Adam Gebb is a passionate conservation strategist with over 30 years of experience dedicated to preserving biodiversity through landscape connectivity. As the Executive Director of the Andes Amazon Conservancy, he works closely with Indigenous communities in Ecuador to protect critical wildlife migration corridors that link the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest. His work has significantly advanced wildlife conservation, blending scientific research with Indigenous knowledge to create sustainable solutions that benefit ecosystems and local communities. Born in New York City, Adam earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in International Marketing, from Northeastern University in Boston. However, his growing concern for environmental issues led him to redirect his focus. In 1989, he pursued ethno-ecology and tropical ecology studies at San Francisco State University, which took him to Northern Thailand. There, he gained a deeper understanding of the tropical ecosystems and the vital role Indigenous communities play in their stewardship. In Thailand, Adam observed the challenges created by conservation efforts that were disconnected from the needs of local communities. This experience influenced his philosophy that sustainable conservation practices must be rooted in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, who have historically understood and managed these landscapes. Since then, he has committed to creating conservation strategies that combine traditional ecological knowledge with modern science to develop lasting, community-driven solutions. In 2018, Adam founded the Andes Amazon Conservancy in Ecuador, where he works with Indigenous nations such as the Shuar, Kichwa, Shiwiar, and Sapara. The Conservancy’s work focuses on protecting some of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests. One of the key projects under his leadership is the creation of a 300-kilometer wildlife migration corridor that links the Andes with the Amazon. This corridor is vital in maintaining ecological balance by ensuring that wildlife can move freely between fragmented habitats, which is critical for survival. A core principle of Adam’s work is landscape connectivity, which involves creating uninterrupted wildlife corridors to allow species to migrate and access necessary resources. This is especially important in the Amazon, where deforestation and infrastructure development threaten to fragment ecosystems. His efforts to restore connectivity help mitigate these impacts, allowing wildlife populations to thrive across a broader landscape. In addition to his work on wildlife corridors, Adam is dedicated to improving food sovereignty for Indigenous communities. His Edible Forest Program plants native, edible trees along wildlife corridors, providing ecological and nutritional benefits. By restoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable food sources, the program helps Indigenous communities maintain their traditional food systems while contributing to biodiversity conservation. His innovative work has garnered international recognition, including a nomination for the Earthshot Prize in 2024. Through his leadership, Adam Gebb continues to drive impactful conservation efforts that protect the environment and empower local communities.
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