Martín von Hildebrand

Who is Martín von Hildebrand?

Dr. Martín von Hildebrand is an ethnologist, who has led efforts to secure indigenous territorial rights and protect the Amazon tropical forest. On March 26, 2009 he received the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship in honor of his work with Fundacion Gaia Amazonas.

Hildebrand is former Head of Indigenous Affairs and an activist for indigenous rights, cultural and ecological diversity in Colombia. He has led efforts in both government and non-government sectors, which have resulted in more than 246,000 square kilometres of Colombian Amazon territory being officially handed back to its rightful owners, the local indigenous inhabitants. Local governance is also being achieved and state policy of decentralisation enables indigenous organisations to manage their own education, health and other programs. Hildebrand established the COAMA program, winner of the Right Livelihood Award, and is founding Director of Fundación Gaia Amazonas.