Dr. Martín von Hildebrand - ethnologist, visionary and leader in efforts to secure indigenous territorial rights and protect the Amazon tropical forest - combines the experience of living and working among indigenous communities, with a strong background in policy-making and advocacy for indigenous rights and local governance. In Colombia, Martín has led efforts in both government and non-government sectors, which have resulted in more than 25 million hectares of Amazon territory being officially handed back to local indigenous inhabitants.

Martín is former Head of Indigenous Affairs and an activist for indigenous rights, cultural and ecological diversity. He led the COAMA program, which won the Right Livelihood Award, 1999, and is founding Director of Fundación Gaia Amazonas. In 2009, he received the SKOLL Award for Social Entrepreneurship.