Wawa Sumaco
Ecuador
Culture, conservation, and community at the heart of the Amazon.
A Kichwa-led foundation based in the Amazon foothills of Ecuador. Wawa Sumaco blends organic farming, biodiversity protection, and community-led hospitality to show that the forest itself can be a teacher and a source of livelihood.
The Community
Wawa Sumaco is a Kichwa-run foundation led by Kelmy, daughter of the community chief. She is a tourism entrepreneur and environmental advocate who manages an eco-lodge where visitors learn about the forest, local food, and the Kichwa way of life. She joined the School of Elevation to strengthen her digital skills and share her story globally.
Community Dream
Grow the eco-lodge into a model of ethical and educational tourism. Use technology to reach new audiences while keeping the forest at the centre of every experience. Create opportunities for young people to stay, learn, and build income without leaving their territory.
What we are co creating
Wawa Sumaco can become a flagship travel destination in the Elev-Eight ecosystem — a Digital Nomad Jungle Immersion where travellers disconnect from noise, reconnect with nature, and contribute to community-based projects. It could also serve as a base for biodiversity research, organic product development, and storytelling residencies.
Obstacles
• Limited digital infrastructure in the region
• Need for stronger online visibility and booking systems
• Funding for content creation and equipment
Our Story Together
We have not yet travelled to Ecuador, but through her work and communication, we have seen the authenticity and strength of the project. Her team represents what Elev-Eight stands for: real community leadership, rooted in culture and sustainability.
We don’t ask for donations. Instead, we collaborate with communities to co-create physical and digital products, from recipes to experiences, that you can buy, gift, or enjoy.
Every purchase fuels local learning, reinvests into community growth, and supports long-term self-sustainability.
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The power of the collective starts here.
Social media becomes social elevation.
Every like, share and view generates income for creators and funds real community projects.
This is what the power of the collective looks like.
