About Adam Gebb

Conservation Strategist

Adam Gebb's journey into conservation started far from the wilderness he would later dedicate his life to protecting. Raised in New York City, he pursued a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration focusing on International Marketing from Northeastern University in Boston. While his academic path initially led him toward business, Adam's growing passion for environmental conservation eventually redirected his focus. In 1989, he pursued further ethno-ecology and tropical ecology studies at San Francisco State University, bringing him to Northern Thailand. This immersive experience exposed Adam to tropical ecosystems and deepened his understanding of the vital relationship between Indigenous communities and their environments. His time in Thailand became a pivotal moment, highlighting the disconnection between government-led conservation efforts and the needs of local communities. This experience shaped his belief that sustainable environmental solutions could only be achieved by collaborating with the Indigenous people who had long been the stewards of these landscapes. From this realization, Gebb became committed to creating collaborative, community-driven conservation strategies prioritizing environmental and social well-being.

‍A Shift Toward Collaborative Conservation

‍During his studies in Thailand, Adam witnessed the profound disconnect between the needs of local communities and the conservation policies imposed by outside entities. This eye-opening experience was instrumental in shifting his perspective on conservation. It became evident that true environmental sustainability could not be achieved through top-down methods alone. Instead, lasting solutions required active involvement and leadership from the communities that had lived in harmony with these landscapes for generations. Adam's approach to conservation was now grounded in the idea that the wisdom of Indigenous communities should be the foundation for future environmental strategies. By empowering these communities to take part in managing and protecting their lands, Adam emphasized a conservation model that balanced ecological integrity with social and cultural preservation. His work has become a beacon for those seeking to create meaningful, sustainable partnerships between environmental organizations and Indigenous peoples.

‍Establishing the Andes Amazon Conservancy

‍In 2018, Gebb took a significant step in realizing his conservation vision by relocating to Ecuador and founding the Andes Amazon Conservancy. As the Executive Director, he has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between Indigenous nations and wildlife protection efforts in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. His leadership has been critical in forming partnerships with the Shuar, Kichwa, Shiwiar, and Sapara nations, focusing on protecting essential wildlife migration corridors that connect the Amazon rainforest to the Andes Mountains. Central to his mission is landscape connectivity—the belief that wildlife requires uninterrupted pathways to migrate freely between ecosystems to meet their ecological needs. This principle is vital for maintaining biodiversity in the Amazon, where deforestation and road construction are rapidly fragmenting habitats. Adam's work provides a platform for Indigenous-led land use planning, blending ancient wisdom with modern conservation science to create innovative, sustainable solutions beyond traditional conservation strategies.

‍Championing Food Sovereignty and Sustainable Land Use

‍Food sovereignty has become a core component of Adam Gebb's conservation work in Ecuador. The rapid expansion of roads and deforestation in Indigenous territories has not only led to environmental degradation but has also disrupted traditional food systems. Recognizing the importance of integrating human needs with conservation goals, Adam works closely with local leaders to develop land use strategies incorporating sustainable agriculture and edible forests. These plans aim to restore ecosystems while providing communities the tools to grow food, ensuring food security and sustaining ecological stability. One of Adam's most notable accomplishments is the development of the Edible Forest Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to reconnect fragmented rainforests. By planting diverse corridors of native fruit, nut, and edible palm trees, this program addresses two urgent challenges: biodiversity conservation and local, nutritious food sources. Through this initiative, Adam has empowered Indigenous communities to strengthen their ecological and food sovereignty, offering a holistic approach to conservation.

‍Research and Advocacy Efforts

‍With over three decades of experience in the field, Gebb has conducted influential environmental studies that have advanced conservation science and policy. His research, particularly in the Ecuadorian Amazon, has provided key insights into wildlife migration and maintaining interconnected forest habitats. Adam's work highlights how deforestation and infrastructure development disrupt these vital migration networks, threatening biodiversity. His advocacy has shaped conservation strategies locally and internationally, with his findings influencing policies in the Andes Amazon region. Through his research and advocacy, Adam has championed the need for larger-scale wildlife migration corridors to maintain the health of ecosystems. His commitment to documenting the movements of entire forest communities underscores his belief that sustainable conservation must account for the interconnectedness of species and their habitats.

‍Recognition Through the Earth Shot Prize Nomination

‍In 2024, Gebb's pioneering work was recognized with a nomination for the prestigious Earthshot Prize. This international honor highlights innovative solutions to the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Adam's nomination reflects the success of Andes Amazon Conservancy's Indigenous-led conservation efforts and the organization's groundbreaking work in balancing sustainable development with biodiversity protection. The nomination spotlighted Adam's holistic approach to integrating wildlife migration networks with food sovereignty planning—an innovative model that seeks to reconcile human needs with environmental conservation. This recognition affirms the impact of his work and calls attention to the need for conservation models that prioritize ecological preservation and local communities' welfare.

‍Passion for the Outdoors and Adventure

‍Beyond his professional work, Adam Gebb is an avid outdoor enthusiast. His love for exploring wilderness areas spans over 40 years, during which he has guided numerous expeditions, including backpacking, kayaking, and backcountry skiing trips. His deep knowledge of wildlife tracking, sustainable forestry, and map-making has proven invaluable in his conservation work, allowing him to identify high-priority conservation areas within large landscapes. Adam's expertise in temperate and subtropical ecology and his backcountry navigation skills have helped pinpoint vital locations for conservation efforts. In addition to his outdoor adventures, Adam enjoys sailing and organic gardening, further reflecting his commitment to sustainability and his connection to the natural world. Through these personal interests, he inspires others to appreciate and protect the environments that have become his life's work.
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Read More: Adam Gebb: Wildlife Road Crossings Are Essential for Creating Conservation Networks