2023 Annual Report
The Amazon Conservation Team
Founders' Letter
As we reflect on another very productive year in nearly three decades of working hand-in-hand with indigenous and other local communities to protect the Amazon, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support. Together, we are preserving not only a biome, but also ways of life that are deeply intertwined with the earth, the rainforests, the waters, and ancestors.
We want to draw your attention to a group of individuals whose invaluable contributions to conservation often go unrecognized: indigenous women.
Indigenous women have always been keepers of traditional knowledge passed down through the generations. Their unique connection to the territory as life-givers and caretakers endows them with a profound understanding of the delicate balance that sustains life in the Amazon, an awareness that guides their actions as they confront deforestation, climate change, and colonization.
Numerous studies have shown that when women are at the lead, projects achieve greater success in biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and community resilience. Further, research indicates that women often bring greater inclusivity, solidarity, empathy, and equity to initiatives, building stronger community engagement as a result.
But it is not just their knowledge—it is their resilience and tenacity in the face of adversity. Time and again, we have witnessed these women demonstrate remarkable leadership, mobilizing their communities to defend their forests, nurture their lifeways, and rebuild after crisis with courage and unity.
Theirs is a labor of love, rooted in a deep sense of responsibility to future generations and a commitment to preserving the Amazon for all beings. And it is interwoven throughout all of our work at ACT—touching on leadership, community health, and cultural health. Some of our joint achievements with indigenous women in 2023 include:
- Increasing the capacity of the Union of Indigenous Women of the Brazilian Amazon (UMIAB), a group dedicated to defending the rights of indigenous women and children across the Brazilian Amazon, to design and lead goal-oriented projects
Tripling the revenue of over 70 beekeeping families and increasing production of both propolis and honey by 250% in Suriname
Developing a pilot plan for comprehensive maternal perinatal care as part of our intercultural public healthcare initiative in Colombia, benefitting ten indigenous groups across 58 villages
- Releasing the book “On the Paths of Indigenous Women Knowledge-Keepers”, containing the teaching materials and methods of Kofán, Siona, Inga, Koreguaje and Kamentsá indigenous groups to educate their people across the Andes-Amazon transition region of Colombia
As we celebrate the achievements of 2023, let us honor the vital role that indigenous women play in shaping the future of our planet—their resilience, their wisdom, and their tireless dedication to conservation. And let us pledge to stand in solidarity with them as we continue our shared mission to protect planet, people, and spirit in Amazonia and beyond.
With deepest gratitude,
About ACT
Mission
The Amazon Conservation Team partners with indigenous and other local communities to protect tropical forests and strengthen traditional culture.
Vision
We see a future where healthy tropical forests and thriving local communities exist in harmonious relationship with each other, contributing to the wellbeing of the planet.
Where We Work
We are a field-based organization. Before we work anywhere, we first must be invited; in effect, we do not choose our partners, they choose us. Because the protection of water is of supreme importance to our partners, our work areas are frequently defined by the presence of headwaters and watersheds.
Offices
- Washington, DC, United States (headquarters)
- Bogotá, Colombia
- Brasília, Brazil
- Macapá, Brazil
- Florencia, Colombia
- Paramaribo, Suriname
Regional Programs
Our Strategies
Through our holistic three-pronged strategic approach, we advance conservation initiatives that honor the interdependent relationship between forests and their people. The following pages highlight 2023 ACT initiatives that correspond to these overarching strategies.
Land
Conserving rainforests and ancestral territories
We ensure the restoration, stewardship, and protection of priority ecosystems and resources (both ecologically and culturally significant) by indigenous and local peoples, to ensure the long-term health and biodiversity of their lands.
Livelihoods
Improving the physical well-being of communities
We advance collective access to critical services, necessities, and infrastructure, and promote sustainable local economies and income-generation systems, to support the permanence of indigenous and local peoples in their territories.
Governance
Supporting the self-determination and living cultures of our partners
We promote the ability of our partner communities to govern themselves and their territory, exercise their rights, and revitalize their living cultural heritage, practices, and knowledge.
