The Alianza Wichi team includes diverse experts working with local communities, scientists, architects, and entrepreneurs. We co-design projects, blending ancestral knowledge and modern sustainable techniques to preserve cultural heritage while facing today’s challenges.
Juayuk
Wichi Chief Advisor & Forest Expert
A guardian of the Chaco forest, Juayuk has profound ancestral knowledge and expertise in reforestation and hybridization techniques. His spiritual connection with nature and innovative use of fungal spores for forest regeneration inspire Alianza Wichi’s efforts in ecological restoration.
Arpié – Fidelina Díaz
Chorote Cultural Advisor
Fidelina is a Wikina Woki (woman of the north wind) from the Chorote ethnic group. She supports cultural supervision efforts, preserving oral traditions and contributing as an author and songwriter. Her work strengthens the cultural foundation of Alianza Wichi’s initiatives.
Nacy Lopez
Weenhayek Cultural Advisor
Nancy is a respected leader in her community, advocating for gender equality and indigenous rights. She plays a key role in cultural supervision and serves as a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern solutions for community challenges.
María Eugenia Suárez
Research Coordinator – Ethnobiology
With a PhD in biological sciences, María Eugenia collaborates with CONICET to study the relationship between indigenous health and environmental changes. Her work supports research-based strategies for biocultural conservation.
Francois Toussaint
General Director - Co-founder
François leads the overall strategy and international partnerships of Alianza Wichi. He focuses on securing global networks and resources to sustain the organization’s mission of cultural and ecological regeneration.
Martin Kraft
Cultural Advisor - Co-founder
As a cultural anthropologist with extensive experience in the Chaco region, Martin supports community governance strengthening and cultural supervision. His role is essential in fostering collaboration and trust among indigenous partners.
Gabrielle Wittock
Chief Operating Officer
Gabrielle coordinates operational planning and strategic alliances across all domains, from infrastructure to economic activities. Her leadership bridges cultural understanding with sustainable project management, ensuring long-term impact.
Agustin Ibarra
Fundraising Coordinator – Argentina
Agustin strengthens connections between Argentine businesses and Alianza Wichi, aligning corporate support with local fundraising goals. His expertise bridges the corporate sector and socio-environmental initiatives, securing sustainable funding.
Pablo Lanougerre
Regenerative Design and Agroecology Expert
Pablo integrates traditional knowledge with innovative practices in syntropic farming and ecosystem management. His leadership drives the design of resilient agro-ecosystems for food production and reforestation.
Augusto Colagioia
Syntropic & Forestry Systems Expert
Augusto applies his expertise in agroecology to the development of sustainable forestry and seed banking systems. His role supports the ecological regeneration objectives of the foundation.
Christel Buelens
Biologist
Christel, with a PhD in Biology, specializes in soil microbiology and permaculture farming. Her work focuses on sustainability education and scientific communication, contributing to Alianza Wichi's research and outreach initiatives.
María Cecilia Jezieniecki
Attorney at Law – Indigenous Rights
María Cecilia coordinates legal advocacy and training for Wichí communities. Her work ensures access to justice and strengthens protections for cultural and environmental rights.
Fernanda Vargasbaron
Legal Team Member
Fernanda works closely with indigenous communities, supporting legal initiatives and advocacy to secure land rights and environmental protection. Her work ensures justice and strengthens the foundation’s impact in the Chaco region.
Paulina Neyman
Presidente de la Fundación (Salta)
Paulina manages the foundation's activities in Salta, overseeing administrative operations and fostering collaboration between the organization and local partners. Her leadership ensures smooth implementation of projects on the ground.
Juayuk
Wichí Chief Advisor & Forest Expert
A guardian of the Chaco forest, Juayuk has profound ancestral knowledge and expertise in reforestation and hybridization techniques. His spiritual connection with nature and innovative use of fungal spores for forest regeneration inspire Alianza Wichi’s efforts in ecological restoration.
Sebastian Gomez
Field Manager – Tartagal
Sebastian oversees project implementation in Tartagal and neighboring areas, managing the coordination of reforestation, tree nurseries, and food production initiatives. His work ensures the alignment of local activities with Alianza Wichi’s broader mission.
Arpié – Fidelina Díaz
Chorote Cultural Advisor
Fidelina is a Wikina Woki (woman of the north wind) from the Chorote ethnic group. She supports cultural supervision efforts, preserving oral traditions and contributing as an author and songwriter. Her work strengthens the cultural foundation of Alianza Wichi’s initiatives.
Nancy Lopez
Weenhayek Cultural Advisor
Nancy is a respected leader in her community, advocating for gender equality and indigenous rights. She plays a key role in cultural supervision and serves as a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern solutions for community challenges.
María Eugenia Suárez
Research Coordinator – Ethnobiology
With a PhD in biological sciences, María Eugenia collaborates with CONICET to study the relationship between indigenous health and environmental changes. Her work supports research-based strategies for biocultural conservation.
Francois Toussaint
General Director - Co-founder
François leads the overall strategy and international partnerships of Alianza Wichi. He focuses on securing global networks and resources to sustain the organization’s mission of cultural and ecological regeneration.
Martin Kraft
Cultural Advisor - Co-founder
As a cultural anthropologist with extensive experience in the Chaco region, Martin supports community governance strengthening and cultural supervision. His role is essential in fostering collaboration and trust among indigenous partners.
Gabrielle Wittock
Chief Operating Officer
Gabrielle coordinates operational planning and strategic alliances across all domains, from infrastructure to economic activities. Her leadership bridges cultural understanding with sustainable project management, ensuring long-term impact.
Agustin Ibarra
Fundraising Coordinator – Argentina
Agustin strengthens connections between Argentine businesses and Alianza Wichi, aligning corporate support with local fundraising goals. His expertise bridges the corporate sector and socio-environmental initiatives, securing sustainable funding.
Pablo Lanougerre
Regenerative Design and Agroecology Expert
Pablo integrates traditional knowledge with innovative practices in syntropic farming and ecosystem management. His leadership drives the design of resilient agro-ecosystems for food production and reforestation.
Augusto Colagioia
Syntropic & Forestry Systems Expert Augusto applies his expertise in agroecology to the development of sustainable forestry and seed banking systems. His role supports the ecological regeneration objectives of the foundation.
Christel Buelens
Biologist
Christel, with a PhD in Biology, specializes in soil microbiology and permaculture farming. Her work focuses on sustainability education and scientific communication, contributing to Alianza Wichi's research and outreach initiatives.
María Cecilia Jezieniecki
Attorney at Law – Indigenous Rights
María Cecilia coordinates legal advocacy and training for Wichí communities. Her work ensures access to justice and strengthens protections for cultural and environmental rights.
Fernanda Vargasbaron
Legal Team Member
Fernanda works closely with indigenous communities, supporting legal initiatives and advocacy to secure land rights and environmental protection. Her work ensures justice and strengthens the foundation’s impact in the Chaco region.
Paulina Neyman
Presidente de la Fundación (Salta)
Paulina manages the foundation's activities in Salta, overseeing administrative operations and fostering collaboration between the organization and local partners. Her leadership ensures smooth implementation of projects on the ground.
