Uyunkar Domingo Peas
As an Indigenous leader from the Achuar nation in Ecuador and President of the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance, he has succeeded in uniting 30 diverse Indigenous nations to steward 35 million hectares of rainforest— a vital ecosystem for both local communities and global climate stability. For his unifying and visionary leadership in environmental stewardship, Uyunkar Domingo Peas Nampichkai is awarded the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award 2025.
Recipient of the WIN WIN Award 2025
"I receive the WIN WIN Award with deep gratitude, on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples of the Sacred Headwaters of the Amazon. This recognition honors our ancestral fight to defend the rainforest, protect life, and walk with dignity toward a regenerative future for all of humanity—for both the visible and invisible beings. This award is not only for me, but for all the guardians of the Amazon who, with wisdom, courage, and sacrifice, have protected the forests, rivers, and life itself in the face of countless threats.
True leadership sustains hope amidst destruction and keeps us strong without losing tenderness. May this recognition amplify the urgent call of the Earth and of those who have lived in harmony with her since time immemorial, so that together we may build a future of unity and balance.”
- Uyunkar Domingo Peas, 2025
THE BACKGROUND
Uyunkar Domingo Peas, an Indigenous leader from the Ecuadorian Amazon, is the founder of the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance, a coalition of more than 30 Indigenous nations working to protect vast areas of the rainforest. For millennia, their culture, traditions and way of life has been deeply connected to these lands. Today, with nearly half of the Amazon at risk of collapse due to deforestation and climate change, extractive industries continue to threaten both ecosystems and Indigenous lands, more than 20% of which are already affected by mining.
Rooted in the philosophy of Buen Vivir—living in harmony with nature and collective well-being—Domingo's leadership goes beyond defending his people’s rights. He advocates for Indigenous stewardship as a cornerstone of Amazon protection and global environmental stability.
Domingo's Leadership and Impact
Through his efforts, Uynkar Domingo Peas has led the protection of over 35 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the critical role of Indigenous knowledge and leadership in both local and global conservation. With the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance, he has successfully united a diverse group of Indigenous nations, overcoming significant cultural, social, and political differences to resist extractive industries.
By fostering collaboration among Indigenous groups and engaging external stakeholders, Domingo has proven that Indigenous-led initiatives are vital in addressing the environmental challenges confronting the Amazon. As co-founder of the Living School for the Amazon, an initiative focused on educating and empowering the next generation of Indigenous leaders, Domingo helps cultivate a deep understanding of traditional knowledge and sustainable development practices. The school ensures that the wisdom of the Amazon’s Indigenous peoples continues to guide future generations in stewarding their territories and preserving the rainforest.
Domingo's leadership exemplifies the power of collective action, resilience, and profound respect for our natural world. Through his work, he has not only protected Indigenous territories and established a globally resonant model for Indigenous-led environmental protection, but also advanced a vision of sustainable development that drives systemic change and challenges dominant perspectives on progress.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance is working to protect the Amazon through its Bioregional Plan, a roadmap for shifting from extraction to a regenerative bioeconomy. The plan secures Indigenous territories, strengthens governance, and supports sustainable livelihoods. Central to this vision is the Living School of the Amazon (EVA), which trains Indigenous youth in governance, human rights, and traditional knowledge. Graduates are already stepping into leadership roles to protect their communities and the rainforest.
The broader initiative aims to safeguard 86 million acres of rainforest and prevent industrial-scale extraction. By 2027, it seeks to protect 40,000 hectares of coastal waters through Indigenous Marine Protected Areas (iMPAs), expanding to 200 iMPAs by 2030. This effort is part of a larger mission to build a post-carbon economy and preserve the Amazon’s biodiversity for future generations.