Juan Carlos, General Coordinator, Kapawi Ecolodge & Trek Ecuador
I have worked in travel and conservation for more than 28 years. I started my professional career as a naturalist guide, and expanded my work experience in adventure/nature/conservation travel over the years. For over a decade, I managed high-level conservation and travel programs in Ecuador for international NGOs, including The Nature Conservancy and The World Wildlife Fund - WWF Ecuador, with tasks and assignments in the Amazon Rainforest, Andean region, and 4 years living/working in the Galapagos Islands. My regional work includes team collaborations in Colombia, Peru, and Panama in strengthening travel as a conservation tool in protected/indigenous territories, as well as professional assignments to other countries, including Namibia and Guatemala.
I also established a tour operator/DMC in 2005, Trek Ecuador, to connect international travelers with unique and authentic travel experiences supporting conservation and sustainable/community development. In 2018-19 I became involved in rebuilding Kapawi Ecolodge, and since then I have been highly involved with the ATTA, including leading efforts to apply and win the ATWS - Pitch Competition (UnTours Foundation) in Hokkaido 2023, and also the ATCF in 2025.
My experience and work focuses on preserving the recreational integrity of special and unique natural and cultural areas, and I have reached a level of experience, maturity, and capacity to contribute to the ATCF.
Between 2008-2010, I worked for The Nature Conservancy and managed a USAID-funded program named "Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance" in Ecuador, which focused on strengthening travel as a conservation tool in 10+ protected areas in Ecuador.
From 2010-2018 I worked for the World Wildlife Fund in different positions, including Tourism Manager in the Galápagos Islands, Public Policy Senior Advisor also in the Galápagos Islands, Temporary Country Representative for a year, and Conservation Director between 2015-2018.
I left WWF Ecuador to reengage with Kapawi Ecolodge and rebuild the ecolodge, where I started as a naturalist guide in 1998. Since 2018, I have become involved in helping the ecolodge and the communities address conservation and development issues. In this work, I collaborate closely with several NGOs, including The Pachamama Alliance (US), Fundacion Pachamama (Ecuador), and others present in the Kapawi area.
Describe any previous or current experience you have working with nonprofits, foundations or conservation organizations.
Describe any current or previous experience in fundraising and development.
While at TNC and WWF, fundraising was a priority and a task/responsibility in all the work I did, with large organizations as well as private donors. My job at Kapawi Ecolodge also includes a significant effort in networking and raising funds for Amazon conservation priorities.
After 28+ years working in travel and conservation, I have gained significant experience, and maturity, as well as a clear understanding of what can and needs to be done to protect biodiversity and landscapes where responsible travel takes place.
Why are you interested in serving on the ATCF board?
After working for so many years in travel projects and enterprises taking place in areas where conservation and local development are priorities, I understand very clearly the local perspective and the main challenges to ensure travel preserves and protected the destination. I have developed a network of contacts, both in the private industry and NGOs (local and international), and I see an opportunity to engage a few of them and secure their support of ATCF's mission and impact.
What specific skills, perspectives, or networks would you bring to help advance the ATCF’s mission and impact?