Equipped with sturdy gloves and large sacks, artisanal fishermen and Kichwa youth joined forces along the banks of the Payamino and Napo Rivers with a shared mission: to clean and protect the rivers that have sustained their communities for generations.  

Members of the Río Napo Artisanal Fishermen’s Association, alongside youth from several Kichwa communities, gathered in Puerto Francisco de Orellana (El Coca) for a river cleanup, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding local waterways. The initiative, part of the 35th anniversary of the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve and Ecuador’s Biodiversity Month, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these vital ecosystems. In about three hours, participants collected over 169 kg of waste—mostly plastic.   

The waters of the Napo River, one of Ecuador’s largest rivers, and its tributary, the Payamino, are highly vulnerable to pollution and mining. Waste and contaminants disrupt water quality, harming aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and the local communities that depend on them. “These are our rivers, our home. Together, we can protect them – not just for today but for future generations,” affirmed Linda Bucheli, president of the Río Napo Artisanal Fishermen’s Association.