ACT's Cumulative Impact
Across geographies and cultures, we work with many partner communities on diverse, bio-cultural initiatives to protect ancestral rainforests, support cultural revitalization, and expand indigenous self-determination. Together we co-create methods that center each community's unique priorities, challenges, and worldviews. This dynamic approach produces holistic impacts that often resist distillation into quantitative metrics. However, the following figures quantify a small sampling of achievements facilitated, directly supported, or executed by ACT.
5 ACTIVE TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS MEDICINE CLINICS IN SURINAME
7 ACTIVE RANGER STATIONS IN SURINAME OPERATED BY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY MONITORS
12 ACTIVE HEALTH POSTS ACROSS AMAZONIA
3,000 ACRES PURCHASED AND RETURNED TO INDIGENOUS OWNERSHIP
200,000 ACRES UNDER NEW PROTECTED AREA CATEGORIES
1.7 MILLION ACRES ZONED TO PROTECT ISOLATED PEOPLES IN NATIONAL PARKS AND INDIGENOUS RESERVES
2,7 MILLION ACRES OF INDIGENOUS RESERVES ESTABLISHED - BENEFITTING 69,000 PEOPLE FROM 18 ETHNIC GROUPS, INCLUDING:
33 NEW INDIGENOUS RESERVES
23 EXPANSIONS OF EXISTING INDIGENOUS RESERVES
9,9 MILLION ACRES UNDER IMPROVED SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
Featured Stories
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Financial Overview
In 2023, ACT continued to achieve significant programmatic results and expanded geographies while focusing on our long-term strategies and addressing the critical need to conserve the Amazon and strengthen the communities that support its protection.
From the financial perspective, the total revenue for 2023 was ~$13 million, representing a significant increase from the previous year. This growth was driven primarily by securing new multiyear grants from foundations. Externally, the investment market slowly rebounded, and our returns recovered when compared to 2022.
We carefully managed our expenses, which totaled ~$12 million, a 13% increase over 2022 levels. We invested 80% in conservation initiatives and 20% in strengthening core operations across the organization, reflecting our dedication to sustaining a lean and efficient operation, despite the challenging economic conditions and inflationary trends, while remaining steadfast in delivering on our 2025 strategic plan.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters as each dollar contributed has made a difference in our conservation efforts. This continued support has been vital in making a lasting impact on our partner communities and the environment.
We are proud of the progress made and committed to intensifying our efforts during this time of increased urgency for our mission.
Support | 2023 In USD | 2022 In USD |
|---|---|---|
Foundations Individuals In-country grants In-kind contributions Corporations Total grants and contributions | 8,309,943
1,690,742
961,020
834,977
19,507
| 1,953,866
1,762,474
673,123
108,500
53,993
|
Interest and investment Other Foreign currency valuation loss Total other revenue | (1,251,873)
30,965
79,870
| (3,297,757)
14,003
(158,206)
|
Total Revenue and Support | 13,178,897 | 1,073,996 |
Organizational Efficiency | 2023 In USD | 2022 In USD |
|---|---|---|
Program services General and administration Fundraising | 10,086,639 1,420,874 618,313 | 8,744,191 1,531,320 431,678 |
Total Expenses | 12,125,826 | 10,707,189 |
Revenue and Expenses Trends | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue[*] | 12,886,544 | 7,819,728 | 27,342,714 | 1,073,996 | 13,178,897 |
Expenses | 6,903,536 | 6,763,738 | 8,991,567 | 10,707,189 | 12,125,826 |
[*]Significant annual fluctuations in revenue are attributable to receipt of multiyear grants, the full value of which is recorded as revenue in the year awarded.
Note: The figures that appear in the financial summary are derived from the consolidated financial statements.
Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (For the Year Ended December 31) | 2023 In USD | 2022 In USD |
|---|---|---|
Cash and equivalents Grants and pledges receivable Field operating advances Due from related party Prepaid expenses Investments Property and equipment, net Security deposit and others Total Assets | 1,637,432
5,388,896
574
-
141,406
14,075,770
3,593,360
35,428
| 1,620,882
1,792,423
28,290
1,940
79,570
16,664,723
2,943,468
30,558
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses Deferred revenue Total Liabilities | 312,308
640,878
| 282,980
76,220
|
Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions Net Assets | 17,059,173
6,806,507
| 21,241,736
1,560,918
|
Total Liabilities and Net Assets | 24,818,866 | 23,161,854 |
Note: Figures are derived from consolidated financial statements. Funds are presented according to the accrual method of accounting. ACT’s audited financial statements, which reflect an unqualified opinion, can be obtained online at amazonteam.org or by calling (703) 522-4684.
Consolidated Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets (For the Year Ended December 31) | 2023 In USD | 2022 In USD |
|---|---|---|
Contributions Grants In-kind contributions Interest investment return, net Other Foreign currency valuation loss Total Revenue and Support | 1,050,833
8,930,379
834,977
1,251,873
30,965
(79,870)
| 1,771,872
2,635,584
108,500
(3,297,757)
14,003
(158,206)
|
Land management Sustainable alternative livelihoods Governance and culture Program Services General and administration Fundraising Supporting Services Total Expenses | 5,106,916
1,562,633
3,417,090
| 3,352,084
1,798,862
3,593,245
|
Change in Net Assets before Translation Adjustment Translation Adjustment Change in Net Assets | 1,053,071
9,955
| (9,633,193)
(3,081)
|
Net Assets, Beginning of Year Net Assets, End of Year | 22,802,654
| 32,438,928
|
Our Board
ACT-US Board of Directors
Laurie Benenson Writer and Producer Chair
Stephen Altschul Computational Biologist Secretary
Daniela Armijos
Jeff Bridges
William M. Cameron
Marcelo Carvalho de Andrade
Denise Castronovo
Ken Cook
Liliana Madrigal
Juan Mayr Maldonado
Elizabeth Murrell
Dr. Mark J. Plotkin
Nora Pouillon
David Stoup Treasurer
Hector “Tico” Torres
Pascal Tjong A Hung
Bernard Aronson Emeritus
Robert W. Boykin Emeritus
Margaret Clark Emeritus
Ward Paine Emeritus
ACT-US Advisory Board
Janell Cannon
Jane Goodall
Hugh Govan
Walter Isaacson
Julian Lennon
May Pang
Miranda Smith
Paul Stamets
Heather Thomas-Brittenham
Andrew Tobias
ACT-Brasil Board of Directors
Sandra Charity Chair
Eryka Waleska de Seixas Treasurer
Daniela Prioli
ACT-Guianas Board of Directors
Pascal Tjong A Hung Chair
Samantha James Secretary
Joep Moonen
Dr. Mark J. Plotkin
Aniel Ramjanam
Milton Sandvliet Treasurer
Jornell Vinkwolk
Our Team
Brazil
In Brazil, Program Director Luiz Lopes da Silva leads a team of 18.
Costa Rica Ancestral Tides
In our Ancestral Tides regional initiative, which links efforts in Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama and Colombia to protect sea turtles and coastal ecosystems while positively impacting the livelihoods and wellbeing of local communities, Program Director Max Villalobos leads a team of 14.
Guianas
In the northeast Amazon, Regional Director Minu Parahoe leads a team of 32 in efforts in the three countries of the Guianas, primarily in Suriname.
Northwest Amazon
In the northwest Amazon, home to our largest program, Regional Director Carolina Gil leads a team of 136 in efforts focused on Colombia with an additional initiative in Peru.
