The National Amazonian University of Madre de
Dios (UNAMAD), together with several allied
institutions, recently paid tribute to José
Koechlin von Stein, founder and president of
Inkaterra, in recognition of his 50 years
dedicated to promoting ecotourism, conservation,
and sustainable development in the Peruvian
Amazon. The ceremony took place during the
“Ecotourism and Development in Madre de Dios”
symposium, an academic event that celebrated
Inkaterra’s legacy in the region.
The gathering brought together representatives
from Dircetur (the Regional Directorate of
Foreign Trade and Tourism in Peru), the Andean
University of Cusco, and Sernanp (Peru’s
National Service of Natural Protected Areas),
the government agency responsible for managing
the country’s protected natural reserves. The
event was also supported by AJE, a Peruvian
multinational company dedicated to the
production and distribution of a wide range of
beverages for international markets. During the
ceremony, UNAMAD awarded Koechlin an Honorary
Diploma, while Sernanp recognized him as an
Honorary Park Ranger, its highest
distinctions for contributions to the protection
of Natural Protected Areas.
In his opening remarks, Inkaterra’s General
Manager Enrique Gamero highlighted the vision
that has guided the organization for half a
century:
“Conservation is the path to continued tourism
growth in Madre de Dios.”
Among the speakers was Spanish physician and
nature photographer José María Fernández
Díaz-Formentí, who recalled how Inkaterra
transformed the Amazon experience by pioneering
a model that combined high-quality lodging,
scientific research, and training local staff.
He also emphasized the exceptional biodiversity
of Madre de Dios and the unique presence of its
macaw clay licks, a natural phenomenon
“unmatched in other Amazonian countries.”
The symposium featured two thematic axes
reflecting José Koechlin’s vision.
The sessions on Research and Conservation
included presentations by José Purisaca
(Inkaterra Asociación) on Inkaterra’s 50 years
of scientific work in the region; by Varun Swamy
and Patrick Venail on genetic research and
biodiversity; and by Fernando Angulo, president
of the Peruvian Ornithologists’ Union (UNOP),
who discussed the growth of birdwatching in
Madre de Dios and its potential as a sustainable
economic driver.
In the Ecotourism segment, experts from Sernanp
and Inkaterra shared insights, with closing
remarks from Dean Jorge Castillo, who analyzed
the impact of responsible tourism on Tambopata’s
economic development.
Through Inkaterra Asociación, José Koechlin has
supported the work of more than 200 allied
researchers, enabling the training of
generations of young professionals who today
serve as specialized guides, biologists,
environmental engineers, and conservation
managers. Inkaterra opened the door to
biological inventories, field methodologies, and
scientific knowledge that strengthened academic
development in the region.
Recognized by the United Nations as the world’s
first Climate Positive hotel brand, and recently
awarded five Michelin Keys, Inkaterra has
positioned Madre de Dios as a global benchmark
for regenerative tourism. Its cultural
contributions —through cinema and major
international exhibitions— have also elevated
the global visibility of the Peruvian Amazon.
The tribute concluded by emphasizing that José
Koechlin’s vision not only transformed a region,
but also the lives of thousands of students and
professionals for whom conservation affords a
path to identity and development. As Inkaterra
celebrates its 50th anniversary, UNAMAD
recognized his invaluable contribution to the
shaping of a new generation committed to the
future of the Amazon.
