About ARI

Where modern science meets traditional wisdom.

ARI regenerates fragile Amazonian biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural heritage by uniting traditional knowledge with modern science — through conservation, research, policy, and the empowerment of native communities and leaders. We are a hybrid: a scientific institution and a community organisation. The work is rigorous and patient. The forest is the protagonist; we walk alongside the people who live there.

Leadership and core team

The people behind the work

Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, Ph.D.

Founder and Executive Director · ARI

A scientist and explorer, Rosa leads ARI's scientific and conservation strategy. A National Geographic Explorer, BBC 100 Women awardee, and UN Harmony with Nature Scientist, she bridges indigenous wisdom and modern science to protect Amazonian biodiversity.

Alejandro Zavaleta

Vice-President and Director of Finances · ARI

With 16 years of experience in finance, strategy, and technology, and a degree in Marketing and Commercial Management, Alejandro advances ARI's mission to conserve Amazonian biodiversity.

Miryan Delgado

Director of Programs and Projects · ARI

With an MBA and a degree in Psychology, along with extensive experience in social development and project management, Miryan leads ARI's programmes both in the field and across the region.

Rosangela Mariño

Projects Coordinator · ARI

With a B.A. in Business Administration and experience in project coordination and social development, Rosangela supports ARI's work by overseeing project and programme logistics.

Julissa Tarrillo

Education Coordinator · ARI

Education professional with a master's degree in University Teaching and more than 12 years of experience in social project management and educational consulting. At ARI, Julissa leads training projects, applying different learning methodologies.

Ornella Muñoz

Forestry Engineer · Loreto (ARI scientist)

An Amazonian scientist, Ornella advances forestry and stingless bee research in Loreto with ARI. She leads conservation workshops and empowers youth in science.

Julianna Faria

Chemical Engineer and Researcher · Brazilian-American · USA

A Brazilian-American Fellow Researcher, Julianna advances research on medicinal plants and traditional ecological knowledge with Indigenous leaders, while supporting scientific and grant writing.

Richar Demetrio

Ashaninka Scientist and Park Ranger · Asháninka · EcoAshaninka

A dedicated stingless beekeeper, published scientist, and advocate for indigenous representation in research and conservation, Richar is also a member of EcoAshaninka.

Massiel Cusi

Digital Media & Content Coordinator

Marketing professional, Massiel is our content creator at ARI, responsible for developing digital strategies and creative content for our social media to communicate the impact of our projects.

Karina Rios

Indigenous and local partners

Co-leaders on the ground

Dani Baca

Agroindustrial Engineer

With ample experience in stingless beekeeping and food systems, Dani investigates the sanitary, phytosanitary and quality processes of bee-derived products for sustainable commercialization.

Stefanie Torres

President of Asociación de Meliponicultores de la Región Loreto · Kukama-Kukamiria · Loreto

A Kukama-Kukamiria leader, educator, and passionate stingless beekeeper, Stefanie drives conservation and beekeeping initiatives in the region, with a strong focus on female empowerment.

Heriberto Vela

Beekeeper and Ecotourism Guide · Kukama-Kukamiria · Loreto

A Kukama-kukamiria leader and beekeeper, Heriberto supports research, conservation and capacity building efforts in the Loreto region.

César Delgado, Ph.D.

Scientific Researcher · IIAP (Peruvian Amazon)

Stingless Bee Expert, Educator, and Scientist at the Institute of Investigation of the Peruvian Amazon (IIAP). Dr. César serves as a scientific advisor for ARI, supporting beekeeping training and research.

César Ramos

President of EcoAshaninka · Asháninka · Avireri-VRAEM Biosphere

An indigenous leader dedicated to protecting biodiversity and cultural heritage, representing 25 Asháninka, Machiguenga, and Kakinte communities in the UNESCO Avireri-VRAEM Biosphere.

David Cárdenas

Director of Reserva Comunal Ashaninka - SERNANP · SERNANP · Avireri-VRAEM

An agronomy engineer with over 20 years of experience working with indigenous communities, David plays a key role in conservation efforts within the UNESCO Avireri-VRAEM Biosphere.

Karina Garcia

Teacher, activist, and Shipibo-Konibo leader

Healing teacher, leader of the Isa Weni project, and co-creator with ARI of a medicinal garden, helping recover ancestral knowledge and strengthen its transmission to new generations.

