Welcome to Bocavaldivia Foundation 501 C-3
Designing the Future of Human and Planetary Health
Healing children begins with restoring the planet.
The Bocavaldivia Foundation is an ecosystem-based innovation lab developing solutions to tackle chronic childhood malnutrition by reconnecting nutrition with biodiversity. Through science, ancestral wisdom, regenerative food systems, and environmental leadership, we protect biodiversity, strengthen resilient food systems, reconnect people with nature and ancestral cultures, and restore the ecosystems upon which all life depends.
We believe that lasting solutions emerge when human health, ecosystem health, and cultural heritage are treated as one interconnected system. By transforming local biodiversity into practical, scalable models for nutrition, conservation, education, and community resilience, we help build a future where children, communities, and the living world can thrive together.
Our Vision
A world where thriving ecosystems nurture thriving communities, where biodiversity becomes a source of health and resilience, and where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and flourish through regenerative food systems that restore both people and nature.
Chronic Childhood Malnutrition
We design ecosystem-based solutions to address chronic childhood malnutrition by reconnecting nutrition with biodiversity. Rather than relying on imported or highly processed ingredients, we develop nutrient-dense foods, regenerative production systems, and locally adapted strategies that improve children’s health while strengthening the resilience of communities and their surrounding ecosystems.
Biodiversity Conservation
Biodiversity is one of humanity’s greatest sources of nutrition, medicine, resilience, and cultural identity.
Our work protects native species, edible forests, marine ecosystems, traditional crops, and ancestral food knowledge while demonstrating that conservation becomes stronger when healthy ecosystems also create meaningful opportunities for local communities.
Regenerative Food Systems
Healthy ecosystems produce healthy food.
We collaborate with farmers, fishermen, indigenous communities, and local producers to regenerate landscapes capable of producing diverse, nutritious, and culturally meaningful foods. Through regenerative agriculture, sustainable fisheries, agroforestry, circular gastronomy, and biodiversity-based food innovation, we help create resilient food systems that nourish both people and nature.
Research & Innovation
Innovation flourishes where science meets ancestral wisdom.
The Foundation operates as a living laboratory where researchers, universities, nutritionists, chefs, ecologists, indigenous leaders, and local communities collaborate to design practical solutions for nutrition, biodiversity conservation, regenerative gastronomy, and ecosystem restoration.
Our goal is not simply to generate knowledge, but to transform knowledge into measurable impact.
Our Regenerative Model
Our work integrates multiple disciplines into one interconnected framework:
Nutrition Innovation
Scientific Research
Ecosystem Restoration
Regenerative Gastronomy
Sustainable Food Systems
Ancestral Wisdom
Biodiversity Conservation
Recognized for acting and inspiring change through food, for a decade
Rodrigo Pacheco and Dayra Reyes have lived In Puerto La Boca, in the Manabí province of Ecuador for almost a decade. They have transformed an ocean front plot into a delightful worldwide known destination of hospitality, gastronomy, biodiverse agriculture, ecosystem regeneration, social work, and sustainable lifestyle, becoming one of the most unique experiences for travelers and house owners.
A growing team of visionaries
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RODRIGO PACHECO
Rodrigo Pacheco is an internationally recognized Ecuadorian chef and leading voice in regenerative gastronomy, known for redefining fine dining through biodiversity conservation and local food systems. As the founder of Bocavaldivia and the driving force behind the Bocavaldivia Foundation, he integrates ancestral knowledge, scientific research, and endemic ingredients to promote sustainable development along Ecuador’s coast. Through his culinary innovation, educational initiatives, and global collaborations, Rodrigo champions a food movement rooted in conservation, community empowerment, and the celebration of native ecosystems.
JAVIER FERNANDEZ-SALVADOR Ph.D.
Javier has over 25 years of experience in organic and regenerative agriculture, advancing sustainable production systems and supporting agricultural communities worldwide. He has served as Executive Director of the University of California Davis Olive Center since 2021, leading research, education, and industry collaboration around California olives. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Practice with the Oregon State University Small Farms Program, focusing on organic olive and berry systems. Javier has also served on multiple nonprofit boards and U.S. crop commissions and remains an active researcher and consultant in organic and regenerative agriculture in Ecuador and internationally.
CRISTINA OCAÑA GALLEGOS
Cristina is a crop scientist and food systems professional whose career is rooted in advancing regenerative agriculture, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. A published researcher and ally to Indigenous agricultural initiatives, Cristina combines operational rigor with a deep commitment to environmental & cultural stewardship and community empowerment.
ANDRES PACHECO
A multidiscipline creative director with 20 years of experience in visual arts, branding, and design thinking. Working with Microsoft, University of California, as well as hospitality, art and non-profit organizations he has helped them achieve success with world-class, thoughtful and memorable design.
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SORAYA HOSNI
Soraya Hosni is an anthropologist, entrepreneur, sustainability expert, and Founder of Clever Harvest. Her journey from academia to executive roles has equipped her with a distinctive approach to tackling complex challenges, combining her expertise in social sciences with a fervent commitment to environmental conservation. Soraya has led organizations in both private and philanthropic sectors, prioritizing economic and environmental sustainability.
MICHELLE ARÉVALO-CARPENTER
Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter is a social entrepreneur, impact investor and human rights lawyer. Currently, she is the Executive Director leading content and strategy at SOCAP Global, the largest impact investment conference. Michelle is an expert at mobilizing thriving communities, bridging market tools + impact drive, and designing purpose-driven innovations for business growth. She belongs to a number of communities of practice, including the Skoll World Forum Fellows, the BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network, the Well-Being Project Ecosystem, the Global Good Fund Fellows, and the World Economic ForumGlobal Shapers Alumni Network.
JEFF MILLER
Jeff MIller, PhD is an Emeritus Professor at the Oregon State University department of Horticulture with his primary activities involving studies on natural enemies of exotic insect pests. He is also a naturalist devoted to the study of Lepidopterans, associating caterpillars with food plants, identification, and photography. His research projects have spanned all types of cropping systems, from cereals and vegetables to orchards, woodlands, and forests. Jeff’s passion for conservation has led him to serve in several non-profit boards over the years, in Ecuador and abroad.
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MOHITH VJ KUMAR
MVJK ConsultingPartnership advisor & consultant to numerous global rights holders around their environmental initiatives that have been making history while contributing towards the betterment of our planet. Helping brands advance partnerships through a true catalyst approach while raising awareness, capacity and action.
DAYRA REYES
Multi-faceted entrepreneur who has played a central role in shaping the Bocavaldivia principles as well as our business best practices. Dayra has extensive experience with large scale architecturalprojects as well as the challenges of maintaining sustainibility in business throughout the years.
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Get involved with Bocavaldivia Foundation
DONATE
We are seeking donations to secure critical land and begin restoration projects as soon as possible. Please consider donating on a recurring basis in our donations platform
VOLUNTEER
There are a number of volunteering opportunities at Bocavaldivia, on and off site. Please talk to us to see how you can help.
INVEST
Our private company has developed a number of investment opportunities that put the environment at the center. Inquire about investment options.
Join the Mission
Every restored ecosystem strengthens the future. Every innovation in nutrition creates new opportunities for children. Every partnership expands our collective capacity to protect life.
Whether you are a researcher, institution, philanthropist, company, or individual committed to creating lasting change, we invite you to become part of this mission. Together, we can build regenerative solutions that heal children, restore ecosystems, strengthen cultures, and shape a healthier future for humanity and the planet.
