In this presentation, we explore the transformative journey of an indigenous community in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador as they shift from an extractivist way of life to becoming restorers of their ecosystems. It follows the stories of key women leaders-Inés, Rosa, Meche, and Mayra-who have reimagined their roles within their community, leading to healthier lands, empowered families, and culturally responsive education systems.
The presentation explores some of the principal challenges that Indigenous communities face, typically trapping them in a cycle of poverty and environmental degradation. It also shares how Fundación Pachaysana, acting as a bridge, facilitates a process of dialogue and unlearning, which empowers these women and their communities to use their ancestral knowledge to restore their forests and build a new future. The talk concludes with a call to action, inviting the audience to join a movement of collective re-worlding, where their support can help expand this successful model to more communities, ensuring a thriving, biodiverse future for all.
About María José “Chochi” Iturralde
María José Iturralde, known as Chochi, is an Ecuadorian educator and social entrepreneur who, for the past eight years, has focused her efforts on socio-environmental restoration with indigenous communities in Ecuador. Co-creating and leading the Humans for Abundance program, launched in 2019, Chochi has pioneered initiatives that restore key ecosystems, facilitate the unlearning of unjust systems, and re-story Indigenous identities. Her work primarily centers on supporting women and girls in healing emotionally, becoming leaders, and driving positive change within their communities. Her work has been featured by the BBC and other international media, highlighting her commitment to collective re-worlding and the integration of indigenous wisdom into global sustainability efforts.
