Amazon Conservation Association

What Amazon Conservation Association does

Amazon Conservation Association is a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1999 by Adrian Forsyth and Enrique Ortiz, operating as an alliance of three legally separate entities — the US parent, Conservación Amazónica-ACCA in Peru (80 staff), and Conservación Amazónica-ACEAA in Bolivia (36 staff). The organization protects biodiversity at the Andes-Amazon headwaters interface through three integrated pillars: protecting wild places (10.5 million acres safeguarded across 37 conservation areas, including the world's first conservation concession at Los Amigos), empowering indigenous and local communities (partnerships with the Tacana since 2003, FENAMAD's 38 communities, and açaí/Brazil nut value-chain programs), and deploying science and technology via the MAAP real-time deforestation monitoring system, which uses satellite imagery (Planet Labs up to 3m resolution), Sentinel-5P aerosol data, drones, GIS, and AI/ML to monitor the entire Amazon biome across all 9 countries.

The technology portfolio extends beyond MAAP to include the Amazon Mining Watch platform (AI-driven illegal mining detection, launched 2022 with Earth Genome and Pulitzer Center), a real-time fire monitoring app on Google Earth Engine (2020), the Amazon Mining Policy Scoreboard and Amazon Targets Tracker (2026) for cross-country accountability, plus four biological research stations (Los Amigos, Wayqecha, Manu, Tahuamanu) along a unique elevational gradient and three conservation ecolodges operated through the Amazon Journeys social enterprise. The organization has driven measurable outcomes including 78-90% reductions in illegal gold mining deforestation in targeted Peruvian Amazon sites following Operation Mercury.

Revenue flows through four diversified streams: individual donations (Wild Keepers recurring program), private foundation grants (Andes Amazon Fund, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Erol Foundation, ICFC, among others), government grants (Norad), corporate partnerships (percentage-of-sales programs, 1% For the Planet, brand collaborations), and ecotourism revenue across three biolodges. The organization maintains 6 consecutive Charity Navigator 4-star ratings and Candid Platinum transparency certification, with operations spanning Peru, Bolivia, and monitoring/policy reach into Brazil, Ecuador, and Colombia.

Name

Amazon Conservation Association

Legal name

Amazon Conservation Association

Website

https://amazonconservation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Amazon Conservation Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit alliance operating across the US, Peru, and Bolivia that protects 10.5M+ acres of Amazon rainforest through conservation concessions, MAAP real-time deforestation monitoring, indigenous community partnerships, and ecotourism.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Support Activities for Forestry (1153), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Forestry (800), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Forestry & Indigenous Land Stewardship Services (IMAMAJAM), Rainforest, Jungle & Canopy Experiences (THAJAIAE), Rainforest & Jungle Ecotourism Tours (THAAAEAF)

Keywords

• Deforestation monitoring
• Rainforest conservation
• Conservation technology
• Ecotourism services
• Indigenous community partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations and Contributions: Primary revenue stream from individual donors contributing to conservation efforts. Tax-deductible donations supporting protected areas, empowering local people, and science/technology initiatives. Wild Keepers membership program for recurring supporters.
2. Ecotourism Revenue: Revenue from three ecolodges (Wayqecha Cloud Forest Lodge, Manu Lodge, Los Amigos Lodge) and the Amazon Journeys social enterprise. Stays include accommodation, meals, trail access, and opportunities to interact with scientists. Tourism revenue directly funds conservation work.
3. Business Partnerships: Partnerships with businesses through fundraising initiatives, percentage of sales programs (e.g., Mark Skid underwear donating $4 per purchase), and corporate sponsorships. Includes 1% For the Planet membership and quarterly donation programs.
4. Foundation and Government Grants: Funding from private foundations (Andes Amazon Fund, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Erol Foundation, ICFC, Jeff and Connie Woodman Foundation, Sheldon and Audrey Katz Foundation) and government agencies (Norad) supporting specific conservation programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Amazon Conservation Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that protects Amazon biodiversity where the Andes meet the rainforest through three integrated offerings: real-time satellite and drone-based deforestation and mining monitoring technology (MAAP, Amazon Mining Watch, Fire Monitoring App), field-based conservation services through 37 protected areas and four biological research stations, and conservation tourism via three ecolodges (Wayqecha, Manu, Los Amigos) with revenue flowing back into conservation programs.

