As a member of the board of directors and longtime partner of Amazon Watch, I am writing to ask you to join us in our vital work to protect Mother Earth.

For over 20 years, Amazon Watch has been a trusted ally to my people, the Kichwa community of Sarayaku, Ecuador, as well as to many other Indigenous nations across the Amazon. They stand in solidarity with us in our fight to defend our ancestral lands and protect the rainforest from destruction by governments and extractive industries. Amazon Watch does not impose their own agenda – they listen to our voices, support our strategies, and amplify our struggles on the global stage.

Your gift is a direct act of solidarity with Amazonian Indigenous peoples.

Thanks to our partnership, we have achieved victories we once thought impossible. These include the historic outcome of Sarayaku’s case at the Inter-American Court, which reinforced our right to consultation on proposed projects in our territory; the establishment of Aerosarayaku, our Indigenous-led aviation company providing daily and emergency transportation to and from our territory; and amplifying our Living Forest vision as a solution for the biodiversity and climate crises at important international summits. Amazon Watch has been there with us every step of the way.

Amazon Watch has also been a vital ally in supporting Mujeres Amazonicas (a collective of Amazon Indigenous women defenders) as we lead efforts to defend our territories and communities. Since 2013, Amazon Watch has supported Indigenous women's leadership, funded our marches and assemblies, and amplified our voices. Their solidarity has been essential to the survival and well-being of our people, especially during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, I invite you to stand with Amazon Watch and support our vital work to protect the Amazon and Indigenous rights. Your contribution ensures they remain a steadfast ally for Indigenous peoples, helping us defend our territories, rights, and the future of the Amazon.

Please make a gift today and stand with us.

With deep gratitude,

Patricia Gualinga
Kichwa Leader from Sarayaku
and Amazon Watch Board Member