Belén Páez, Ecuadorian ecologist, specializes in guiding transitions toward regenerative economic models

and designing innovative governance and financing mechanisms for bioregions and indigenous territories

in Latin America. Faced with the widespread loss of biodiversity, the expansion of extractive industries, and

the increasing threats of fires, droughts, and floods, her work focuses on creating ecological, economic,

social, and political systemic solutions to protect life on Earth. She also anticipates emerging trends and

develops strategies to tackle future challenges.

With over 28 years of experience protecting the Amazon, Belén has worked closely with indigenous

communities to implement sustainable economic alternatives that have improved their quality of life while

helping to conserve millions of acres of tropical rainforest. Through her leadership at Fundación

Pachamama and Pachamama Alliance, efforts have successfully halted the expansion of extractive

industries and reduced deforestation in the south-central Amazon, one of the most biodiverse regions in

the world.

Belén’s impact extends both locally and globally, where she leads projects in bioeconomy, ecotourism,

renewable energy, ecosystem conservation, climate justice, maternal and child health, and human and

nature rights. Her ability to bring attention to the Amazon on a global stage has made it a central issue in

international forums focused on indigenous rights, climate change, and innovation. Her efforts have earned

her recognition from many organizations, including being named one of the 100 Latinos most committed to

Climate Action in 2021.

Currently, Belén is the President of Fundación Pachamama and Vice President of Pachamama Alliance. She

also serves as General Secretary and board member of the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance, which

works to protect 86 million acres of bio-culturally rich tropical rainforests in Ecuador and Peru, in

partnership with 30 indigenous nations and peoples. She is a member of the Science Panel for the Amazon

(SPA) and serves on the boards of Protection International (PI) and the Ecuadorian Sustainable

Environmental Investment Fund (FIAS).

Belén Páez is a prominent voice in blending ancestral knowledge with innovative solutions, leading the

way toward a regenerative and equitable future that honors both nature and indigenous communities.