Juan Carlos Jintiach, a member of the Shuar People from the Ecuadorian Amazon, has emerged as a prominent advocate for indigenous representation in global climate efforts. As executive secretary of the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (GATC), he works to amplify the voices of 35 million people across Asia, Africa, and Latin America who manage extensive forest territories.

Jintiach emphasizes that the climate crisis reflects a fundamental breakdown in humanity’s relationship with nature. He argues that indigenous knowledge, rooted in centuries of living sustainably within these environments, is essential to addressing environmental challenges. Under his leadership, the GATC stresses that climate policies from governments must be clearly communicated and adapted to align with indigenous communities’ traditional environmental practices and expertise.

This past summer, Jintiach underscored the importance of bridging policy frameworks and local realities, cautioning that well-intentioned climate initiatives risk falling short without meaningful engagement with indigenous groups. One key effort spearheaded by the GATC is Shandia, a platform designed to support and guide indigenous funding while ensuring transparent tracking of financial resources.

In addition to his role at the GATC, Jintiach serves as a technical adviser for the Coordinator of Indigenous Organisations of the Amazon Basin (COICA), a significant federation representing Amazonian indigenous peoples. His work advocating for indigenous rights and environmental stewardship earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023.

Jintiach’s efforts highlight the growing recognition that indigenous communities are vital stewards of the world’s forests and natural ecosystems. By incorporating their knowledge and leadership, the global climate movement aims to pursue more inclusive and effective environmental solutions.