Isaias Gamboa

Ecuadorian environmentalist leading Amazon rainforest conservation through indigenous collaboration

Isaias Gamboa is a pioneering environmental leader from Ecuador's Waorani indigenous community, instrumental in protecting the Amazon rainforest through innovative conservation strategies. As founder of the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) in 2001, he developed the 'Biocultural' model combining traditional knowledge with modern science.

His landmark 2014 initiative established the first community-based forest monitoring system in Yasuní National Park, using smartphones and satellite tech to track illegal logging. This system reduced deforestation by 70% in protected zones by 2018. Gamboa also spearheaded the 2016 'Amazon Indigenous Territories' program, creating 12 million acres of protected land managed by native communities.

In 2019, he launched the groundbreaking 'Guardians of the Amazon' project training 300 indigenous rangers in sustainable practices. His work with the UN REDD+ program helped secure $45M in carbon credits for rainforest preservation. Gamboa's approach has been replicated in Peru, Colombia and Brazil, influencing 2017 Amazon Basin conservation agreements.

His advocacy directly contributed to Ecuador's 2020 ban on new oil drilling in indigenous territories. Read more about his work at Amazon Watch or view the documentary 'Guardians of the Amazon' (coming soon).