Kelvin Geovanni CRIOLLO MERINO

Kelvin Geovanni Criollo Merino is a 25-year-old Indigenous leader from the Siona nationality of Ecuador. He is currently pursuing two bachelor’s degrees, in Law and Business Administration. As an elected youth leader of the Organization of the Siona Nationality of Ecuador (ONISE), he dedicates his efforts to the defense and promotion of the rights of his people. He also represents a social and political advocacy collective and serves as a youth leader within CONFENIAE, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon, which works to strengthen unity among Indigenous peoples.

Kelvin was part of the first cohort of the Living School of the Amazon (EVA), leadership course of the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance and CONFENIAE, an experience that deepened his commitment to the defense of the rights of nature and water. He is also certified as an expert in natural and cultural heritage, combining technical and ancestral knowledge to protect and value his community’s roots and environment. His life and work are dedicated to preserving the identity and heritage of his people for future generations.