Adam Gebb is a conservation strategist and environmental advocate dedicated to preserving biodiversity through landscape connectivity. As the Executive Director of the Andes Amazon Conservancy, he works with Indigenous communities in Ecuador to protect critical wildlife migration corridors that connect the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest. With over 30 years of experience in wildland conservation, he has focused on wildlife migration studies and developed effective conservation strategies supporting ecosystems and local communities.
Initially from New York City, Adam pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in International Marketing at Northeastern University in Boston. However, his growing interest in environmental issues changed his career path. In 1989, he began studying ethno-ecology and tropical ecology at San Francisco State University, which brought him to Northern Thailand. There, he had the opportunity to observe the delicate balance between tropical ecosystems and the Indigenous communities who live within them.
During his time in Thailand, Adam realized the disconnect between government-led conservation efforts and the needs of local communities. This experience profoundly influenced his conservation philosophy, reinforcing his belief that lasting environmental solutions can only be achieved by collaborating with Indigenous peoples who deeply understand the land. Since then, his work has been focused on integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research to develop conservation strategies that benefit both people and wildlife.
2018, Adam founded the Andes Amazon Conservancy in Ecuador to protect some of the world's most biodiverse rainforests. His organization works with Indigenous nations such as the Shuar, Kichwa, Shiwiar, and Sapara to establish wildlife migration corridors stretching 300 kilometers between the Andes and the Amazon. These corridors are critical for maintaining ecological balance in a region increasingly threatened by deforestation and infrastructure development.
A key aspect of Adam’s work is the concept of landscape connectivity, which involves creating unbroken corridors that allow wildlife to move freely between habitats. This approach is essential in regions like the Amazon, where deforestation and road construction fragment ecosystems. By promoting landscape connectivity, he helps ensure that wildlife can access necessary resources, contributing to the ecosystem's overall health.
Food sovereignty is also an essential focus of Adam’s efforts. Many Indigenous communities have seen their food sources threatened by deforestation and other development activities. To address this, he collaborates with local leaders to integrate sustainable agriculture into conservation efforts. One notable initiative, the Edible Forest Program, plants diverse, edible trees in forest corridors, providing local communities with biodiversity conservation and food security.
His work has been recognized internationally, and in 2024, he was nominated for the Earthshot Prize, a prestigious recognition of innovative environmental solutions. Through his leadership and commitment, Adam Gebb continues to make a lasting impact on conservation and community sustainability.
