosystems for generations.
The ecosystems of the Amazon rainforest, considered the “heart” or “lung” of the planet, not only sustains local life, but are vital to the health of our world. Join our cause to preserve territories of life, restore fragile rainforest ecosystems and promote a sustainable indigenous economy! Donate today and be part of this fight for the future of the Amazon and the planet.
Meet our founders
Tuntiak Katan
Tuntiak is deeply rooted in his Shuar community, is a staunch advocate for the conservation of the Amazon and the rights of its indigenous peoples. His academic background has expanded his commitment to biodiversity, indigenous knowledge, territory, and sustainable development.
Throughout his career, Tuntiak has played a crucial role in initiatives such as Sacred Basins in Peru and Ecuador and the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities, promoting climate, social, and economic justice. He is the creator and developer of the SHANDIA mechanism for direct access to climate financing for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
He is also a fervent supporter of efforts to preserve the Shuar language and Shuar culture. Recognized internationally, including with Italy's Giovani Award, Tuntiak persists in his defense of the sovereign rights of indigenous peoples over their territories and the ecosystem services they generate. His enduring dedication is shaping a more sustainable and just future for community self-sufficiency.
Olga Enciso Smith
Olga is a dedicated advocate for socially responsible enterprises and small businesses, particularly in the Americas. Her motto, "A world without poverty through socially responsible enterprises," drives her commitment to fair trade and respect for indigenous lands.
She founded Machu Picchu Gallery of the Americas in 1974, promoting the craftsmanship of artisans from the Americas. Her work has earned her accolades, including the Latino Business Leadership award from the Silicon Valley Business Journal in 2020.
Olga is a founding member of Women of the Americas and "HOW WOMEN LEAD," influencing diverse communities through her leadership. She has also championed small and minority-owned businesses in Downtown San Jose and led trade missions as part of the Greater San Jose Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Her involvement extends to cultural events, immigrant mentoring, and disaster relief efforts. Olga's leadership focuses on economic growth, cultural preservation, and social responsibility.
Ready to take the next step?
We are currently raising $80,000 for the first phase of establishing the Ikiam Ecological Reserve in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. This is the only ecological reserve completely managed by indigenous people in Ecuador that focuses on the empowerment of women and youth. This will be the most important Amazonian Ecological Reserve in Ecuador, connecting traditional knowledge and science for biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration under Indigenous ownership and management.
