Ernesto Retra

Peruvian environmentalist who pioneered rainforest conservation through indigenous collaboration

Ernesto Retra (b.1965) is a groundbreaking conservationist whose work redefined rainforest protection in the Amazon basin. In 1992, he co-founded Amazonia Viva, an organization that partnered with indigenous communities to create the first community-managed conservation areas in Peru. His approach integrated traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation science, establishing 12 protected zones covering 2.5 million hectares by 2000.

Retra's innovation was the 'Guardians Program' launched in 1997, which trained 300 indigenous rangers to monitor illegal logging. This initiative reduced deforestation in合作区域 by 70% within three years. His work was featured in National Geographic's 1999 documentary series on Amazon conservation.

In 1998, he developed the first mobile app for real-time forest monitoring, used by 500 communities. His advocacy led to Peru's 1999 Indigenous Territories Law, recognizing native land rights. The United Nations honored him with the Global 500 Award in 2001 for his conservation efforts.