Avita Taricuarima

Biologist, Translator and Ecotourism Guide · Kukama-Kukamiria

A Kukama-Kukamiria Amazonian tour guide, translator (English-Spanish), and emerging biologist, Avita supports our expeditions with translation and deep knowledge of the rainforest.

Luis Garcia

Biologist and Wildlife Photographer · ARI

Luis has extensive experience in wildlife research and fieldwork. His photos have been published in The New York Times, and he is currently leading linguistic analysis on traditional bee knowledge.

Christian Florida

Agricultural Engineer

Graduate in Agronomy with a strong interest in phytopathology and agricultural research.

Micaela Huaman Fernandez

Ashaninka Leader, Conservation Advocate, and Artisan · Asháninka

Micaela advocates for female youth in conservation and cultural preservation. She leads a local association of female artisans, empowering women through craftsmanship and advocacy.

Dr. Jeanpierre Rodríguez

Research ecologist

Specialized in carbon dynamics and tropical forest resilience, with expertise in complex data analysis, ecophysiology, water stress, and forest recovery in neotropical ecosystems. His work includes research on biomass, senescence, and the dynamics of secondary forests.

Juan Rodrigo Baselly Villanueva

Forestry Research Specialist · ARI

A published scientist with extensive experience leading research initiatives in the Amazon, Rodrigo supports ARI's studies on Amazonian biodiversity and anthropogenic impacts.

Lucy Alvarado

Agricultural Engineer

Agronomist with experience in scientific research, including pollinator assessment, ecological monitoring and project design.

Rosa Coquinchi Tamani

Master Artisan and Expert in Natural Dyes · Kukama-Kukamiria

A skilled Kukama-kukamiria artisan with deep knowledge of natural dyes and traditional Amazonian art. She preserves and shares ancestral techniques, creating vibrant textiles that celebrate indigenous heritage.

International collaborators

Allies abroad

Earth Law Center

Environmental advocacy

NGO dedicated to the legal protection of nature. We collaborate with Constanza Prieto, Javier Ruiz and Bastian Nuñez to advance conservation advocacy and Rights of Nature.

USA and Latin America

Bees for Development

Sustainable beekeeping

Bees for Development is a global charity that promotes sustainable beekeeping to reduce poverty, strengthen resilient livelihoods, and protect biodiversity.

Studio Bluegreen Fund

It is a creative foundation that promotes environmental conservation through storytelling, media, and popular culture to foster a connection with nature and support the protection of underrepresented species and ecosystems.

Callie Veelenturf

Founder of The Leatherback Project and For Nature

Callie supports ARI in identifying funding opportunities and advising on Rights of Nature and science-based conservation efforts in the Amazon Rainforest.

Ecuador, Panamá, USA

Jorge Medina Gutierrez

Beekeeper and Liaison

Jorge works closely with Ese Ejja communities in Bolivia, advancing stingless bee conservation and rainforest protection through engineering and community-led initiatives.

Bolivia

Freya Park

Conservation Strategist

With experience across the UK, Europe, and Canada, Freya has led international negotiations on conservation priorities at COP and global forums. She supports ARI through strategy building and advocacy.

Elodie Freymann

Wildlife monitoring

PhD, is a primatologist and science storyteller. At ARI, she leads wildlife studies using camera traps in the Asháninka community, contributing to biodiversity monitoring and research.

USA

Kathryn Naherny

Researcher

Kath holds a Bachelor's degree in Entomological Sciences from the University of Florida and is currently a PhD student at the University of Colorado Boulder. At ARI, conducts research on parasites in native stingless bees.

Canada

Volunteers

Hands in the field

Tengri Genc

Student

Student of Politics and Spanish at the University of Manchester, Tengri is conducting an internship at ARI supporting in conservation policy, research and grant writing.

Angel Borja

Tropical Forestry Engineer

Graduate in Tropical Forestry Engineering, passionate about forest conservation, with a focus on biodiversity and natural resource management.

Alcides Villanueva

Park Ranger

Student and volunteer park ranger at the Asháninka Communal Reserve. He collaborates on wildlife monitoring projects using camera traps and on the mapping of stingless bees.

Alisson Párraga

Environmental engineer

Passionate about contributing to environmental conservation and supporting initiatives that promote biodiversity protection and sustainable ecosystems.