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

Julissa Tarrillo

Educational Coordinator · ARI

With an M.A. in Education and 15+ years of experience in education, social project management, and teacher training, Julissa supports ARI's educational initiatives to empower communities.

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.

Miryan Delgado

Director of Programs & 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.

Alejandro Zavaleta

Vice-President & 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.

Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, Ph.D.

Founder & Executive Director · ARI (Peru/USA)

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.

Indigenous and local partners

Co-leaders on the ground

Micaela Huaman Fernandez

Ashaninka Leader, Conservation Advocate & 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.

Rosa Coquinchi Tamani

Master Artisan & 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.

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.

Avita Taricuarima

Kukama-kukamiria biologist · 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 & 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.

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.

Heriberto Vela

Beekeeper & Ecotourism Guide · Kukama-Kukamiria · Loreto

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

Stefanie Torres

President, Asoc. 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.

David Cárdenas

Director, 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.

Richar Demetrio

Ashaninka Scientist & 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.

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.

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. Cesar serves as a scientific advisor for ARI, supporting beekeeping training and research.

International collaborators

Allies abroad

Freya Park

Conservation Strategist · UK/Europe/Canada

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. UK.

Maria Garcia

Educator & Blog Writer · Spain

A bilingual Spanish educator based in Madrid, Maria supports ARI by writing blogs on Amazonian biodiversity and conservation. Spain.

Julianna Faria

Chemical Engineer & Researcher · Brazilian-American · USA

A chemical engineering graduate supporting ARI in scientific writing and research development. She has participated in fieldwork with Ashaninka communities, contributing to data collection and analysis. USA.

Jorge Medina Gutierrez

Beekeeper & Liaison · Bolivia · Ese Ejja communities

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

Callie Veelenturf

Founder, The Leatherback Project & For Nature · Ecuador/Panama/USA

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.

Earth Law Center

Environmental advocacy · Rights of Nature · USA & Latin America

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.