Andrea Sosa, a dedicated marine biologist and proud local resident, has been passionately involved in marine conservation since 2014. Her unique connection to the area is evident in her leadership of the protection of over 700 nests, which has led to the successful release of more than 60,000 hatchlings. As a park ranger in the Galera San Francisco Marine Reserve, Andrea’s commitment extends beyond her professional duties; she actively engages with local schools fostering environmental education and a deeper appreciation for the region's natural beauty. Additionally, her role as the founder and current president of Punta Tortuga Wildlife Conservation, along with her involvement in various civil society organizations in Esmeraldas, highlights her unwavering dedication to protecting and celebrating the local ecosystem.
In 2014, Diego Tejedor arrived from Spain to work on community development and environmental conservation projects, promoting regenerative agriculture and the protection of threatened ecosystems in the region. His background and the deep local knowledge and ways of life of the coastal communities has allowed him to bring new perspectives to conservation and sustainable development in the area. His interdisciplinary approach has enabled collaboration among governmental and non-governmental organizations, local communities, and international volunteers, fostering sustainable practices and community empowerment. He is the co-founder and current executive director of Punta Tortuga Wildlife Conservation.
Blake Allen is a data scientist and technologist with an academic background in data science, neuroscience, and bioinformatics, with a particular interest in applying computational methods to biodiversity and genetic conservation. After volunteering with Punta Tortuga Wildlife Conservation in Ecuador in 2024, he became actively involved in supporting the organization’s long-term development. Blake subsequently established Punta Tortuga Environmental Alliance, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3), to expand access to international funding, institutional partnerships, and research collaboration. Working remotely from Seattle and alongside the conservation team in Ecuador, he supports technology and data infrastructure, fundraising, organizational development, and the development of scientific initiatives and university partnerships. His long-term focus is helping integrate field conservation, ecological and genetic research, data science, and emerging technologies into Punta Tortuga’s work protecting the biodiversity of Ecuador’s coastal Chocó.