United States
Dr. Mark J. Plotkin Co-Founder & President
Liliana Madrigal Co-Founder & Executive Vice President
Karla Lara-Otero Chief Financial Officer
Crisbellt Alvarado-Rezola Director, Finance & Operations
Carolina Del Rio Office & Executive Coordinator
Brian Hettler Director, Mapping
Bruce Hoffman Senior Manager, Scientific Research
Tom McGuire Chief Development Officer
Zach Nelson Coordinator, Development & Reporting
Francelys Peche Manager, Travel & Logistics
Antonio Peluso Manager, Communications
Thais Santos Staff Accountant
David Stone Senior Manager, Narrative & Media Content
In Memoriam
Richard Kahn
Richard Kahn was a quiet visionary—a brilliant lawyer and activist with a profound sense of social and environmental justice as well as a believer in the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in healing.
At the end of 1995, Richard, a family foundation trustee, called to ask why ACT’s precursor was not presenting a proposal to continue work that Mark Plotkin had begun in Colombia, focused on strengthening the more traditional uses of ayahuasca with shamans deep in the Amazon.
The founders told Richard that they were grateful for the offer but did not have the necessary infrastructure. In his eloquent deep voice, he replied, “Well, you find a way. The work is important.” With this injection of belief and support, in 1996, ACT was formally founded with a mission that holds today, still advised by indigenous healers and elders.
Across those early years, Richard steadfastly encouraged ACT to continue bringing a new conservation paradigm of partnership with indigenous people to the philanthropic world. Securing funding for this novel approach was initially challenging, and Richard would skillfully edit our proposals to better convince foundations to support our work.
Richard’s counsel and inspiration was of enormous value to us through and beyond the next quarter-century. We will miss Richard dearly. His legacy lives on.
Danilo Villafañe
Danilo Villafañe, a forceful advocate for indigenous rights and culture as well as an ACT partner, was an Arhuaco leader renowned for his efforts to protect sacred indigenous lands in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta from deforestation and colonization. He also served for a time as the governor of the Arhuaco.
Danilo came from a lineage of activism: his father, Adalberto Villafañe, was assassinated in 1996 while working to recover Arhuaco lands from coca cultivators.
Per ACT President Mark Plotkin: “Danilo had an almost unique ability to befriend people from all walks of life and all parts of the economic and political spectrum. He was relentlessly cheerful and dedicated, often in the face of daunting challenges and real danger ... he died as he lived: a fearless hero, trying to help others.”
Legacy Giving
Ensure that your personal dedication to climate justice, indigenous rights, and conservation of the natural world is felt for many years to come! You can help protect the future of the Amazon rainforest and the indigenous peoples who call it home by making a legacy gift to the Amazon Conservation Team.
Legacy Gifts by Will
FreeWill.com offers a free and secure online resource to make a personal will in about 20 minutes. You can easily make a plan for your future and family, while including a legacy gift that helps protect the Amazon forest together with the indigenous guardians who call it home. Through your will, you can donate part of your estate to the Amazon Conservation Team. Charitable gifts made by will to IRS-approved charity organizations, like the Amazon Conservation Team, are fully tax-deductible for federal tax purposes, with no limit to the deduction your estate can claim. Go to freewill.com/amazonconservationteam to get started.
If you would like to include a charitable gift to the Amazon Conservation Team in your will without the support of FreeWill.com, your personal attorney should be your primary advisor in preparing or amending your will and any charitable legacy gifts you wish to include.
Other Ways to Make Legacy Gifts
If you have a retirement plan, life insurance policy, or any other non-probate assets not included in your will, consider designating the Amazon Conservation Team as a beneficiary of one or more of these. Please use the following information on any beneficiary designation forms:
Amazon Conservation Team 101 Park Washington Ct Falls Church, VA 22046
Federal Tax ID Number: 54-1915987
Our Offices Brazil: (+55) 61.2196.7700 | info@actbrasil.org Colombia: (+57) 1.285.6950 | info@actcolombia.org Guianas: (+597) 434.933 | info@actguianas.org United States: (+1) 703.522.4684 | info@amazonteam.org amazonteam.org Facebook/Twitter: @AmazonTeamOrg Instagram: @amazonconservationteam LinkedIn: Amazon Conservation Team
