Since 1980, IAMOE has led research programs, educational expeditions, and experiential workshops in a tireless effort to protect the rainforest and preserve the interaction between indigenous people and plants for the benefit of humanity and all living creatures on earth.
Our Mission
We aim to protect and preserve the ancient knowledge, traditions, and natural habitat of the Amazon by creating experiential learning opportunities for people to connect with themselves, humanity, nature, and spirit through talks, workshops, and projects in collaboration with local indigenous people.
““I have known Dr Rocio Alarcon, Founder of Iamoe, for many years and I am a great admirer of her remarkable work in the Amazon. She is my teacher, my friend, and a wonderful emissary for the plants of the rainforest.” ”
OUR ORIGIN
Forty years ago, Dr Rocio Alarcon was a dedicated field researcher who studied biodiversity in the rainforest. She (and her colleagues) slept in tents in the middle of the jungle. Despite their enthusiasm for the work they loved so much, they eventually grew tired of the harsh living conditions. They dreamed of buying land where they could establish a functional center from which to live and work. Rocio found a very special piece of land in the forest and negotiated its purchase from the local owner. Together with a group of friends, they purchased the property and transformed the infrastructure into the IAMOE Centre.
It has always been Rocio’s dream to interact with different indigenous tribes and produce data for science. She is fascinated by how tribes survive in the jungle and interact with plants, and recognizes the anthropological value of this information. From the IAMOE Centre, she has initiated and supported many conservation projects and initiatives. To this day, she continues to study the uses of plants in a variety of ways that benefits mankind, and regularly hosts workshops at the Centre to share her knowledge and wisdom with the world.
Welcome To IAMOE
The Iamoe Learning Centre is a safe and secure sanctuary for researchers, students, expeditions, travelers, and workshop participants set in the Amazonian rainforests of Ecuador.
OUR DREAM
To safeguard our precious piece of the rainforest forever.
To record the sacred knowledge and wisdom of the indigenous tribes, and make it accessible for future generations to benefit from it.
To help people on their healing journey by providing them with life-changing experiences and knowledge.
To establish a Centre Of Excellence that inspires others to replicate our model all over the world.
OUR SUSTAINABILITY
We endeavour to sustain our organisation by organising talks, workshops, and expeditions that promote environmental preservation, nature connection, spiritual growth, cultural immersion, and the healing practices of the curanderos and shaman.
We are also very grateful to the organisations and individuals who support our work through grants and donations.
Environmental Activism
We are the voice of Pachamama calling to the heart’s of mankind.
OUR CAMPAIGNS
We initiate campaigns that raise the public profile of IAMOE through the media and draw attention to the plight of the rainforest, as well as the pressing need to preserve indigenous knowledge and the sacred healing practices of the curanderos.
OUR STRUGGLE
Human beings are a single specie in an ecosystem that is abundant with life. We belong to nature. Sadly, most of mankind have forgotten this essential truth. We think we are superior and rule the world with little regard for nature, Spirit, or indigenous people. We have lost our way, and as a result we are perilously poised on the brink of self-destruction.
Today, there is a dire need for a global revival of nature connection, which leads to spiritual awakening and therefore transformation. We are not alone. Individuals around the world are awakening to this understanding. They are hearing the call of Mother Nature in their hearts.
IAMOE is a legitimate way for them to answer this call, immerse themselves in nature, find what they are looking for, and transcend to a new world where peace and harmony reside on earth.
What We've Achieved
A 30-year track history of protecting the land, preserving ancient knowledge, and teaching others.
Authored and co-authored several published academic papers.
Established healthy relationships with ‘no-contact’ tribes that are built on trust and mutual respect.
Set up cooperatives for black women in the region.
Collected personal stories of people living in the Baske Country for the book, Encounters.
Established Weavers Of The Jungle – a project that invites indigenous people from all over to go into the forest to weave various products together.
Established several sustainable projects, such as the Para-Biologist Project that trains local people to liaise between the local industry and community.
Established initiatives to educate locals not to hunt or destroy the forest. (SUBIR)
Fought for the freedom of curandero science, which helped to keep these ancient traditions alive.
Coined the term: The Art and Science of Curandero.
Recorded volumes of data and knowledge about Amazon plants and their uses.
WHAT WE DO WELL
Guiding people through the jungle.
Working harmoniously with local people, and inspiring them to teach others.
Bridging the two worlds of curandero practice and science.
Proving curandero science can heal.
WHAT WE LOVE DOING
Being with local people.
Sharing our knowledge.
Seeing our students practicing what they have learned.
Saving ancient knowledge that would otherwise be lost.