Product overview

Amazon Conservation Association operates a portfolio of conservation-focused technology platforms and field services. The core technology products include MAAP (Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project) for real-time deforestation and fire monitoring across the Amazon, and the Amazon Mining Watch platform for detecting illegal gold mining. Supporting these are the Amazon Mining Policy Scoreboard, Amazon Targets Tracker, and ObservaREDD+ for policy analysis and transparency. The organization also operates field-based services including three biolodges for conservation tourism, four research stations serving as living laboratories, the Southwest Amazon Drone Center for drone-based monitoring, and conservation concession management. Together these products form an integrated approach combining satellite technology, on-the-ground monitoring, and community empowerment for Amazon conservation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MAAP (Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project): Real-time satellite-based deforestation monitoring program covering the entire Amazon basin across 9 countries.
• Amazon Mining Watch
• Amazon Mining Policy Scoreboard
• Amazon Targets Tracker
• Amazon Journeys

Products and services

• MAAP (Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project) Real-time satellite-based deforestation and fire monitoring system covering the entire Amazon basin across 9 countries. Delivers near real-time deforestation alerts and high-impact technical reports to governments, media, and the public to rapidly detect and respond to forest loss and illegal mining.
• Amazon Mining Watch Digital platform integrating AI/ML detection of new mining areas with land designation data and an economic impact assessment tool, providing case studies and quarterly policy briefs to expose and counteract illegal gold mining across the Amazon.
• Amazon Real-time Fire Monitoring App Cloud-hosted application combining Sentinel-5P aerosol emissions data with heat anomaly alerts to detect and pinpoint major fires across the Amazon in real-time for public and government use.
• Amazon Mining Policy Scoreboard Comparative tool that scores Amazonian countries across legal frameworks, mining policies, and investigation/enforcement to evaluate how each country tackles illegal gold mining.
• Amazon Targets Tracker Analysis tool providing insights into climate and conservation targets of 8 Amazonian countries across Minamata Convention on Mercury, Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Paris Agreement.
• ObservaREDD+ Transparency platform providing data on Amazonian states' efforts to combat deforestation and promote sustainable development under REDD+ governance frameworks.
• Ecolodges (Wayqecha Cloud Forest Lodge, Manu Lodge, Los Amigos Lodge) Conservation tourism accommodations at three biolodges in Peru's cloud forest and Amazon lowlands. Stays include accommodation in double/multi-occupancy cabins, three daily meals, full trail/facility access, limited satellite internet/electricity, hot water showers, and opportunities to interact with working scientists. Revenue directly funds conservation.
• Research Stations (Los Amigos, Wayqecha, Manu/Villa Carmen, Tahuamanu) Network of four biological research stations along an Andean-to-Amazon elevational gradient (1,700 to 9,875 feet), serving as living laboratories for biodiversity research, conservation technology piloting, and field education. Bookings include accommodation and access for visiting scientists.
• Southwest Amazon Drone Center Drone training, certification, and equipment access program providing local community members with high-tech drones and remote sensing skills to monitor deforestation and document illegal activities in tropical forests.
• Amazon Journeys (Social Enterprise) Social enterprise developing customizable ecotourism itineraries and managing bookings for the Wayqecha, Manu, and Los Amigos biolodges, channeling tourism revenue back into conservation programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% decrease in illegal gold mining deforestation in La Pampa, Madre de Dios (2019 vs 2018)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability9 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered key, core and supporting.

• SASkeyTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Data analytics software developers using crowd-driven artificial intelligence through SAS global social innovation project to help track and stop Amazon deforestation. Over 845,000 square kilometers analyzed by public to date.
• Earth GenomecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Environmental data organization that partnered with Pulitzer Center and Amazon Conservation to launch Amazon Mining Watch platform using machine learning to report mining activities across the Amazon.
• Planet Labs (Planet)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2015Earth satellite imaging company whose mission is to image all Earth's landmass daily. Provides high-resolution satellite imagery for MAAP deforestation monitoring and has featured Amazon Conservation's work in press materials.
• Conservación Amazónica-ACCA (Peru)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization leading all Amazon Conservation projects in Peru. ACCA (Asociación para la Conservación de la Cuenca Amazónica) employs 80 people and operates Los Amigos, Wayqecha, and Manu conservation hubs.
• Conservación Amazónica-ACEAA (Bolivia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization leading all Amazon Conservation projects in Bolivia. ACEAA (Asociación para la Investigación y Conservación de Ecosistemas Andino-Amazónicos) employs 36 people and manages Bolivia conservation programs.
• Conservation International BoliviakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerFellow nonprofit working to build science, partnership, and field demonstration foundation to empower societies to sustainably care for nature and biodiversity.
• Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading conservation organization that developed Mining Impacts Calculator estimating illegal gold mining's socio-environmental impacts, key tool for MAAP.
• Global Forest WatchsupportingTechnology or IntegrationOnline platform providing data and tools for monitoring forests with cutting-edge technology enabling near real-time forest change information.
• InSitu LabssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative catalyzing monitoring of human-wildlife interactions by empowering local scientists and community leaders with wildlife population monitoring tools. First hub at Los Amigos Biological Station.
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife AlliancesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational nonprofit integrating wildlife health, science, and education for sustainable conservation solutions.
• Pulitzer CenterkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports innovative journalism on global challenges. Partnered with Earth Genome and Amazon Conservation to launch Amazon Mining Watch platform.
• Instituto Socioambiental (ISA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazilian conservation organization working with Indigenous groups to protect territories and strengthen livelihoods. Monitors illegal mining in Brazilian Amazon and developed early warning systems.
• FENAMAD (Native Federation of Madre de Dios)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional organization representing 38 indigenous communities in Madre de Dios, Peru across seven Indigenous Peoples. Works to defend Amazon rights and preserve indigenous territories.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal membership Union composed of government and civil society organizations with over 1,400 members and 18,000 experts providing authority on natural world status.
• Nature Crime AlliancesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-sector network bringing together institutions to combat criminal activities exploiting natural resources, strengthening political, financial and operational power to protect ecosystems.
• Science Panel for the AmazonsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-level science initiative bringing together over 240 scientists dedicated to Amazon well-being, addressing deforestation, forest degradation, and wildfires.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Rainforest Trust: Specialized nonprofit focused on purchasing and protecting threatened rainforests, with overlapping protected-area creation outcomes and similar donor-supported conservation-area model.
• Rainforest Foundation US: US nonprofit dedicated to protecting indigenous rights and rainforests, with overlapping indigenous-partnership-centered approach that complements ACA's work with FENAMAD and Tacana communities.
• Conservation International: Global conservation nonprofit with active Amazon programs including biodiversity protection, indigenous partnerships, and policy work — overlapping heavily with ACA's mission and partner ecosystem (FENAMAD engagement context).

Emerging players

• Earth Genome: Environmental data organization that co-developed Amazon Mining Watch platform with ACA and Pulitzer Center, providing overlapping AI/ML capability for Amazon monitoring use cases.

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy: One of the largest US-based conservation nonprofits with Amazon footprint and global conservation concession experience. ACA's president John Beavers spent 17 years at TNC, underscoring the technical and operational overlap.
• Wildlife Conservation Society: International conservation NGO with field stations and landscape-level protection programs comparable to ACA's Los Amigos, Wayqecha, Manu, and Tahuamanu biological station network.
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Global conservation NGO with major Amazon programs; ACA's Bolivia communications specialist previously worked in WWF-Bolivia, indicating overlapping regional presence and similar conservation-area management models.

Others

• World Resources Institute (WRI): Research organization that operates Global Forest Watch — a direct technology integration partner of ACA — and develops AI-enabled forest monitoring tools that compete with and complement MAAP.

Regional players

• Fundación Amigos de la Naturaleza (FAN): Bolivia-based conservation foundation with overlapping territorial protection work in Pando and the Bolivian Amazon, addressing the same forest protection and indigenous partnership challenges as ACEAA.
• Instituto Socioambiental (ISA): Brazilian nonprofit working with indigenous groups on territorial protection and illegal mining monitoring in the Brazilian Amazon — explicitly listed as an ACA partner and serving comparable functions in an adjacent Amazon geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AmazonConservation
• Facebookfacebook.com/amazonconservation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/amazon-conservation-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/amazonconservation
• Xx.com/aca_dc

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Amazon Conservation Association