Get to know us
Asociación Finca Sagrada is a community-driven organization in Vilcabamba, Ecuador. We serve low-income rural families in the Piscobamba river basin, providing programs in regenerative agriculture, forest restoration, and community capacity building, with a focus on female and youth leadership.
Our mission
To foster regenerative development where economic dignity, cultural identity, and ecological restoration coexist, empowering rural communities to become active guardians of their natural and cultural heritage.
The team
Our values are lived daily by our six-member leadership team, each bringing unique expertise and a shared commitment to human-centered, regenerative development:
Walter Moora
Walter (USA, Biodynamic Farmer & Founder): For over 15 years, Walter has stewarded the Finca Sagrada land, integrating biodynamic farming with indigenous wisdom (including hosting the region's first Kogi ceremonial center outside of their territory). He currently leads our Family Gardens project, providing training and resources to 30 mothers in Tumianuma.
Nancy Hilgert
Nancy (Peruvian-Ecuadorian Biologist): With over 50 years in Ecuador and 30 years leading the Fundación Aves y Conservación, she brings unparalleled expertise in biodiversity. During her professional experience, she has developed many projects involving conservation with social development.
Cristian Ojeda
Cristian (Ecuadorian Bioconstruction Expert): Born and raised in Tumianuma, Cristian is leading our on-the-ground reforestation efforts. He is deeply engaged in revitalizing indigenous ancestral knowledge and bioconstruction, actively bridging the gap between modern ecological practices and his community's ancestral roots.
Kai Reinacher
Kai (German-Swiss Biologist & Founder of Árbol co(n)razón): Together with Cristian, he has led the planting of over 30,000 native trees in the Kuntur Wachana Reserve. His approach links environmental regeneration with community benefit, having spearheaded a women-led community nursery and analog forestry plots to lay the economic groundwork for local conservation.
Riki Cevallos
Riki (Ecuadorian Communicator & Ethical Tourism Entrepreneur): With decades of experience in responsible tourism, Riki leads our Bioregional Regenerative initiative and the community tourism project. He has a published novel on the planetary awakening. He ensures our strategies are financially sustainable, ethically sound and effectively communicated to a global audience.
JT
John "JT" (USA, Regenerative Farmer, Videographer & Association President): JT Trew is a father of 3 children, retired USAF veteran, President of Asociación Finca Sagrada and member of Finca Sagrada Community. He has been an English teacher, regenerative farmer, who graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and is dedicated to creating a better world for future generations.