Nadino Calapucha

Nadino Calapucha has emerged as a prominent young leader of the Amazonian Kichwa Nationality, hailing from the Shiwakucha Community in Ecuador's Arajuno Canton. His dedication to indigenous rights activism began in his youth, leading to significant roles in indigenous advocacy organizations. His leadership journey includes serving as part of the Youth Council of the Indigenous Movement of Ecuador in 2011 and as the Plurinational Representative of Indigenous Children and Adolescents of Ecuador in 2004. His international influence expanded through his position as Youth Focal Point and communications leader for the Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin (COICA), where he also served as Technical Coordinator of the Program for the Defense of Indigenous Defenders. Currently pursuing a law degree at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Calapucha serves as President of the Amazonian Foundation KAMBAK, focusing on protecting indigenous territories and biodiversity. His work bridges traditional Kichwa culture with modern advocacy, particularly in defending indigenous land rights and environmental conservation. In 2019, he contributed to the international indigenous rights movement as a member of the International Committee of the Pan-Amazonian Social Forum, continuing to amplify indigenous voices in global environmental and social justice discussions.