The Alliance

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.

Governing Board

Picture of Satish Kumar

Satish Kumar

Renowned author, peace activist, and ecological thought leader

Satish Kumar is the founder of Schumacher College in the United Kingdom and former editor of Resurgence & Ecologist
magazine. With over five decades of experience in spiritual ecology and regenerative education, he brings a profound vision rooted in nonviolence, simplicity and reverence for the Earth. His wisdom and international perspective enrich the Foundation’s commitment to ecological justice and Indigenous Sovereignty.

Picture of Lourdes Casasola

Lourdes Casasola

Ecosystem Restoration & Regenerative Finance Advisor

An advisor in ecosystem restoration, appropriate technologies and international cooperation,
Lourdes Casasola specialises in biodiversity indicators, carbon credit frameworks, and
regenerative finance. She has extensive experience working with Indigenous communities,
focusing on their rights to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and on the ethical
application of biocultural knowledge in global funding mechanisms. Her role bridges local
empowerment with global systems of Sustainability.

Picture of Jorge Marseillan

Jorge Marseillan

Chief Financial Advisor

An advisor in ecoJorge is a seasoned financial expert with extensive experience in corporate and project finance. He served as Chief Financial Officer for LATAM at WeWork in New York City for over five years, and currently works as a private consultant in São Paulo, specialising in the development of financial plans for large-scale real estate projects. Jorge brings a strategic vision to Alianza Wichi, guiding our financing plans and supporting the effective execution of our initiatives.

Picture of Juan Martín Leguizamón

Juan Martín Leguizamón

Academic Advisor

An advisor in ecoJorge is An anthropologist and academic leader, Juan Martín Leguizamón is General Coordinator of
the Indigenous Affairs Programme within the Department of Anthropology at the University of Buenos Aires. He is also the Chair of the course on research methodologies with Indigenous Peoples of Argentina. With over 40 years of field experience, he has worked closely with Wichí, Qom, Nivaclé, Chorote and other Indigenous communities of the Gran Chaco, focusing on identity, memory, cultural heritage, and development.

The team

Picture of Juayuk

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.

Picture of Sebastian Gomez

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.

Picture of Arpié – Fidelina Díaz

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.

Picture of Nacy Lopez

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.

Picture of María Eugenia Suárez

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.

Picture of Martin Kraft

Martin Kraft

General Director

Martín leads organisational strategy and on-the-ground delivery, building alliances and coordinating interdisciplinary teams to co-design with Indigenous communities of the Gran Chaco projects that integrate ancestral knowledge, inclusion, cultural preservation and territorial regeneration. A cultural anthropologist with over 16 years of collaborative fieldwork, he steers community governance processes and institutional relations, drives cultural records of memory, identity and traditional knowledge, and produces documentary and photographic work that amplifies these voices. His approach prioritises long-term relationships, ethical partnerships and concrete actions that foster autonomy, strengthen local capacities and improve community well-being.

Picture of Delfina Salvat

Delfina Salvat

Director in Argentina

Delfina is a social work professional with extensive experience in community engagement, project development, and strategic partnerships. She has led the design and implementation of high-impact initiatives focused on social inclusion, sustainability, and rights-based approaches. Her deep commitment to the territory and strong management skills make her a key figure in strengthening Alianza Wichi’s work in Argentina.

Picture of Agustin Ibarra

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.

Picture of Renata Guagnini

Renata Guagnini

Coordinator of International Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships

Renata is an anthropologist-in-training currently completing her thesis on food, health, and agroforestry systems among Wichí communities. She brings strong experience in project design, fundraising, and international cooperation. Her interdisciplinary perspective and commitment to grassroots work help strengthen Alianza Wichi’s strategic alliances both nationally and internationally.

Picture of Pablo Lanougerre

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.

Picture of María Cecilia Jezieniecki

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.

Picture of Fernanda Vargasbaron

Fernanda Vargasbaron

Attorney at Law - Indigenous Rights

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.

JUAYUK

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

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.

Fidelina0

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.

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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.

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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.

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Martin Kraft

General Coordinator of Alianza Wichi
Martin is a cultural anthropologist with over 16 years of experience working in close collaboration with Indigenous communities in the South American Chaco. His work combines deep field-based research with a strategic vision focused on co-design, cultural preservation, social inclusion, and territorial regeneration. He leads community governance processes, institutional partnerships, and interdisciplinary teams on the ground. His approach fosters long-term relationships, ethical alliances, and meaningful impact in support of Indigenous autonomy and well-being.

Delfina Salvat

Delfina Salvat

Director of Alianza Wichi in Argentina
Delfina is a social work professional with extensive experience in community engagement, project development, and strategic partnerships. She has led the design and implementation of high-impact initiatives focused on social inclusion, sustainability, and rights-based approaches. Her deep commitment to the territory and strong management skills make her a key figure in strengthening Alianza Wichi’s work in Argentina.

Agustin-ibarra

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.

Renata Guagnini

Renata Guagnini

Coordinator of International Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships Renata is an anthropologist-in-training currently completing her thesis on food, health, and agroforestry systems among Wichí communities. She brings strong experience in project design, fundraising, and international cooperation. Her interdisciplinary perspective and commitment to grassroots work help strengthen Alianza Wichi’s strategic alliances both nationally and internationally.

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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.

cecilia jezieniecki

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.

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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

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.

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