A model of regenerative bioeconomy led by Amazonian women
In the Ecuadorian Amazon, a group of 80 women protects macambo trees, cares for the forest, and keeps ancestral knowledge alive. From this initiative emerged Guardianas de la Selva, a project that transforms conservation into a sustainable economic opportunity.
What is macambo?
Macambo (Theobroma bicolor) is an ancient superfood rich in omega fatty acids, fiber, and plant-based protein. Native to the rainforest and harvested only once a year, it represents a nutritional and cultural treasure that has historically been undervalued. Today, thanks to this project, it is making its way into international gourmet markets.
Social and environmental impact
Guardians of the Forest is not just a productive project:
- Empowers Amazonian women through training, technical assistance, and fair trade.
- Preserve biodiversity by protecting more than 5,000 hectares of forest over the next five years.
- Generate sustainable income by strengthening community leadership and creating transparent value chains.
Innovation and Partnerships
With support from Ancestral, Kallari, and GIZ, initiatives are being implemented to promote innovation in cocoa and macambo, sustainable production infrastructure, and logistics from Amazonian communities to international markets. This model integrates ancestral knowledge with modern technology, demonstrating that conservation can be both profitable and transformative.
Value Proposition
Guardians of the Forest redefines the relationship between the economy and nature:
- Biodiversity turned into economic value.
- Real social impact on Amazonian communities.
- Premium products with traceability and authenticity.
The future of the economy is regenerative, and in the Ecuadorian Amazon, it’s already underway. Guardianas de la Selva is more than just a project: it’s a movement that brings together tradition, sustainability, and haute cuisine.