Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, Ph.D.
Founder and Executive Director
National Geographic Explorer · BBC 100 Women awardee · UN Harmony with Nature Scientist.
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.
Alejandro Zavaleta
Vice President and Director of Finance
16 years across finance, strategy, and technology. Marketing and Commercial Management.
Miryan Delgado
Director of Programs and Projects
MBA and Psychology background; long career in social development and project management.
Rosangela Mariño
Projects Coordinator
Business Administration; project coordination and social development background.
Julissa Tarrillo
Education Coordinator
Master's in University Teaching. Twelve+ years in social projects and educational consulting.
Massiel Cusi
Digital Media & Content Coordinator
Marketing professional. Social media and digital strategy.
Richar Demetrio
Asháninka Scientist and Park Ranger
Published scientist, stingless beekeeper, and EcoAshaninka member.
Ornella Muñoz
Forestry Engineer
Amazonian scientist focused on forestry and stingless bee research in Loreto.
Julianna Faria
Chemical Engineer and Researcher
Brazilian-American researcher on medicinal plants and traditional ecological knowledge.
Indigenous and local partners
Co-leaders on the ground.
ARI's work is co-led with Indigenous and local partners across the Peruvian Amazon. The list below is a small sample of a larger network.
Stefanie Torres
President · Asociación de Meliponicultores de la Región Loreto
Kukama-Kukamiria leader; advocates for stingless beekeeping across Loreto.
Heriberto Vela
Beekeeper and Ecotourism Guide
Kukama-Kukamiria leader; leads field training across Loreto apiaries.
César Delgado, Ph.D.
Scientific Researcher · IIAP
Institute of Investigation of the Peruvian Amazon (IIAP).
César Ramos
President · EcoAshaninka
Represents 25 Indigenous communities in the UNESCO Avireri-VRAEM Biosphere.
David Cárdenas
Director · Reserva Comunal Asháninka (SERNANP)
Co-leads protected-area co-management with Indigenous communities.
Avita Taricuarima
Biologist · Translator · Ecotourism Guide
Kukama-Kukamiria researcher; bridges field science and Indigenous languages.
Karina García
Teacher · Shipibo-Konibo Leader
Co-creator of the Isa Weni education project.
International collaborators
Allies abroad.
Earth Law Center
Environmental advocacy · Rights of Nature
USA & Latin America.
Bees for Development
Sustainable beekeeping & poverty reduction
United Kingdom.
Callie Veelenturf
Funding identification · Rights of Nature
Ecuador, Panama, USA.
Jorge Medina Gutierrez
Stingless bee conservation
Bolivia.
Elodie Freymann
Wildlife monitoring · Primatology
United States.
Kathryn Naherny
Stingless bee parasite research
Canada.