The Howler Foundation

CEO & CO-FOUNDER

“Conservation is in my genes and in my soul. I spent decades advising people on the environment and conservation in dozens of countries. It is time to practice what I have been preaching; time to thank nature for all it has given me. No better way to do it than through the Howler Foundation, a local-level organization of committed conservationists. It feels good; it is the right thing to do. It is a continuation of a lifelong commitment”.

Growing up in a remnant of the Atlantic Forest in northeast Brazil. Joao and his siblings walked barefoot, climbed trees, milked cows, rode horses, and fed chickens like most country kids. From an international expert he has become a local actor within the Aullador Foundation, possessing deep and practical knowledge of the environmental problems affecting the Chocó on the Ecuadorian coast.

PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER

“Growing up in nature, consciousness of nature, and being one with nature- it’s a way of life. Pachamama has given me everything I have in this life and we can all do so much to give back”.

Ramon was born in Bolivar, Esmereldas. Growing up close to the Chocó and at one within the jungle surrounds, he developed a deep love and respect for nature, inspired by his mother, from a young age. When he and Joao met in Mompiche in 2007 they were instantly connected through their passion for nature and when they joined forces, Ramon converted his existing Cotona land area and farm into a protected area. Ramon focuses on tours, sharing his love and passion for the jungle, plants, and animals while creating awareness.

DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER

“Life is nature and nature is life. My focus is to share my knowledge, protect and conserve what remains of the Ecuadorian Chocó while enjoying it to the fullest”.

Ivan was born in Africa, he was always exposed to nature since he was a baby, enjoying the outdoors and traveling with his ecologist father, Joao. He first arrived in Mompiche for a surf trip in 2004 and decided to call it home in 2011. Ivan shares immense passion and drive within the conservation network and co-founders of the Howler Foundation; as a co-owner of the Alluador farm, he assists in all conservation projects, although you’ll mostly find him close to the beach managing Casa Banana Guesthouse & Madre Selva Restaurant along-side Mariana.

TREASURER & CO-FOUNDER

“What I love about cacao is the endless creativity and possibilities of taste, texture and flavor. I’ve combined my passion for raising consciousness and saving the Chocó Rainforest, through chocolate”.

Michaela was born and raised in Germany. First and foremost a therapist and healer, she first arrived in Mompice in 2015, where she instantly fell in love with the surrounds of nature and surf. Mika is creating beauty and flavor from the cacao farm, experimenting and perfecting the process. Using nature’s gifts to realize the potential of organic, hand-selected cacao from the Aullador farm, transforming it with love and energy into premium chocolate products.