Nemonte Nequimo is a courageous and pioneering Indigenous leader from the Waorani community in the Ecuadorian Amazon, internationally recognized for her fierce advocacy in defending her ancestral lands and protecting the Amazon rainforest. As a co-founder of the Indigenous-led nonprofit organization Alianza Ceibo and a prominent environmental activist, Nemonte’s work has had a profound impact on Indigenous rights and environmental protection, making her one of the most influential Indigenous leaders of her generation.
Born and raised in the Amazon, Nemonte witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of oil extraction and deforestation on her people’s land, culture, and way of life. In 2019, she led a groundbreaking legal battle against the Ecuadorian government to stop the sale of 500,000 acres of Waorani territory to oil companies. Her leadership was instrumental in a historic court ruling that protected her people’s land from extraction, marking a powerful victory for Indigenous rights and setting a precedent for land rights across the Amazon.
Nemonte’s vision extends beyond her own community. She advocates for a global movement to recognize the critical role that Indigenous people play in environmental conservation. Her message is clear: to protect the Amazon, the world must support Indigenous leadership, respect ancestral wisdom, and honor Indigenous land rights. For her efforts, she has received international recognition, including being named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and receiving the Goldman Environmental Prize, often referred to as the “Green Nobel.”
Nemonte Nequimo continues to inspire a global audience by championing Indigenous rights, environmental protection, and the urgent need to safeguard the planet’s ecosystems. Her work is a testament to the power of Indigenous leadership and a reminder that protecting our planet is a responsibility shared by all. Through her activism, Nemonte advocates for a future where environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty are respected, offering a powerful voice for both her people and the Earth.
Alianza Ceibo is an Indigenous-led organization founded by leaders from the Waorani, Siona, Siekopai, and Kofan nations in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Established to empower Indigenous communities in protecting their lands, culture, and rights, Alianza Ceibo is dedicated to environmental preservation and resistance against threats like oil extraction, deforestation, and corporate exploitation.
The organization provides resources and training for Indigenous communities to safeguard their territories and sustain their traditions, combining traditional knowledge with innovative technology. Through initiatives like mapping ancestral lands, monitoring illegal encroachment, and advocating for Indigenous rights at national and international levels, Alianza Ceibo works to secure land rights, environmental protections, and autonomy for Indigenous peoples. The organization also implements sustainable solutions within communities, such as solar energy installations and clean water projects, enhancing their ability to live sustainably while preserving the Amazon’s biodiversity.
A powerful example of Alianza Ceibo’s impact was the successful 2019 lawsuit led by Waorani leader Nemonte Nequimo. This case set a historic precedent, protecting 500,000 acres of Waorani land from oil extraction and underscoring the importance of Indigenous leadership in conservation. Alianza Ceibo continues to advocate for the Amazon and the Indigenous voices that have protected it for centuries, offering a model of resilience, collaboration, and sustainable stewardship.