As part of the San Juan celebrations, Green Gold Forestry (GGF) participated in the San Juan Festival Fair 2026, held on June 22 in the city of Iquitos. The event brought together producers, entrepreneurs, and institutions committed to the sustainable development of the region.
During the fair, several productive initiatives led by Indigenous Amazonian communities within their own territories were showcased. These included fariña produced by the Santa María de Loreto Community, fariña from the Huitotos de Fortaleza Community, and pickled charapita pepper from the Chambira Native Community.
These initiatives are focused on the responsible use of forest resources and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities for community families. In this process, GGF acts as a strategic partner by providing technical assistance, organizational strengthening, and support in identifying financing opportunities to help scale these ventures.
GGF also facilitates connections with markets that enable these products to be commercialized under fair conditions, ensuring direct benefits for the communities and their families.
The event also provided an opportunity to recognize the work of outstanding leaders and producers from the region. In this context, Michael Gómez, Apu of the Huitotos de Fortaleza Native Community and a GGF partner, received the “Hero of the Field 2026” award, granted by the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) through Ministerial Resolution No. D000208-2026-MIDAGRI-DM. The award recognizes outstanding agricultural producers selected by the Regional Agricultural Management Committees (CGRA) across the country.
This important recognition highlights Michael Gómez’s commitment, leadership, and contribution to the sustainable productive development of his community, as well as his efforts in conserving natural resources and strengthening local economies.
Regarding this recognition, Sandro Soplin, Project Coordinator for Native Communities at Green Gold Forestry, highlighted its significance for Amazonian communities:
“We are proud to see the hard work and dedication of our community partners being recognized at the national level. The recognition awarded to Michael reflects the efforts communities are making to strengthen their livelihoods in a sustainable way, while conserving forests and creating opportunities for Amazonian families.”
Through its participation in the San Juan Festival Fair 2026, GGF reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting sustainable productive initiatives led by Amazonian communities, contributing to forest conservation and the creation of opportunities for local development. The organization also congratulates Michael Gómez on this important achievement, which serves as an inspiration to continue promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the Peruvian Amazon.
