Senior Advisor on Biodiversity and Bioeconomy

Ana Puyol is a leading expert in biodiversity conservation, with extensive experience working directly with Indigenous communities in the Amazon. During her tenure as the Executive Director of the EcoCiencia Foundation from 2015 to 2020, she spearheaded the implementation of bioeconomy initiatives, reinforcing the organization’s socio-environmental agenda. Ana passionately advocated for the direct participation of Indigenous women in multi-level governance platforms while also championing sustainable economic programs within their territories.

Ana was pivotal in coordinating the 2000-2010 National Biodiversity Policy and Strategy for Ecuador. She also led the award-winning “Chocolate for Conservation” Project with the Waorani Women’s Association of the Ecuadorian Amazon as the Program Officer in South America for the International NGO TRAFFIC. This groundbreaking project received first prize in the United Nations Equator Initiative and the Premios Latino America Verde contest. Her influential contributions continue as an esteemed Ecuador’s World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Advisory Council member.